Thanksgiving in Los Angeles offers more than just a traditional feast, it’s an opportunity to explore unique ways to celebrate this cherished holiday! Celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, this 2024 Thanksgiving falls on the 28th. While Thanksgiving’s roots trace back to the Pilgrims’ early harvest feast, 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.!
1. Feast at a restaurant
Is there anything better than enjoying a delicious, huge turkey on Thanksgiving? Certainly, nothing compares to a classic family gathering to share this tasty feast. But if you’re not a fan of cooking or just don’t have the knack for it, you can leave the dinner to the professionals and visit one of the many restaurants that offer special Thanksgiving specials to celebrate the occasion.
2. Enjoy the Hollywood Christmas Parade
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.
📍 Location: Starts at Hollywood Blvd
🗓️ Date: Sunday, December 1, 2024–6:00pm
3. Skate at the Holiday ice rink in Pershing Square
We get it… 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.
Admission includes skate rentals, but lockers and skating aids are available for a few extra dollars. Perfect for getting into the holiday spirit on Thanksgiving Day in Los Angeles!
4. 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.
📍 Location: 200 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
🗓️ Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024–8:00 AM to noon. Packet pickup opens at 6:30 AM on race day
5. Experience the Mission Inn’s Festival of Lights
Riverside’s breathtaking Mission Inn transforms into a sparkling wonderland with 4.5 million twinkling lights and hundreds of animated figures during the annual Festival of Lights. This free, seven-week holiday tradition usually kicks off the day after Thanksgiving, but in 2024, it will start early on November 23rd.
📍 Location: 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
🗓️ Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024 – Monday, January 6, 2025
6. Go for a hike at Griffith Park
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!
📍 Location: 2715 N Vermont Canyon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
7. Try some retail therapy at The Grove
Although malls are generally closed on Thanksgiving Day, some stores at The Grove may open either on Thanksgiving or for Black Friday, which follows. Depending on the store, promotions and discounts might start on Thursday night or Friday morning. Just be prepared to compete with other eager shoppers for the best deals.
📍 Location: 189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036
8. Buckle up for a scenic drive
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.
9. Catch a movie on these iconic theaters
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.
10. Get your adrenaline pumping at a theme park
There’s nothing better than having a weekday off, and what better way to enjoy it than with a thrill ride! Roller coasters, haunted houses, live music, and fireworks, all with your favorite characters, await you at places like Disneyland or Universal Studios Hollywood.
11. Marvel at The L.A. Auto Show
Head to the Convention Center for the 10-day L.A. Auto Show, where you’ll find cars that would even make Dominic Toretto feel a bit insecure about his ride… If you’re a car enthusiast, you can take the wheel and test drive some of the latest models, including on an indoor EV track.
With global and North American debuts from a variety of carmakers, get ready to experience the future of automotive technology, while also celebrity spotting during manufacturer exhibits.
📍 Location: 1201 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
🗓️ Date: Friday, November 22 to Saturday, December 1st, 2024
12. Volunteer 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. It’s a wonderful way to give back and make a difference.
📍 Location: 219 E Rose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90291
🗓️ Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024 | 6:30 AM – 10 AM