Holiday time 2012 Houston

PARADES & TREE LIGHTINGS

63rd Annual Holiday Parade
More than 400,000 revelers are expected to line the streets of downtown for this Thanksgiving Day parade. The parade gets rolling at 9 a.m. today. This year’s featured performer will be Kenton Duty of Disney’s “Shake It Up.”

Uptown Holiday Lighting
More than half a million twinkling lights will be turned on during this event 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Thursday on Post Oak Boulevard (between San Felipe and Westheimer). Among the live entertainment will be the Houston Concert Band, Salvation Army Harbor Light Choir and the Children’s Chorus. The event culminates with a dazzling fireworks show over the retail district. Information: 713-621-2504

Mayor’s Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting
Dennis Edwards and the Temptations Review will headline this annual holiday tradition 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 30 on Hermann Square at City Hall, 901 Bagby. The event will include appearances by Mayor Annise Parker and Santa, musical entertainment, the lighting of a 63-foot white fir and a fireworks display. Free admission.

Fulshear Festival of Lights and Parade
This family event kicks off the with a tree-lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Dec. 1 and includes a performance by the Fort Bend County Boys Choir.

Hometown Christmas Festival
This event kicks off at 7 p.m. Nov. 30 and continues through Dec. 2 at Pearland Town Center, 11200 Broadway. Festivities include a tree lighting, musical entertainment, a snow play area, carriage rides and a craft market. Free admission, but some activities may require fee.

Pasadena Holiday Lighted Parade
This parade will roll down Fairmont Parkway (Preston to Pansy) in Pasadena at 7 p.m. Dec.1. Information: 281-991-9500

Hometown Christmas Parade
Dozens of floats, drill teams and classic cars will be decked out for the holiday when this parade rolls through Pearland beginning at 6 p.m. Dec. 1. The parade moves along FM 518 between Pearland Parkway and Old Alvin Road. Free for spectators.

City of Sugar Land Tree Lighting
The 40-foot Christmas tree on Sugar Land Town Square is the focus of festivities 5-8 p.m. Dec. 6. Among the planned events: children’s crafts and games, musical entertainment, Elf Karaoke and photos with Santa. A free shuttle will offer service 4:30-8:30 p.m. from Mercer Stadium, 16403 Lexington.

Baytown Christmas Parade
With its “Nutcracker Christmas” theme, this annual parade will roll down Baytown’s Market Street and Texas Avenue beginning at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6. The parade will include several bands, drill teams and lighted floats, as well as Santa riding in a 1947 fire engine.

City of Pasadena’s Christmas Tree Lighting
Santa and Mr. Claus will throw the switch and light up Pasadena during a celebrations 6-9 p.m. Dec. 7 at City Hall, 1211 Southmore. The free event will feature musical entertainment, hay rides and refreshments. Information: 713-475-7048
Magnolia Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade
This charming small-town parade will begin at 10 a.m. Dec. 8. It runs along Nichols Small and Michael roads in Magnolia.

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