Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season, which means that there are a lot of fun, free, family friendly activities all around the Houston area. Including:

Frostival- Tuesday, November 24

Come out at 6 p.m.-10 p.m. and enjoy ice sculptures created by local artists, live music, a snow zone, and meet Houston Rockets basketball player, Corey Brewer. Frostival will be held at 1500 McKinney, Houston.

Houston Ballet’s tree lighting- Wednesday, November 25

11 a.m. at the Wortham theater, don’t miss the sugar plum fairy, from the production The Nutcracker, light the grand Christmas tree. Help Houston’s children in need by donating your gently used books.

Thanksgiving Day Parade- Thursday, November 26

Don’t miss the 66th annual Thanksgiving parade starting at 9 a.m. in downtown Houston, viewing is free. The parade begins at Smith and Lamar and ends at Smith and Dallas.

Uptown Holiday Lighting- Thursday, November 26

Come enjoy your favorite food trucks/concessions, live music, and Santa for the kids. Stay for the lighting of 80 trees, thousands of Christmas lights, and to top it off fireworks at the end of the night. Concessions begin at 4 p.m. and live music starts at 7 p.m.

Zoo Lights- November 20- January 9

A yearly holiday treat enjoyed by the whole family. Go enjoy animal themed lights while sipping on hot chocolate. The zoo will close at 5 p.m. each day and reopen at 6 p.m.