It’s autumn in Houston in that means there are all kinds of events for November. The holidays aren’t here yet but it’s time to think about family festivities like tree lighting, ICE,  and the Texas Renaissance Festival. There’s also a turkey trot run and Thanksgiving Parade. If you’re lucky enough to get out of the kitchen for a few hours be sure to take in at least one of these family friendly events happening in Houston this November.

Texas Renaissance Festival
When: Now through Nov. 29th
Where: 21778 FM 1774, Todd Mission, TX

The Texas Renaissance is the nation’s largest, most acclaimed Renaissance themed park. Each year, over 500,000 guests pass through the Festival’s gates and enter the magic of New Market Village, an authentically recreated 55 acre 16th century English township located 50 miles northwest of Houston, Texas.
There are over 400 shoppes featuring some of the finest works of artists, artisans, and merchants as well as live demonstrations by craftspeople skilled in the arts of glass blowing, weaving, pottery making, blacksmithing and more. Finally, there are foods and drinks from all over the world to please every palate and quench every thirst.

The Phantom of the Opera
When: Now through Nov. 29th
Where: Sarofim Hall, 800 Bagby Street, Houston

Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera comes to a city near you as part of a brand new North American Tour. This production, which retains the beloved story and thrilling score, boasts exciting new special effects, scenic and lighting designs, staging and choreography and has been hailed by critics as “bigger and better than ever before.”

Ice at Discovery Green
When: Nov. 4th through Feb. 7th
Where: 1500 McKinney Street, Houston

The ICE at Discovery Green uses recycled water from Kinder Lake to create a 7,716 square-foot ice skating surface, making it the largest outdoor skating rink in the Southwest. The ICE at Discovery Green hosts a variety of Winter programming during the winter season, November through early February.

Zoo Lights
When: Nov. 20th – Jan. 9th
Where: Houston Zoo

Stroll through the zoo with family and friends as you sip on hot chocolate and take in the spectacular light displays featuring twinkling lights, animated animals, and 15 foot tall projections. A great way to start the holiday season!

10th Annual Winter Holiday Art Market
When: Nov. 20th – 22nd
Where: 2101 Winter Street, Houston

Join Fresh Arts in celebrating the 10th Anniversary of our Winter Holiday Art Market! Over the last decade, WHAM has become a holiday tradition–offering a variety of unique handmade gifts of painting, sculpture, photography, jewelry, textiles, clothing, accessories and more. This year, WHAM will bring together Houston’s most talented local artists and kick off the holiday season with a weekend long bash–complete with complimentary beverages and live entertainment for the whole family. WHAM is not just a market… it’s a celebration!

Annual Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade
When: November 26th | 9am
Where: Lamar at Smith

The Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade began in 1949, when Santa arrived at Union Station and rode his sleigh to the downtown Foley’s.  Since then, the Thanksgiving Day parade has gone through a few changes but today, it remains a 66 year-old holiday tradition showcasing the Houston community and entertaining more than 200,000 parade-goers lining the streets on Thanksgiving morning. Join us again this year as we embrace the holiday spirit on Thursday, November 26, 2015 with the 66th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade.   The Thanksgiving Day parade is a stunning showcase of sensational floats, high-flying balloons, marching bands, artistic entries and live entertainment. The parade will begin at 9:00 am on Smith at Lamar, north to Walker, east to Milam, south to Pease, west to Louisiana, north to Clay, west to Smith, and north to end at Smith and Dallas.

TXU Energy Turkey Trot
When: November 26th | 7am – 11am
Where: 4925 Westheimer, Houston

Get your run on before filling up on Turkey this Thanksgiving. Wheelchair race, 5k, 10k, kids race.