PRESS RELEASE
Mayor Whitmire Announces Lizzo and En Vogue To Headline Thanksgiving Parade and Deck the Hall Holiday Events
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 26, 2026
Grammy Award winner Lizzo will serve as Grand Marshal of the 77th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade, Houston Mayor John Whitmire and the City of Houston announced on Monday. With the holiday season approaching, Mayor Whitmire invites Houstonians to join the City of Houston for the H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade and the return of the “Deck the Hall” celebration at City Hall.
Mayor Whitmire joined representatives from H-E-B, Reliant, RODEO HOUSTON, BP America and Downtown Houston Plus to announce the star-studded entertainment lineup for both free holiday events.
“One of the real pleasant parts of being Mayor is the holiday season,” Whitmire said. “Most days myself and my team members work on challenges to fix some of the neglect from years past to prepare to go forward, and this is a big part of going forward.
“Everyone is welcome. I encourage all Houstonians to attend, no questions asked. Please join us and be part of our family.”
The 77th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade will bring Houstonians together for a memorable experience, starting at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 26. Mayor Whitmire is pleased to welcome Lizzo back to Houston to serve as Grand Marshal. The four-time Grammy Award-winning, Emmy Award-winning, recording artist, author and actress was honored by the City of Houston earlier this year with a proclamation in recognition of her achievements and contributions to music education.
Deck the Hall, the Mayor’s Holiday Tree-lighting and Concert, presented by Reliant, returns to downtown Houston on Saturday, Dec. 5 with live music, beloved traditions including the lighting of the 52-foot holiday tree in front City Hall decorated with 4,000 ornaments and nearly 100,000 energy efficient LED lights. The event also features family-friendly fun, treats and a firework finale. Taking center stage will be vocalists Jessica Sanchez and MAJOR, with R&B supergroup En Vogue performing as headliner.
Mayor Whitmire said this joyous season is a time to celebrate the progress Houston is making as we take on our challenges and move forward together. Through planning, collaborating and leadership, the City of Houston is taking every consideration to ensure that both events are safe and welcoming to all.
Watch the full announcement. Visit the Mayor’s Office of Special Events website for detailed schedules, performers, parade routes and road closures.
Contact
Alvaro Ortiz
Director of Communications
Houston Mayor’s Office
Office: 832.393.0623
Mobile: 832.584.9279
alvaro.ortiz@houstontx.gov