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With the Thanksgiving holiday on deck, it’s a little bit quieter week in terms of events. But there are still some chill to-dos on the docket.
Options for this November 24-28 in Los Angeles include the final week of the L.A. Auto Show, a Clownsgiving Karaoke Night, Fred Armisen’s Playlist, a Bob Baker Holiday Photo Fundraiser, “Green” Friday at Plant Chica, the 2025 premier of Lights on Display in Sherman Oaks, Fourth Fridays in Long Beach, and more.
Things To Do This Week
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
LA Auto Show – M > Continuing all this week, get up close with the future of driving at the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show, returning to the Los Angeles Convention Center from November 21-30. Expect to explore and compare hundreds of the latest cars, trucks, SUVs, and EVs, all folded into new attractions like the Creator Studio and The Underground for custom car culture, alongside favorites like the Showcase Hall and hands-on experiences like the Camp Jeep and Ford Bronco Built Wild Adventure Courses. Adult tickets start at $18. Get more info here.
Enchanted Forest of Light -> Continuing this Monday to Sunday (skipping Thanksgiving Day), Descanso Gardens’ dazzling winter tradition, Enchanted Forest of Light, returns to illuminate the season from with a wintry spectacle on view through January 4. Wander through a one-mile pathway of large-scale, interactive installations, including the glowing stained-glass cottages by Tom Fruin and the geometric works of HYBYCOZO. Timed entry starts at 5:30 p.m. on open dates. Adult, non-member tickets run $27-$45. More info here.
Holiday Ice Rink at Pershing Square – M > Continuing all this week, The Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square returns to DTLA for its 25th season. General admission, which includes skate rental, is $22. Locker rental is $5 and skate helpers are $6. The rink is open through January 11, 2026, and offers special programming like DJ Spotlight Nights and Classical Sundays. More info here.
Fred Armisen’s Playlist -> Once upon a time, Saturday Night Live and Portlandia star Fred Armisen was the drummer for Chicago punk band Trenchmouth This Wednesday, Armisen comes to Permanent Records Road in Cypress Park for an evening of punk covers including tunes from The Damned, The Stranglers, The Clash, Devo, Husker Du and others. Tickets are $6.97. Two sets: 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. More info here.
Clownsgiving Karaoke Night – TP > This Wednesday, Clownsgiving Karaoke Night at The Elysian’s Skunk Room will offer festive Friendsgiving holiday vibes combined with unique clown energy. Attendees are encouraged to get “hammy” before the holiday by bringing costumes, props, or audience participation bits to elevate their karaoke performance. The special evening will also include a food and donation drive benefiting local shelters. Karaoke sign-ups start just before the event, which runs from 7 to 10 p.m. RSVP is free. Donations encouraged! More info here.
Astra Lumina: An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst The Stars -> Continuing this Wednesday to Sunday, the South Coast Botanic Garden’s Astra Lumina offers a multi-sensory celestial pathway where guests will walk amongst the stars thanks to brilliant lights, cosmic visions, and astral song. Expect nine immersive zones decked out with radiant light installations, 360º soundscapes, and cosmic narratives. Adult tickets start at $32.90 and there’s an additional fee for parking. More info here.
LA Turkey Trot -> Want to earn that big meal? The 13th Annual Turkey Trot Los Angeles returns to Downtown L.A. this Thanksgiving Thursday. Participants can choose between a one-mile, 5K, or 10K course, offering a unique chance to run past iconic sites like the Walt Disney Concert Hall before morning traffic begins. The event, which starts at City Hall, culminates in an after-party festival at Grand Park, with funds raised supporting local organizations like the Midnight Mission. Check the event website for specific race start times and to register. More info here.
Potluck at Wear Livers – > Come to Weary Livers Bar in Santa Monica this Thursday for a Thanksgiving Potluck hosted by The Confetti Club LA and Los Angeles Fun Events. The gathering welcomes locals and visitors alike to celebrate the holiday with friends, food, and festive vibes. Attendees are asked to bring a dish to share, a smile, and a grateful heart. The cozy bar will also feature games like Jenga and Shuffleboard, plus karaoke. The potluck runs from noon to 5 p.m. More info here.
Fourth Fridays in Long Beach – FA > Retro Row in Long Beach comes alive on the fourth Friday of the month with special pop-ups, live performances, and extended store hours from shops on 4th St between Temple and Cherry. This month they’re gearing up for a special Pride edition of the event. Runs 6 to 9 p.m. More info here.
Lights on Display – FA TP > One of the most elaborate home lighting displays of the holiday season is back in Sherman Oaks beginning this Friday. Resident Mike Ziemkowski has a brand new edition of Lights on Display for 2025, and per usual you’ll find an elaborate mix of computer controlled lighting, DMX controlled intelligent light, and a bevy of animatronic characters synched to a pre-programmed playlist of holiday tunes. Following Friday’s premier, the lights will run Wednesday to Sunday from 6 to 9 p.m. (weather permitting) through New Year’s Day. They’ll also be collecting donations for the American Lung Association. More info here.
“Green” Friday at Plant Chica – M FA > Skip the chaos of Black Friday and celebrate a different kind of post-Thanksgiving event at “Green Day” this Friday at Plant Chica in Leimert Park. This community gathering focuses on cultivating community and celebrating the magic of plants. Highlights include a plant-based vendor market, a repotting station, a “Kiddie Corner” with face painting, and a brief sunrise meditation session. Runs 10 to 3 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Bob Baker Holiday Photo Fundraiser -> The Bob Baker Marionette Theater is hosting a Holiday Photo Fundraiser this Friday. For a fee of $110 (for up to four people), guests can take professional holiday photos with festive BBMT puppets, choosing between a Santa & Rudolph backdrop or a Winter Wonderland scene with Demi Star. This fundraiser supports the theater’s mission of preservation and education, with the goal of raising $10,000 for field trip attendance. Reservations are required due to limited time slots. Photos will be taken between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. More info here.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
King’s Hawaiian Bakery (November 27) -> King’s Hawaiian Bakery in Torrance is rolling out its annual Thanksgiving Buffet on November 27, priced at $79 for adults and $35 for kids. Expect a festive spread featuring butternut squash feta salad, prime rib, Portuguese sausage stuffing, guava-glazed ham, ginger-crusted salmon, crispy furikake Brussels sprouts, miso creamed corn, poke, lomi salmon, and a bevy of hits from their famous bakery including the rainbow paradise cake.
Harold & Belle’s (November 27) -> For the first time in more than 50 years, Harold & Belle’s in Jefferson Park will open its doors on Thanksgiving Day with a $45 prix-fixe feast served alongside the full à la carte menu. Diners can choose between Cajun turkey with cornbread dressing, candied yams, and French bread or a comforting beef pot roast with the same classic sides. Every meal ends on a sweet note with their beloved Louisiana bread pudding. The holiday service runs from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and reservations are now live on Resy.
Two Hommés Community Day (November 26) -> Two Hommés in Inglewood is teaming up with smoked-meat pros Bootsy’s BBQ for a Community Day this Wednesday, offering a free Thanksgiving meal to anyone who needs one. The event kicks off at noon and runs until the food is gone.
The Return of Turkey Tenders (Through November 26) -> La Sorted’s turkey tenders are officially back for the season. The team brines them, sous vides them in duck fat, then fries them in a wet batter until they crisp up. Pair them with ranch, honey mustard, cranberry sauce, or turkey gravy. They’re also bringing back their Thanksgiving Disco Fries, loaded with housemade turkey-sausage gravy, mozzarella, provolone, cranberry sauce, and chives. Available at both locations.
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