Editor's note: Listings editor Carolina Astrain writes a regular feature, where she spotlights things pulled from CultureMap's extensive events calendar. This edition: Your last-minute guide to Thanksgiving weekend.

Forget to book that ticket to grandma's house? Don't worry Houston, we've got you covered. From parades to plays to pampered automobiles — there's lots to do away from the holiday dinner table.

61st Annual H-E-B Holiday Parade (Thursday, 9 a.m. @Texas Ave. and Hamilton)

A Houston Thanksgiving tradition continues at the 61st Annual H-E-B Holiday Parade. See sea creatures on animated floats, Alyson Stoner of Disney's Camp Rock, So You Think You Can Dance all-star Stephen "tWitch" Boss, and, of course, the man of the moment — Santa in his sleigh. Newly designed floats feature the Grinch, pirates, turkeys and more. The Pearland Little Leaguers are the parade grand marshals.

Ice Skating on the Green (Thursday, 11 a.m. @Discovery Green)

Houston's outdoor skating rink returns this Thanksgiving weekend at Discovery Green. From Skating with the Stars on Mondays to Santa on Saturdays, the ice rink offers a different theme for each day of the week. The rink opens Thursday and closes on Jan. 18.

Autorama: World of Wheels (Thursday-Sunday, 3 p.m. @The George R. Brown Center)

Who doesn't love a good car show? Autorama, brings a medley of vehicles to the George R. Brown Center to showcase in the Bayou City. Special guests at the Houston Autorama include pin-up model Heidi Van Horne, Alex Deborgorski from Ice Road Truckers and Jenni Farley, "JWoww" from MTV's Jersey Shore.

Uptown Holiday Lighting 2010 (Thursday, 4 p.m. @1908 Post Oak Blvd.)

Post Oak Boulevard will sparkle with more than a half million twinkling lights as Houstonians gather to celebrate the silver anniversary of the Uptown Holiday Lighting. In celebration of the event’s 25th anniversary, Uptown Houston encourages all who attend to help Post Oak Boulevard glisten by wearing any and all things that glitter silver in the night.

Tyagaraja's ThanksTaking (Thursday, 8 p.m. @Fitzgerald's)

Imagine a mega show with eight local bands at one of Houston's favorite indie venues. Tyagaraja leads the way with light projections, vendors, and special performances by Kiawitl (Mexican Indian hip hop) along with Jiv Jago the Kirtan group from the Harni Krishna Temple. It's a night of cultural exchange without the stuffing.

"I Ate Too Much" Workout (Friday, 9 a.m. @Rice Stadium)

Bring your guilt and your overstuffed body to Rice University's soccer and track stadium to work off your Thanksgiving feast with Olympic hurdler Eric Thomas.Candlelight Tours (Friday, 5 p.m. @Bayou Bend)

Candlelight Open House tours allow visitors to experience the holiday glow of Bayou Bend in the evenings. Take a first floor tour of the collection while docents in each room explain the holiday decorations and traditions of this year's Yuletide exhibition. Relax outside with a cup of hot cider as local carolers Viva Voce perform many of your holiday favorites.

Soul Kitchen (Friday -Sunday, 7 p.m. @MFAH's Brown Auditorium)

Hamburg restaurateur Zinos (co-screenwriter Adam Bousdoukos) is heartbroken after his girlfriend leaves for Shanghai, but his friends bring him out of his slump. A scary but talented new chef, a rock band, his ex-con brother and his gambling buddies and a childhood friend with questionable motives shake things up.

Unhinged Productions: A Queer Carol (Friday-Sunday, 8 p.m. @Frenetic Theater)

A contemporary gay re-telling of the Dickens classic that delves into the downward spiral of Ben Scrooge and Jake Marley, who were partners in life as well as their interior design business. With Marilyn Monroe as the Ghost of Christmas Past, and Bob Cratchit's partner Tim living with HIV, there are twists aplenty. And yet, this adaptation remains faithful to the spirit of the original.

Galveston's Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration (Friday, 6 p.m., @Hotel Galvez)

Hotel Galvez is the venue for Galveston’s Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration this year. Watch the 35-foot tree outside the hotel light up and stick around for free performances by the Galveston Ballet, the Bayou City Pipes and Drums and the Houston Children’s Chorus. Santa will also make an appearance, along with Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski.

Buffalo Bayou Christmas Cruises (Saturday, 5 p.m. @180 Sabine Street)

Board the Buffalo Bayou Partnership's new boat, the Spirit of the Bayou, specially decorated for the holidays, and take a 30-minute pontoon ride to enjoy the lights of the city. No reservations are taken, and tours are on a first come, first serve basis. This new pontoon boat replaces BBP's vandalized boat, an arson case from early July.

British Television Advertising Awards (Sunday, 2 p.m. @MFAH's Brown Auditorium)

Spend your lazy Sunday at the museum. Check out this year's most popular British commercials, hand-picked by top advertising executives and producers. Advertisements included in the show come from Volkswagen, Cadbury, the Department of Transport, McDonald's, and the winner of the Best Ad of the Year Award, T-Mobile's mass dance off in a Metro station.

And if you don't feel like being in the kitchen on Thursday — CultureMap food writer Sarah Rufca knows who's staying open and pouring the gravy.