Updated for 2024
Are you looking for fun things to do in Los Angeles during Thanksgiving week? The kids are off school, family may be coming into town, and you’ve got a lot of days to fill.
Luckily, there is always something fun to do in and around LA. And Thanksgiving week, there are so many great ways for families to help out, volunteer, and make it a better holiday for others.
If you’re going to be working this week, read our list of Thanksgiving Camps in Los Angeles.
Things To Do Every Day of Thanksgiving Week
Saturday, November 23
Shrek the Musical
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Segerstrom Center for the Arts is hosting Shrek the Musical with performances on Friday, November 22nd (7:30 pm), Saturday, November 23rd (2:00 pm and 7:30 pm), and Sunday, November 24th (1:00 pm and 6:30 pm). Your favorite ogre from the popular DreamWorks animated film takes the stage, in what is being called a “more intimate and engaging experience – a joyful, colorful SHREK that leans into the humanity in all of us that celebrates our differences.” In addition, families are encouraged to participate in the canned food drive taking place. Shelf-stable items such as canned soup, fruits, vegetables, rice, and pasta are needed. Shrek tickets are available online. (For families with children 5 and older)
Seal Beach Turkey Trot
Start and Finish on Main St., Seal Beach, CA
The annual Seal Beach Turkey Trot is happening on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, November 23rd. There is a 5K and 10K Run/Walk option, a 5K Gym Challenge option, and a 1K Kids “Don’t Be a Turkey” Trot (for kids 10 and younger). The Seal Beach Turkey Trot has partnered with two charities, Grateful Hearts and Project SEEK. The Seal Beach Turkey Trot’s goal is to “donate over 300-holiday meals for families in need” and to “raise funds for our local schools.” Registration information is available online.
Rooftop Cinema Club DTLA: Elf
888 S. Olive St. 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Rooftop Cinema Club DTLA is screening the always-popular holiday movie Elf on Saturday, November 23rd at 5:15 pm. Refreshments and concession stand favorites are available for purchase on-site. Tickets are available online. The movie is rated PG. (Note — attendees must be at least 13 years old.)
Related: Thanksgiving Take-out Dinner
Annual Festival of Lights Switch On Ceremony
The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa
3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, CA
“Renowned for its breathtaking holiday light collection with over ten million dazzling lights and festive spirit,” The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa’s Festival of Lights Switch On Ceremony is happening on Saturday, November 23rd at 5:00 pm. The Ceremony will feature live musical and dance performances as well as a fireworks show. Details are available online.
Sunday, November 24
Spider Pavilion
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007
If you haven’t yet been, Sunday, November 24th is your last opportunity to visit the Natural History Museum’s Spider Pavilion, a “one-of-a-kind seasonal pavilion.” Stroll through the open-air pavilion and marvel at the many different spiders and their intricate webs. Timed tickets are available online.
Sawdust Art Festival’s Winter Fantasy
935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Take a drive to Laguna Beach for the Sawdust Art Festival’s Winter Fantasy. The annual event features over 175 artists, three stages of live music, free art classes and live art demonstrations, Santa meet-and-greet opportunities, food and drink from local vendors, and much more. Check the website for details and ticket information (including a ticket code for an adult single-day ticket). Families can visit the Sawdust Art Festival’s Annual Winter Fantasy for five three-day weekends, between Friday, November 22nd through Sunday, December 22nd.
Cirque du Soleil: KOOZA
Under the Big Top, Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier is the place to experience Cirque du Soleil: KOOZA. “A return to our origins, KOOZA combines acrobatic performance and the art of clowning, while exploring fear, identity, recognition and power. The Innocent’s journey brings him into contact with comic characters from an electrifying world full of surprises, thrills, audacity and total involvement.” The performance is 125 minutes long. Details and tickets are available online. (KOOZA will be in Santa Monica through Sunday, January 5th, 2025.)
Related: Restaurants for Thanksgiving Dinner (dine-in)
Winter Immersive Experience: Little Women Ballet
Heritage Square Museum
3800 Homer St., Los Angeles, CA 90031
“Fans of the beloved Little Women coming-of-age novel written by Louisa May Alcott will be enthralled with this two-act classical ballet showcasing the coming-of-age journeys of sisters Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy as they navigate the challenges of an ever-changing world marked by war, poverty, love, and loss. As they learn to embrace their artistic gifts and share them with the world as a source of comfort, their stories unfold.” The cast includes over 35 dancers between the ages of 10 to 75. This immersive ballet experience is unlike any other ballet experience. “Meet all the characters up close, go on an immersive walking tour of the Heritage Square Museum, enjoy winter-themed desserts and refreshments, and join the cast in Victorian dancing at the end of each performance.” Five performances take place over the weekend of Friday, November 22nd through Sunday, November 24th. Details and tickets are available online.
Monday, November 25
9th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Union Station – Ticket Concourse
800 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
The 9th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is happening at Union Station on Monday, November 25th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Festivities include live musical performances, photos with Santa, and a visit to the “North Pole” (actually, it’s the North Patio which will be transformed for the evening) for arts and crafts, milk and cookies, and more. This is a free event. Reserve your spot online.
2024 LA Auto Show
Los Angeles Convention Center
1201 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90015
Families who like cars will want to spend some time at the LA Auto Show. “Explore over 1 million square feet and discover hundreds of the latest gas, hybrid and EV models,” as well “hundreds more customs, exotics, classics, lowrider, motorsports and off-road vehicles.” Details and tickets are available online. (The LA Auto Show runs from Friday, November 22nd through Sunday, December 1st.)
Related: Places to Do Good this Thanksgiving
Drone Flying Experience for Tweens and Teens
Sylmar Branch Library
14561 Polk St., Sylmar, CA 91342
If you’re curious about drones and how they work, visit Sylmar Branch Library on Monday, November 25th from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm for a special Drone Flying Experience. Drones4Kids will be on hand and will teach participants how to “fly drones, using a remote control to maneuver drones through an obstacle course.” All attendees 5 and older will get a chance to fly a drone.
Enchanted Forest of Light
Descanso Gardens
1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
“By day, Descanso blossoms and chitters with cheerful and welcoming, sunlit landscapes. By night, Enchanted Forest of Light transforms the gardens into an entirely different realm of magic, mystery, and incandescence.” This year’s event features the return of family favorites as well as new installations which are sure to delight visitors. The event route is about one mile long and is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. This is a rain or shine event. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available online. (Enchanted Forest of Light opens Sunday, November 17th and continues through Sunday, January 5th, 2025, with first entry at 5:30 pm, and last entry at 8:30 pm. Enchanted is closed on November 28th and December 24th and 25th.)
Tuesday, November 26
Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square
532 S. Olive St., Los Angeles, CA 90013
Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square is back this year and opens Thursday, November 21st. “An enchanting holiday activity, ice skating in downtown LA guarantees to delight everyone, from first-time gliders to experienced skaters. Come visit us for merrymaking, outdoor fun and guaranteed smiles.” Ice skating sessions are 60-minutes long, and general admission fees include skate rental. There are also special events happening throughout the season such as Wicked Wednesdays where the rink is transformed into Oz with special green lighting, and guests skate to the music from the Wicked Original Broadway Cast Recording. Tickets and details are available online. (The rink will be open daily through Sunday, January 12th, 2025.)
Imaginarium – Holiday Magic
Fairplex
1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA
Imaginarium is a “Fantasyland Holiday Light Show, the largest in America,” featuring 1.5 miles of holiday cheer and millions of lights. Families will be dazzled by the nightly synchronized music and lights show, a free 3x daily circus, Christmas trees, illuminated stars, and balloon drops. Plus, families will enjoy life-like interactive creatures, game experiences, and infinity mirror rooms. Imaginarium will be at Fairplex on select days from November 22nd through January 5th, 2025. Tickets are available online.
El Capitan Theatre: Moana 2
6838 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028
Disney’s “Moana 2 reunites Moana and Maui three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers.” A number of special screenings are planned including Sensory Inclusive Screenings (Tuesday, Dec. 3rd at 7:00 pm and Saturday, Dec. 14th at 1:00 pm), Morning Screenings (Saturday, Nov. 30th and Sunday, Dec. 1st at 7:30 am), and Spanish-Dubbed Screenings (Thursday, Dec. 5th at 7:00 pm and Sunday, Dec. 8th at 4:00 pm). The film is rated PG and will be playing at the El Capitan Theatre from Tuesday, November 26th through Sunday, December 15th. Details and ticket information for all shows are available online.
Free Hours at The Autry
Autry Museum of the American West
Griffith Park
4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Each Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, the Autry Museum offers free admission to visitors. “Enjoy access to all the Autry’s exhibitions including Imagined Wests, Reclaiming El Camino, and more by reserving your spot today!” Advance registration is required.
Wednesday, November 27
Big Sunday’s 13th Annual Thanksgiving Stuffing Event
Radford Studio Center
4024 Radford Ave.., Studio City, CA 91604
Big Sunday’s Annual Thanksgiving Stuffing Event is happening on Wednesday, November 27th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. This year, Big Sunday’s goal is to “fill 4000 bags full of delicious Thanksgiving food for grateful people. The bags are given away the day before Thanksgiving, so people have it in time for Thanksgiving dinner.” 16,000 people from more than 100 different nonprofits and schools will be fed as a result of Big Sunday’s efforts. There are many ways to help, including gathering in person to fill the bags, “all while enjoying some great bluegrass music, a delicious community breakfast, and, as always, the company of one another.” There are many ways for families to volunteer including purchasing food online, making cards for the bags, assembling the bags, hosting a collection of food items, and sponsoring a bag. All details, including registration information, are available online.
Thanksgiving Celebration
Pretend City Children’s Museum
29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618
Join Pretend City’s Thanksgiving Celebration on Wednesday, November 27th. “Join us in giving thanks and savoring moments of gratitude.” Check the website for more details as they become available. All activities are included in general admission. Tickets are available online.
2024 Wild Lights!
The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College
7075 Campus Road, Moorpark, CA 93021
The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College is hosting Wild Lights! on select nights in November and December from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm, including Wednesday, November 27th. The Zoo will be transformed into a “dazzling wonderland, filled with stunning light displays, festive cheer, and unforgettable family fun.” Families will take a 45-minute self-guided stroll through zoo, encountering larger-than-life light installations, interactive displays, fun photo opportunities, seasonal treats, music, and more. Advance tickets are recommended. Details are available online. (Note – this is not an animal-centered event. Some animals enjoy the lights, while others will sleep through the night.)
Winter Frolic
Kidspace Children’s Museum
480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91103
From Friday, November 8th through Sunday, January 5th, 2025, Kidspace Children’s Museum invites families to experience Winter Frolic. Winter Frolic is a “joyful space for children to explore, play, and create while sharing the magic of the season with their families.” The fun includes a no-ice Sock Skating Rink, “ice fishing,” fun with a life-size no-melt snowman, and much more. Winter Frolic activities, with the exception of the Sock Skating Rink (which is $5 per person), are included in general admission. Details and tickets are available online.
Thursday, November 28 (Thanksgiving)
Drumstick Dash LA
NoHo Arts District
Described as “LA’s largest Thanksgiving 5K/10K run,” Drumstick Dash is happening on Thanksgiving morning. “Move your feet so others can eat!” In addition to the run, the fun also includes freebies, a costume contest, and a Lil’ Gobblers Race for younger participants. All proceeds “will help Hope of the Valley provide over 2 million hot meals for homeless men, women and children.” Details, including registration information, are available online.
A Gentle Thanksgiving ’24: A Pre-Meal Celebration of Turkeys
The Gentle Barn
15825 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita, CA 91390
The Gentle Barn hosts a Pre-Meal Celebration of Turkeys on Thursday, November 28th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Families are invited to “cuddle our turkeys, feed them treats, join us for sweet treats and games, and celebrate life, love, and liberty with our majestic turkeys.” (Note – if you have participated in this event in prior years, this year’s event is different. It does not include a Thanksgiving meal, which gives families more time to spend in the barnyard.) Timed entry is scheduled for 10:00 am to 11:30 am, 10:45 am to 12:15 pm, and 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. ($75 per guest, children under 2 are free) Space is limited. Reservations may be made online.
Thanksgiving Lunch
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
“Come gobble gobble with the Aquarium’s sea otters, puffins, and other animals” for their annual Thanksgiving meal. The Aquarium’s Thanksgiving Lunch will feature a traditional spread served buffet style on the Aquarium’s Rooftop Veranda, overlooking Rainbow Harbor. Reservations are available hourly between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm. Reservations may be made online. ($95 for guests 12+; $72.50 for children ages 3-11. Fee also includes Aquarium admission.)
12th Annual Turkey Trot Los Angeles
Starts and Finishes at City Hall
200 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
The 12th Annual Turkey Trot Los Angeles supports The Midnight Mission, an organization dedicated to helping those struggling with homelessness. There are 5K or 10K options, as well as a “Widdle Wobble” for those 12 and under, and a one-mile dog jog. Races have staggered start times on Thanksgiving morning. There is also a post-event festival that takes place in Grand Park. The event is held on Thanksgiving morning, with packet pick up opening at 6:45 am, and the first event starting at 8:00 am. Details and registration information are available online.
Check out our post Run, Gobble, Repeat: 12 SoCal Turkey Trots for Thanksgiving for more information about other Turkey Trots happening this year.
Friday, November 29
Holiday Lights Train Ride
Griffith Park & Southern Railroad
4400 Crystal Springs Dr., Los Angeles, CA
The Holiday Lights Train Ride in Griffith Park begins on Friday, November 29th and continues until Friday, January 3rd, 2025. The mile-long track is “transformed into a magical train ride of delightful and festive scenes with thousands of lights.” The ride takes about 10 minutes. The Holiday Lights Train Ride takes place on Mondays through Thursdays 5 pm to 8 pm, Fridays through Sundays 5 pm to 9 pm (closed December 24th, 25th, and 31st). Be sure to check their social media for the most up-to-date information. (A few months ago, an arson fire damaged the shed where much of the holiday decor, lights, and equipment were kept. There has been a slight delay, but holiday rides are expected to be ready on time.)
Astra Lumina Los Angeles
South Coast Botanic Garden
26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
Astra Lumina Los Angeles returns to theSouth Coast Botanic Garden for the 2024 holiday season. “Astra Lumina is an immersive night walk experience that uses light, scenography, original soundscape and projection to spark emotion and plunge visitors into an imaginative world.” This “enchanted night walk amongst the stars” is a fun, family-friendly outing, featuring nine thematic areas, and is about one-mile long. Tickets are available for Thursdays through Sundays from November 8th through December 15th. Details are available online.
Christmas Around the World Tree Exhibition
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
40 Presidential Dr., Simi Valley, CA 93065
“Christmas Around the World includes 26 exquisitely decorated trees representing the 26 countries that President Reagan visited while in office, as well as a White House Tree.” The exhibition also features a “Gold Star Family Memorial Tree.” “Gold Star families are encouraged to come to the Library to add their loved one’s name to the tree. There is no cost to add to the tree. Families can bring their own ornament from home and place it on the tree, or they can use our gold star ornament to attach a personal photo to and add their loved one’s name.” And, for the first time, the exhibition will also feature the original fireplace mantle from President and Mrs. Reagan’s Bel Air home. The exhibition is included in the price of admission and does not require a separate ticket. (Note – Santa Claus will be at the Reagan Library on select dates from Friday, November 29th through Tuesday, December 24th.) All details, including ticket information, are available online.
Friendsgiving Warner Bros. Studio Tour
3400 Warner Blvd., Burbank, CA 91505
For a limited time, Warner Bros. is offering the Friendsgiving Warner Bros. Studio Tour – “The One Where You Go Behind the Scenes of Your Favorite Friends Episodes.” The 90-minute Friends-themed Studio Tour includes a 30th anniversary display featuring costumes from the hit show, the chance to see key filming sites including Stage 24 – the Friends stage, and a festive holiday meal served at the famous fountain from the show’s opening scene. “The menu features traditional holiday dishes such as slow cooked turkey, honey Dijon glazed country ham, soyrizo stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, candied yams, garlic green beans, mac & cheese, biscuits, pumpkin pie and vegetarian and gluten-free options.” After the holiday meal, families can take a self-guided tour of Stage 48 featuring Central Perk Café and the Friends Boutique. The Friendsgiving Tour is offered on November 8-10, 15-17, 21-24, and 29-30, with tours departing at 10:30 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm. Tickets are available online. (Note – children under 5 are not permitted.)
Saturday, November 30
Small Business Saturday
Multiple Locations throughout Los Angeles
Shop locally and celebrate Small Business Saturday on Saturday, November 30th. If you need some ideas to get you started check out our post “10 Made-in-Los Angeles Gift Ideas,” “Best Independent Toy Shops In And Around Los Angeles” and “32 Awesome Independent Bookstores in Los Angeles.”
Accessible Screening: The Peanuts Movie
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
6067 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
The Academy Museum is hosting an Accessible Screening of The Peanuts Movie on Saturday, November 30th at 11:00 am. “Charlie Brown and his dog Snoopy cope with life and new romances in this charming animated comedy, the first feature based on Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts comic strip since 1980.” The film is co-written by Schulz’s son and grandson and “incorporates modern animation technology while evoking the authentic look of the original comics.” Tickets are available online.
Children’s Storytime: Ezra Edmond Discusses My Friend LeVar
Vroman’s Bookstore
695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101
Debut author Ezra Edmond will be discussing his children’s picture book, My Friend LeVar, at Vroman’s Bookstore on Saturday, November 30th from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. “This joyous celebration of the impact that LeVar Burton had on kids during his years on television stems from the author’s real-life admiration of LeVar Burton and their chance meeting when Ezra was a child.”
Wheel Fun Rentals – Echo Park Swan Pedal Boat
Echo Park
751 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90026
If you have family visiting from out-of-town, treat them to an only-in-L.A. type of experience and rent an iconic Swan Pedal Boat in Echo Park. And if you don’t have family visiting from out-of-town, treat yourself and your family to a fun, memorable family outing. All participants wear Coast Guard-approved life vests for safety. A small swan pedal boat is available which can seat two adults and two children 10 or younger, and a larger swan pedal boat can seat up to 5 passengers. Pedal boats are rented out for one hour and are priced per person. Reservations must be made in advance and are available online.
Sunday, December 1
Free Family Festival: International Winter Holiday
Bowers Museum
2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA 92706
Celebrate with Bowers Museum at their Free Family Festival: International Winter Holiday happening on Sunday, December 1st from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. The festivities include live musical performances, face painting, treats, and more as families gather to “celebrate this special time of the year.” Details are available online.
Downey Christmas Parade 2024
3rd and Downey Avenue, Downey, CA
The 73rd Annual Downey Christmas Parade takes place on Sunday, December 1st at 1:00 pm. The Parade will feature marching bands, floats, community organizations, dancers, and two special guests — Santa Claus and The Grinch! Plus, after the parade families can check out Santa’s Village for shopping and holiday treats. Both Santa and The Grinch will be available for photos.
Family Matinee: Batman Returns
New Beverly Cinema
7165 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
As part of its Family Matinee program, New Beverly Cinema is screening Batman Returns on Saturday, November 30th and Sunday, December 1st at 2:00 pm. “Tim Burton’s massively entertaining follow-up to his groundbreaking Batman blockbuster goes bigger and bolder with the Penguin (Danny DeVito), Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer), and corrupt businessman Max Shrek (Christopher Walken) out to rid the world of the caped crusader (Michael Keaton).” Tickets are available online. (The movie is rated PG-13.)
The 92nd Hollywood Christmas Parade
Hollywood Blvd., Vine St., and Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA
The 92nd Hollywood Christmas Parade is happening on Sunday, December 1st at 6:00 pm and features marching bands, equestrian units, live performances, giant balloons, celebrity sightings, and much more. Check the website for ticket information.
Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her website WendyKennar.com where she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).
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