Thanksgiving in Los Angeles offers more than just a traditional meal, it’s an opportunity to explore unique ways to celebrate this cherished holiday! It’s celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November every year, and this 2026 Thanksgiving falls on November 26th.
Today’s celebration is about gratitude, togetherness, and making the most of the season. Here are the best things to do during Thanksgiving in L.A. this 2026!
Just like a cheeseburger, a neon sign, or a traffic jam, the Hollywood Christmas Parade is a quintessential part of L.A. culture. Since its debut in 1928, the parade has been a staple of Thanksgiving weekend, taking place on the Sunday following the holiday.
The event showcases a vibrant array of floats, balloons, marching bands, equestrians, and semi-famous personalities as they journey along a U-shaped route from Hollywood and Orange to Sunset and Orange.
Run in the Turkey Trot
Gym enthusiasts, you can burn off those extra calories this Thanksgiving! Celebrate L.A. Thanksgiving with this family-friendly event along Downtown’s Spring Street, packed with races, games, and activities.
You can work off those calories in either the 5K or 10K run/walk, or let the little ones enjoy the 1K “Widdle Wobble” for kids 10 and under. Costumes aren’t mandatory but are always encouraged. Each year, the race supports the Midnight Mission.
Step face-to-face with Hollywood’s biggest stars—no velvet rope required. If you’re looking for a fun, cozy Thanksgiving weekend outing in L.A., Madame Tussauds Hollywood delivers dozens of lifelike wax figures representing sports icons, movie legends, musicians, comedians, and reality stars. The attraction is on Hollywood Boulevard near the TCL Chinese Theatre and is open daily. Tickets start at $29, and visitors can pose with figures like Kobe Bryant, Marilyn Monroe, Ariana Grande, Jimmy Kimmel, and the Kardashian/Jenner family.
Experience Sinatra and Nat King Cole classics by candlelight at the historic Biltmore. If you’re craving a cozy, nostalgic night out over Thanksgiving weekend, book this 60-minute Candlelight concert at The Biltmore in DTLA, featuring reimagined arrangements of Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole classics performed by a jazz ensemble surrounded by thousands of candles. The series runs from November 14 through January 16.
Riverside’s breathtaking Mission Inn transforms into a sparkling wonderland with 4.5 million twinkling lights and hundreds of animated figures during the 34th annual Festival of Lights. This free seven-week holiday tradition kicks off on Saturday, November 21, 2026.
Volunteer with Lost Angels Non Profit Organization at Thanksgiving in Venice
Thanksgiving is all about sharing, and sometimes the most valuable thing you can give is your time. Come together to provide food, clothing, toiletries, and plenty of smiles to the less fortunate in Venice Beach with Lost Angels Non Profit Organization. It’s a wonderful way to give back and make a difference. Learn more here!
Have a gentle Thanksgiving day by cuddling a turkey!
Although they are culturally considered a traditional dish, many people see animals as friends, not food. If you want to enjoy a gentle celebration with these animals, you can join The Gentle Barn’s Thanksgiving morning event, where you can cuddle turkeys, feed them treats, and appreciate them for the intelligent and majestic creatures they are. Get more information here!
Join the 33rd Annual Thanksgiving Day Run & Food Drive
The Thanksgiving Day Run & Food Drive is celebrating its 33rd year at Memorial Park in La Cañada Flintridge. This 5K Run/Walk welcomes participants of all ages and abilities, making it a heartwarming way to kick off Thanksgiving in Los Angeles. Beyond the fun, it serves as a major fundraiser to support local families in need. Don’t miss this meaningful community tradition that blends fitness, charity, and holiday spirit! Get all the details here!
Los Angeles isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of snow, ice, and typical winter activities. But that doesn’t mean we’re missing out on the fun! Every year around November, an ice rink is set up in DTLA, allowing you to glide and pretend it’s winter in the City of Angels. It’s the perfect activity for getting into the holiday spirit on Thanksgiving Day in Los Angeles!
If you enjoy solo and outdoor activities, Thanksgiving in L.A. is the perfect time to tackle a hike on one of the city’s beautiful trails that are usually crowded. Although the Griffith Observatory is closed, the park remains accessible.
With many people spending time at home with their families, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy a trail that’s typically much more crowded. Take in the views, breathe in and out, break a sweat, and marvel at the stunning sunset over the city!
Yes, the image of the 405 freeway completely gridlocked on Thanksgiving is 100% real, as you know. However, once the hustle and bustle of travelers subsides, the city becomes a bit quieter and more peaceful over the weekend. This means traffic in Los Angeles decreases, making it an excellent opportunity to enjoy some of the most beautiful roads in the mountains or along the coast while taking in the fall colors.
Although many stores are closed, that doesn’t mean the city comes to a halt. As the entertainment capital that it is, Los Angeles offers plenty of options for movie lovers. Whether you prefer an IMAX screen, a vintage 35mm experience, or even a drive-in, there are plenty of iconic theaters to choose from.
There’s nothing better than having a weekday off, and what better way to enjoy it than with a thrilling ride! Roller coasters, haunted houses, live music, and fireworks, all with your favorite characters, await you at places like Disneyland or Universal Studios Hollywood.
Thanksgiving weekend in Los Angeles is the perfect time to kick off cozy holiday traditions, and one classic way to do it is by picking out a real Christmas tree. Having a lush pine that fills your home with its fresh, woodsy scent is an easy way to add a little extra magic to the season. Luckily, there are plenty of farms and nurseries around Los Angeles where you can pick out or even cut down your very own tree!
