Things To Do

37 Awesome Things to do this Thanksgiving Weekend in L.A. [11-24-17 to 11-26-17]

November 23, 2017 by We Like L.A. Staff

Los Angeles provides no limit of things to do, some awesome and some not so awesome.

Since time is precious in this fast paced city we curate a list of things to do in Los Angeles for every weekend that’ll help you decide how you want to spend your limited supply of attention (not to mention dollars!).

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This Thanksgiving weekend in L.A. (November 24 – November 26) includes, Lights on Display, “Sanrio Village” at Tanaka Farms, Enchanted: Forest of Light, Indie Eastside, Vegan Holiday Marketplace, Wine, Walk & Shop at CRAFTED and MUCH more.

Also remember you can always go to our L.A. events calendar page to get an updated rundown of what’s happening around the city.

Enjoy!

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Lights on Display Sherman Oaks

Lights on Display in Sherman Oaks. Credit: Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.


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Friday November 24th, 2017

1. Enchanted: Forest of Light returns to Descanso Gardens this Sunday offering guests a colorful one-mile path walk through 10 distinct light displays at unique points within Descanso Garden including the Oak Grove and the Japanese Garden. Happening throughout the weekend. Be sure to grab discount tickets while supplies are still available. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

2. Happy Place brings a bright and immersive pop-up experience to the Arts District starting today. Capture perfect Instagram moments and enjoy sweet treats as you journey through one-of-a-kind installations designed to make you smile. Runs on select dates through January 7, 2018.

3. “Sanrio Village” at Tanaka Farms is a special seasonal holiday program in Irvine where guests enjoy a festive wagon tour of the 30-acre farm and photo opportunities and with Sanrio characters and Santa himself. Guests can also explore the Holiday Market Stand, offering arts, crafts, and holiday activities for families and children. Happening from November 24 through each weekend until December 17, 2017.

4. Sherman Oaks resident Mike Ziemkowski’s elaborate Christmas themed animatronic characters will return once again with Lights on Display a dazzling light show with a playlist of holiday tunes spun by the beloved snowman DJ Jingles. This year’s spectacle debuts on November 24FREE

5. Get ready for another season of ice-skating in Downtown Los Angeles when the Bai Holiday Ice Rink returns to Pershing Square from November 16 through January 15, 2018.

6. Black Rabbit Rose, part theater for magic and variety acts and part craft cocktail bar, takes you into their retro-style cabaret shows set in an intimate and mysterious setting. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

7. Something Rotten! a hilarious new musical comedy tells the story of brothers playwrights overshadowed by the great Will Shakespeare. Follow them as they try to steal the spotlight and end up unexpectedly end up writing the world’s very first musical. The show runs November 21 through December 30. Be sure to grab discount tickets while supplies are still available! DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

8. California Market Center, in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles’ Garment District, opens to the public for a big sample sale this Friday (just in time for holiday shopping!) CANCELLED

9. Asian AF Los Angeles celebrates their one year anniversary show this Friday at Upright Citizens Brigade Sunset. Stand-up by Peter Kim, screening of Cartoon Network’s We Bare Bears, improv by Voltron: The UCB Superteam and more are on the bill.

10. Winter is coming and The Dirty Little Secrets will bring the heat to Harvelle’s in Long Beach with a steamy Game of Thrones Burlesque showDISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

11. One of L.A.’s most magical holiday traditions, LA Zoo Lights returns November 17 through January 7 with thousands upon thousands of LED lights glowing up the zoo. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

12. Head to Figat7th in DTLA to check out Monumental Words an art installation on view November 20, 2017 through February 17, 2018. The glowing display of three massive word sculptures will have you experience the power of words through art. FREE

13. Get into the winter spirit when ICE at Santa Monica returns with a 8,000 square foot ice skating rink. Running November 1, 2017 through January 5, 2018.

14. The LA Phil presents West Side Story at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Listen to the score performed live while the re-mastered film plays on screen. Happening Friday and Sunday.

15. The Holiday Light Festival Train Ride at Griffith Park is a festive one mile ride on the tracks with tens of thousands of lights to get you in the Holiday spirit. Running now through December 23 and then again from December 26 to December 30.

16. The Groundlings’ Cookin’ With Gas is L.A.’s longest-running improv show bringing various improv troupes together for a night of laughs based on audience suggestions. Happening Friday and Saturday. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

17. LACMA’s award winning Department of Music Program provides hundreds of free concerts and musical events every year for Angelenos to enjoy. This Friday their jazz series will come to a close with Kim Richmond. FREE

18. Spend a Night at the Aquarium of the Pacific and explore the aquarium after hours. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

19. Catch a Baby Driver + Need for Speed double-feature at the New Beverly Cinema this Friday and Saturday. Both nights start at 6 p.m.

20. There’s a Great Pumpkin Hunt happening at the South Coast Botanic Garden from October 1 through November 30 everyday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Highlights include an imaginative scavenger hunt, light hiking, a pumpkin shop and access to the gorgeous 87-acre grounds.

21. Free admission atLong Beach Museum of Art and Museum of Latin American Art (5 to 9 p.m.)

Saturday November 25th, 2017

22. The LA Phil presents a free neighborhood concert at Ingalls Auditorium on the campus of East Los Angeles College in Monterey Park. Conducted by Jonathan Heyward, the program will feature an important work by Stravinsky. Admission is free, but you will need to reserve your tickets asap. FREE

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23. Indie Eastside 2017 comes to No Tox Life’s Soap Factory in Glassell Park this Saturday with local handmade goods, indie brands and DIY stations if you’re looking to create a personalized gift.

24. The Comedy Store welcomes Dane Cook, Jay Mohr, Darrell Hammond and surprise guests to the iconic Sunset Strip funny spot. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

25. The first-ever Arroyo Seco Marketplace takes place at Debs Park in Montecito Heights. The holiday market will feature food, music, activities, local vendors and artisans.

26. See the twinkling lights taking over our city during the Holiday Lights tour of Downtown Los Angeles. The tour is two hours long and starts at Union Station in the evening and ends at Pershing Square.

27. Celebrate Small Business Saturday with Wine, Walk & Shop at CRAFTED in Long Beach this Saturday. This unique marketplace featuring 75+ businesses will host unlimited tastings from dozens of local wineries and craft breweries courtesy of Off the Vine.

28. The Vegan Holiday Marketplace returns for a green, cruelty-free and festive day of shopping at the Long Beach Petroleum Club.

29. Debbie Allen transforms the timeless classic Nutcracker this year with fresh characters, new music and beautiful dancing at the Atrium in Westfield Century City. FREE

30. Shop local this year and enjoy a pint during Angel City Brewery’s Hoppy Holidays. Checkout local artisans or pick up an Angel City Brewery Holiday Gift Pack for the beer lover in your life. There will be food provided by Downtown Taco Co. and Tomski Sausage as well as Christmas carolers to get you in the holiday spirit.

31. 7th Annual We Heart Eagle Rock Block Party will honor Small Business Saturday with sidewalk sales and other specials deals, just look for balloons outside. In addition to the shopping there will be arts and crafts, a kids zone and fitness zone to enjoy throughout the day.

Sunday November 26th, 2017

32. Smorgasburg launches their Holiday Market this Sunday transforming from a foodie hang out to a magical holiday shopping experience. Expect food and shopping vendors to offer holiday treats and gifts. The holiday market will occur every Sunday from December 3-17, the official launch on November 26 will feature flash sales and specials from 10 to 11 a.m. so go early.

33. Take a Downtown Los Angeles foodie walking tour and savor what the bustling neighborhood has to offer. The tour is three hours long, participants will stop at six popular spots to eat and the tour guide will take folks through the history of DTLA. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

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34. The 86th annual Hollywood Christmas Parade, the largest Christmas celebration in America, returns to Hollywood Blvd this Sunday starting at 5 p.m.

35. Drunken Devil presents Deviled Eggs a Christmas-inspired burlesque brunch at at Brack Shop Tavern in Downtown Los Angeles. Enjoy bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys as a theatrical experience unfolds before you with interactive characters and more.

36. Topanga Vintage Market hits Pierce College in Woodland Hills on the fourth Sunday of every month. Renowned for its array of vintage goods the market carries 170+ of Los Angeles’ best vintage, antiques, and collectibles.

37. Drag Brunch L.A. welcomes RuPaul’s Drag Race queens Gia Gunn, Laganja Estranja, Ongina and Jasmine Masters for a Sunday performance and Mexican-style brunch at Viva Hollywood. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

37. Free admission at: Craft and Folk Art Museum (pay what you can) and Museum of Latin American Art


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