Say goodbye to pumpkins and hello to holiday lights. It’s the month when Halloween simmers down and we begin to gear up for the winter holidays — and L.A. is still brimming with exciting events to keep you busy this November.
Whether it’s watching the greenery turn different shades of orange and yellow, checking out the L.A. Auto Show, or catching some early holiday lights, November 2024 is set to be a month to remember in Los Angeles.
1. Kick off November by celebrating Día de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is traditionally celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. We’re looking forward to some beautiful events in the first week of the month including the cultural installation at Avenue 50 Studio, the festival at historic Olvera Street, and the parade in Downtown Long Beach. See the full list of local Día de los Muertos events here.
2. Experience an unforgettable night of Música Mexicana, Rap, and Corridos with Fuerza Regida
Fuerza Regida is uniting the biggest names in música Mexicana, rap, and corridos for their Don’t Fall In Love Fest, coming to their hometown in San Bernardino on November 2, 2024. You can catch Lil Baby, Kodak Black, Los Angeles Azules, Bone Things N Harmony, and more! Find ticket info here.
📅 Date: November 2, 2024
📍 Location: NOS Event Center, 689 S E St, San Bernardino, CA
3. See thousands of lanterns illuminate waters at a stunning location
The roving Water Lantern Festival is making its way to Whittier Narrows Recreation Area for 2024. This spectacular celebration of light has been voted the top Cultural Festival in 2019 & 2020 by USA Today, and it’s easy to see why. Residents gather at scenic locations to write their heartfelt messages and create unique designs on paper lanterns.
Each one is lit with LED candles before they set sail, illuminating the dark waters as participants reflect upon their hopes, dreams, struggles, and losses in a shared moment of tranquility. Find out more here.
📅 Date: November 15, 2024
📍 Location: 750 S Santa Anita Ave, South El Monte, CA 91733
4. Enjoy An Enchanting Candlelight Concert
The wildly popular Candlelight Concert series has never ceased to captivate audiences across the globe. The series brings you talented musicians who perform live concerts in beautiful settings — all bathed in Candlelight. November shows feature some of the series’ favorite tribute performances, including fan-favorite hits by Pink Floyd, Queen, Adele, The Beatles, Joe Hisaishi, and Taylor Swift.
5. Visit This Spooky Speakeasy Hidden In A DTLA Distillery
Find the entrance illuminated with a dim amber lantern along Santa Fe Avenue in DTLA — and you’ll be welcomed into The Obscure. That’s if you have an invitation. This enchanting den pairs creative cocktails and art with craft spirits and creepy surroundings that will transport you to Hogwarts. Find out how to get in here.
6. Enjoy the perfect fall escape at one of these adorable A-frame cabins
Wake up to the sound of hummingbirds and water rushing and watch sunsets from a hot tub in the mountains without traveling too far from the city. Here are three of our favorite spots with adorable A-frame homes to stay in. See the full list of cozy homes here!
7. Attend this weird and wonderful Beetlejuice Beetlejuice experience
Ovation Hollywood has been transformed into a ghoulish recreation of the Beetlejuice world, comprising 11,000 square feet of set recreations and photo ops. Meet your favorite characters while enjoying themed food and drinks. Tickets are now available into November.
8. Watch it all play out on ice at a Kings game
Whether you’re a sports fan or not, the buzz of a full crowd in the City of Champions cannot be missed. It’s fall after all, which means catching a Kings game is a must! Go Kings, Go — check out the Kings schedule here.
📍Location: Crypto Arena, 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
9. Walk among the cosmos at Astra Lumina
Astra Lumina, which debuted in 2022, is back at South Coast Botanic Garden with a stunning array of celestial-inspired displays. This multimedia experience from the renowned studio Moment Factory combines projections, lighting, music, and a captivating story into an unforgettable night walk among the cosmos. The event starts on November 8, but you can get your tickets here now.
10. Give the gift of giving by helping out or donating to a local charity
Whether you donate to the LA Food Bank, the LA Mission, or volunteer to help — you can make sure there’s enough cheer, warmth, and food to go around this holiday. You could even gift someone with a donation to give to the charity of their choice. Let’s be honest, nothing feels better than helping others.
11. Explore Lite Brite: Worlds of Wonder
Looking for unique November plans in L.A.? Step into Lite Brite: Worlds of Wonder, where classic childhood games meet the magic of immersive tech! With 11 interactive rooms and a 360° LED theater showcasing underwater, prehistoric, and outer space worlds, this experience is perfect for a family-friendly day of adventure. Plan for about 60 minutes of captivating, nostalgia-fueled fun.
12. Catch the Los Angeles Lakers in action at Crypto.com Arena
Los Angeles, it’s time to catch the Lakers in their 2024-2025 season at Crypto.com Arena! With LeBron James leading the charge, this season’s matchups promise non-stop, high-intensity action. Don’t miss your chance to watch this powerhouse team take the court as they set their sights on another playoff run. And to make your game day experience even better, check out our Lakers giveaway calendar for exclusive merch and freebies to elevate every moment with the Lakers!
13. Prepare to be mesmerized by gorgeous rides at the LA Auto Show
Founded in 1907, the Los Angeles Auto Show is one of the biggest and most respected auto shows globally — that brings auto pros and lovers together. Discover the rich automotive heritage and cutting-edge technology by grabbing your tickets here!
🗓️ Dates: Nov. 22 – Dec. 1, 2024
📍Location: Crypto Arena, 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
14. Wander through the Enchanted Light Forest
Each year, the botanical garden’s nighttime experience artfully combines interactive art installations with a glowing, luminescent forest, all set against a backdrop of illuminated trees and shimmering sound effects. For 2024, the event runs from November 17 to January 5, with adult ticket prices ranging from $22 to $45.
15. Keep an eye out for festive lights going up around the city at one of these 10 spots
As we clear away the cobwebs of the spooky season, the holiday spirit is already rolling in the form of shiny baubles and twinkling lights. From as early as mid-November, you can catch the festive displays and lighting popping up around the city. Here are 10 of the best places to see them.
16. Head to this twinkling night market at a century-old lavender farm near L.A.
The picturesque 123 Farm, known for its beautiful swaths of violet lavender flowers over the summer, has a stunning night market. Its towering trees and fields have been 1,000 years in the making and you can continue to enjoy its beauty post the summer blooms.
From November 9, 2023 — January 7, 2024, you can stroll through the lavender fields and olive groves draped with lights to enjoy food, live music, games, and unique handmade goods. Find out more this Lavendar Farm here.
17. Trot and gobble at this Thanksgiving 5K for a good cause
Step into the Thanksgiving morning with a heart full of gratitude and a stride of determination. Join the community for the annual Turkey Trot Los Angeles and be a part of the unforgettable stride where thousands of runners and walkers unite. Lace up those sneakers and gobble up some miles together for a good cause — and fundraise for The Midnight Mission.
🦃 Details: Participate in the 5k, 10k, or a .5 mile Widdle Wobble for kids. Everyone gets a race shirt, sparkly finisher medal, and bib.
🏃♂️ Date: Thanksgiving morning – Nov. 28, 2024, from 8-11am
📍Location: Downtown Los Angeles. The race starts and finishes in front of City Hall at 200 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
18. Laugh it up at Chocolate Sundaes at the Laugh Factory
The Laugh Factory is a chain of comedy clubs that can be found in Chicago, Las Vegas, Long Beach, Reno, Scottsdale, and of course, Hollywood. It’s one of the most famous comedy clubs, home to some of the biggest names in stand-up comedy today. We recommend going to the event Chocolate Sundaes which is held every Sunday. You can RSVP here — the entry is free, with the only requirement being a two-drink minimum per person.
📍Location: 8001 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046
19. Explore these surreal places you won’t believe are in L.A.
Los Angeles is filled with enchanting places, from tiled gems to enchanting structures based on fairytales, every corner offers a new adventure. Many of which will transport you to another city and sometimes another realm. Explore some of our favorite weird and wonderful places across Los Angeles that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world here.
20. Catch a glimpse of fall at one of these beautiful nearby spots
Yes, fall does actually happen in L.A., if only for a brief moment. Celebrate the season in Los Angeles everywhere from the local mountains to botanical gardens. Everyone deserves to witness the vivid transition into (slightly) colder months, so check out our guide to the best places to catch a glimpse of fall foliage around L.A. Check out the full list of where to catch fall here.
21. Support and catch a pickleball match for an incredible cause
Cancer is meeting its match at the 4th Annual FACT (Freeman Aces Cancer Tournament)! By attending this local tournament, you’ll be directly supporting life-changing cancer research. Enjoy a day filled with exciting pickleball matches, great food, drinks, and the chance to connect with the community. Find all the details here.
📅 Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Mulholland Tennis Club, 2555 Crest View Dr, LA 90046
22. Stock up on late fall reading at one of these 3 incredible libraries
In Southern California, bookshops aren’t just about picking up a brilliant tale, they are a whole experience. Here are some of our favorite literary oases that make finding a book just as exciting as reading one.
23. Take a scenic night ride on an Echo Park swan boat
Echo Park Lake is a tranquil paradise, especially during the autumn — where the signature lotus beds and mesmerizing fountain await you. Immerse yourself in one of the best L.A. activities by hopping onto aswan pedal boat for a whimsical adventure on the shimmering water.
Cross this off your fall bucket list in Los Angeles, and grab your tickets to the beautiful swan boat on the lake here!
24. Step into a winter wonderland at the Pershing Square Ice Rink
Grab your sweater and put on those ice skates because the Pershing Square Holiday Ice Rink is back! Glide under the twinkling lights, feel the cool breeze on your face, and create unforgettable memories on the ice. Grab your friends, and loved ones for a season filled with laughter, joy, and the magic of outdoor ice skating. Find more info here!
📅 Dates: Nov. 21, 2024 – Jan. 12, 2025
📍 Location: 532 South Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013
25. Take up salsa or bachata and dance away in a Victorian club
At night, this ornate Victorian home becomes a vibrant club where you can learn salsa and bachata with incredible Latin music. Dancers of all levels are welcome to groove into the night. Find out more about these exciting classes here!
📍Location: 2640 Main Street, Santa Monica, 90405
26. Give fall a proper send-off with our bucket list
Contrary to popular belief, the fall season does visit Los Angeles — greeting us with cooler weather, crunchy leaves, and comfy sweaters. Get ready to opt for that warm latte and make the most of this season around the city by checking off our ultimate fall bucket list here!
27. Witness incredible acrobatics in the heart of Santa Monica
KOOZA merges breathtaking acrobatics with the whimsical art of clowning, delving into themes of fear, identity, recognition, and power. If you’re looking for a performance that combines humor with jaw-dropping feats, this captivating journey is for you.
The Innocent encounters a cast of hilarious characters in an exhilarating world full of unexpected delights. Join the show in the vibrant setting of Santa Monica Pier for this unforgettable experience — more info here!
28. Catch the Queen of Christmas at The Hollywood Bowl
It’s no secret that Mariah Carey is the Queen of Christmas — and this year you can really get into the holiday spirit by catching her at the Hollywood Bowl! It’s bound to be iconic and festive. If all you want for Christmas is some Mariah, then check out more info here.
29. Fill your month with music at these concerts coming to Los Angeles
Los Angeles really is the music mecca. We are spoiled with concerts year round and this month is no different! From Chicano Batman to Kaytranada — check out all the biggest concerts coming to L.A. this November!
30. Make it a month of giving by supporting these local organizations
In the spirit of giving back, the Secret LA staff gathered our favorite organizations that make Los Angeles a better place. From empowering initiatives to life-changing environmental projects, join us in celebrating the incredible work of these inspiring organizations that you can support year-round. Check out our favorite L.A. organizations here!
31. Catch your favorite artists on stage at Camp Flag Gnaw Carnival
Attending Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival is a tradition at this point. Since its creation in 2012, Tyler, the Creator, has curated the festival and brought all your favorite artists together for one epic festival. Although tickets are sold out, you can join the wait-list and be notified when more tickets are available. Find more info and join the wait-list here!
🗓️ Date: November 16 — 17, 2024
📍 Location: Dodgers Stadium
32. Have some fun without spending a dime with these free things to do in L.A.
It’s the holiday season, and many of us are on a budget. Contrary to popular opinion, you can save money and still have fun — and Los Angeles is home a ton of free things to do. Whether you’re a frugal wanderer or just like to save a few bucks each week, here’s our list of the best free things to do in Los Angeles.
33. Catch Some Bioluminescent Waves
California’s glowing beaches, or bioluminescent waves, are one of the most magical natural wonders you can experience. Late winter is usually the last chance to catch these dazzling displays, whether you’re snapping photos or even surfing these mesmerizing, movie-like waves!
Edited by Sofía Delpueche.