Things To Do

35 Awesome Things to do This Thanksgiving Weekend in L.A. [11-26-15 to 11-29-15]

November 25, 2015 by Christina Champlin

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 decided to curate a list of things to do in Los Angeles every week end that’ll help you decide how you want to spend your limited supply of attention (not to mention dollars!).

This Thanksgiving holiday weekend includes CHILL at the Queen Mary, an epic lights show starting in Sherman Oaks, an Eagle Rock Block Party, LA Zoo Lights, a Thanksgiving hike to the Hollywood Sign, and much, much more.

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So grab some friends or go at it alone, but most importantly have fun and enjoy yourself!

[RELATED: The Best Way to Find Discount Events in Los Angeles]

LA Zoo Lights

Image via LA Zoo

[REMINDER: In some cases We Like L.A. does receive revenue when visitors click on ticket links and make purchases, however we maintain complete editorial control over the events we suggest. Basically, it only makes it on to the website if we think it is cool!]


Thursday, November 26th, 2015

1. Free Meal/Show at The Laugh Factory

This Thanksgiving the Laugh Factory in Hollywood welcomes all those who are living in L.A. away from home, homeless, or simply in need of a good meal and hearty laugh. Top comics (lineup still TBA) will join other celebrities to serve guests a turkey dinner with all the trimmings free of charge at the 36th Annual Free Thanksgiving Day Feast.

2. Disney Pixar’s “The Good Dinosaur” Journeys To El Capitan Theatre

Hollywood’s legendary El Capitan Theatre presents a special engagement of Disney Pixar’s “The Good Dinosaur” Nov. 25-Dec. 13, 2015. Before the movie, El Capitan guests will be treated to an all-new, fun, festive, live musical show, celebrating 20 years of Pixar movies—from 1995’s “Toy Story” to this year’s “The Good Dinosaur”—featuring favorite Pixar characters like Buzz & Woody, Mike & Sulley and for the first time on the El Capitan Theatre stage, Joy & Sadness! Each screening also includes Disney Pixar’s new short, “Sanjay’s Super Team.” For more information and discount tickets now and throughout the weekend, check out Goldstar.

3. Thanksgiving 10-mile Hike With Ranger Ernie To The Hollywood Sign

Start burning those calories before your Thanksgiving feast! Ranger Ernie is leading a 10-mile hike to The Hollywood Sign this Thanksgiving morning. Advanced hikers only, starts at 7:00am.

4. CHILL at the Queen Mary

The Queen Mary will once again be overtaken by a deep freeze for the fourth annual CHILL!  Experience the Ice Kingdom, glacier glide ice tubing, ice skating and plenty of holiday entertainment. P.S. The Ice Kingdom will be introducing the New Holiday Ice Bar for adults! For more information and discounted tickets now and throughout the entire weekend, visit our friends at Goldstar.

5. Tofurky 5K Trot At The Rose Bowl

The 3rd annual Tofurky Trot will take place at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The race is open to all ages and fitness levels, even carnivores are welcome! Prizes are awarded for top finishers in each division as well as a best-costumed runner award. The event includes free yoga, massage, a “vegan village,” a pop-up turkey exhibition, music and is emceed by TV news presenter, Jory Rand. Proceeds will go to Los Angeles-based nonprofits: the National Museum of Animals and Society and The Gentle Barn.

6. Turkey Trot L.A.

Turkey Trot Los Angeles returns to Downtown Los Angeles on Thanksgiving morning, inviting runners ages two and up to participate in friendly competition and family fun for Turkey Day. Come dressed in your best turkey, pilgrim or pie costume and enjoy the scenic race through historic Spring Street, starting and ending at City Hall. Kids can partake in the “Widdle Wobble” (ages 2-12), which is a fun run around Grand Park and features a kid zone and photo opportunities with a 20 ft. tall turkey in front of the City Hall finish line. Turkey Trot L.A. benefits the Midnight Mission.

7. LA Auto Show

The Convention Center will host the LA Auto Show now till the 29th. Auto makers worldwide will showcase their newest, baddest and super cool cars. Expect brands from around the world and North America to make some debuts from BMW, Chevrolet to Jaguar and more.

8. Thanksgiving Lunch At The Aquarium Of The Pacific

Enjoy a Thanksgiving buffet at the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Café Scuba and then explore sea creatures from the Pacific on view. A family fun event for all!

9. Thanksgiving At Doma Kitchen

This Thanksgiving, Doma Kitchen in Manhattan Beach will be open from 2:00pm – 8:00pm for a special Thanksgiving dinner. The meal will start with a five layer herring pesto with bread, pumpkin soup and an autumn salad with fresh butternut squash and beets. Along with a whole stuffed pumpkin with ground chicken meatloaf & fresh vegetables. For the main course, a herb roasted turkey breast with pan gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans and cranberry & pear relish. To top it all off a warm Apple Charlotte Cake will be served for dessert. Thanksgiving Dinner at Doma Kitchen is $55.00 per person plus tax and gratuity.

10. Thanksgiving Dinner at The Raymond 1886

Head to Pasadena and enjoy a traditional family style Thanksgiving dinner at The Raymond 1886. Executive Chef Tim Guiltinan is cooking up garlic & black pepper prime rib, organic free range oven roasted turkey and pumpkin mousse with a ginger snap crust, to name a few. Meal cost $75.00 per person.

11. The Bunny Museum Is Open

Yup a Bunny Museum is coming to Pasadena this Thanksgiving. Open from 2:00pm – 6:00pm, admission to the museum is $5 with kids 4 and under free. Hop on over and bring some vegetables and fruits to feed the real bunnies! Location: 1933 Jefferson Drive Pasadena, CA 91104.

12. Take the Thanksgiving celebration beachside and dine in at the Venice Whaler

Executive Chef Nick Liberato is cooking up a delicious Thanksgiving meal of cider glazed turkey with lager gravy, roasted Brussels sprouts with capers and walnuts, cranberry sauce with rosemary and apple brioche stuffing all for just $18.00.

13. Throwback Thursday Screens: Rocky IV

This Thursday catch a feature screening of Rocky IV at The Laemmle Theater in NoHo. Grab some movie themed munchies from a food truck parked out front and bring your meal inside the theater to eat while you watch. There will also be a playlist specifically curated for the movie before the lights dim.  More information and discount tickets available via our friends at Goldstar.

14. Thanksgiving  Reimagined By Barton G.

Barton G. LA’s lavish three-course turkey dinner will feature a plethora of reimagined Thanksgiving offerings, plated with an artful twist intended to amuse and entertain diners. The West Coast’s premier “culinary theatery” Barton G. invites diners to join in a whimsical holiday feast of herb roasted turkey breast with confit leg, pumpkin donuts and much more.

15. A List Sample Sale

The A List Sample Sale is having a Black Friday sale on on the 27th – 28th, from 11:00am – 6:00pm. Save 50%-75% women’s designer resale apparel by Chanel, Balenciaga, Prada, Rick Owens, Morgan Le Fey, Barney’s New York, Romeo Gigli, Elizabeth and James, Isabel Marant , Etro, Fendi, Emilio Pucci, YaYa, James Perse, Marni,Vince and Costume National and more. Cash and credit cards are accepted.

Location: 1080 S. La Cienega Blvd, #207, Los Angeles, CA 90035.

16. Bar Mattachine

Bar Mattachine, Downtown L.A.’s welcoming gay craft cocktail bar, is celebrating Turkey Day (5:00pm – 2:00am) with lavish libations! Try the Cape Coddah cocktail, an ode to Thanksgiving in Massachusetts, made with vodka, fresh muddled cranberries and homemade lime cordial poured over crushed ice.

[Need a couple more suggestion on where to eat out/order take out in Los Angeles on Thanksgiving? Read our Best Places to Eat in L.A. if You Don’t Feel Like Cooking at Home  post!]

Friday, November 27th, 2015

17. Lights on Display in Sherman Oaks

Sherman Oaks resident Mike Ziemkowski takes his Christmas decorating a bit more seriously than you, and that’s perfectly fine by us. From computer controlled lighting to DMX controlled intelligent light to animatronic characters synched to an epic preprogrammed playlist of holiday tunes and a Snowman DJ called DJ Jingles this free display is something you gotta see live.

18. LA Zoo Lights

Starting Friday, The LA Zoo will once again be transformed into a fantastical wonderland where glowing light animals roam the lands. Check out decked-out animal-themed LED lights, lasers, 3D projections, and spectacular new water, light and music displays. Enjoy holiday treats and goodies, all under the stars. Real reindeers will also be on display down at Reindeer Romp Village and Santa (on select dates) will even make a few stops at the beloved zoo during the holiday.

19. Take an Insider’s Tour Through East Hollywood’s Ethnic Neighborhoods

Thai Town, Little Armenia and Korea Town are filled with great food, shops and culture. For those interested in getting to know these neighborhoods this tour is the perfect introduction. Tour includes food, transportation and more. For more information and discount tickets for Friday and Saturday visit Goldstar.

20. CMC Holiday Sample Sales

Visit the California Market Center for amazing shopping deals. Score incredible gifts in hundreds of showrooms carrying apparel for men, women, children as well as gift & home items all way below-retail prices. In addition the monthly Saturday Sale is happening from Friday through Saturday this time for all your holiday shopping needs. That sale is located in the CMC Exhibit Hall.

21. America’s Largest Community Bicycle Ride

Need to burn those calories from your Thanksgiving feast? Join America’s Largest Community Bicycle Ride, L.A. Critical Mass on a 30 mile bike ride and explore the Greater Los Angeles area.

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22. Gallery iam8bit Annual Unique Ornament Sale

The super fun ornament sale returns to gallery iam8bit. Artists from around the world have crafted hundreds of original ornaments all starting at an affordable $10. Happening now through December.

23. Free Meditation Classes At The Springs DTLA

Urban wellness oasis The Springs is offering free meditation class, Monday through Fridays at 1:00pm! Grab one of their fresh pressed juices after, it’s pretty much the best in town.

24. Rawberri A Healthy Recharge After Holiday Feasting

Need to reset your body after Thanksgiving or fuel up for Black Friday? Consider Rawberri’s frozen treats, made with gluten-free Cocowhip Fro-Yo, it’s a completely vegan soft serve ice cream created by using coconut water with no added sugar and naturally infused with probiotics. It’s only 90 calories per serving! Rawberri is the only retailer in the United States to sell Cocowhip, making this an exclusive LA-only offer. Try the vegan pumpkin granola if you love pumpkin pie this is the guilt free version!

Saturday November 28th, 2015

25. We Heart Eagle Rock Block Party

The 5th annual We Heart Eagle Rock Block Party is a neighborhood get-together and shopping extravaganza that will expand beyond retailers this year to include restaurants and bars. Expect in-store events and promotions, a health and fitness zone and PetPalooza, pet adoption services from Pardon the Pups.

26. Green Saturday: A Veg Holiday Marketplace

The blog Disneyland Vegan is hosting Green Saturday: A Veg Holiday Marketplace over at Alpine Village in Torrance. Shop cruelty-free items and help raise funds for the Whiskers and Tails Foundation. Admission is $5 or free with a donation of dog or cat food, pet toys or blankets for the Whiskers and Tails Foundation, kids are free.

Location: 833 Torrance Blvd., Torrance

27. Shop Small, Shop Indie Pasadena

30+ small independent businesses will participate in the Playhouse District Association’s Playhouse Shop Small, Shop Indie. The event invites shoppers to enjoy extraordinary savings and holiday treats. You’ll see authors at work as they become booksellers for the day at Vroman’s Bookstore; Le Muse Coffee & Wine will be offering a free cup of coffee with a pastry purchase and plenty other retailers in the Playhouse District neighborhood will offer great promotions that day.

28. Discount Tix to It’s a Wonderful Live

Experience the iconic Jimmy Stewart classic reproduced as an intimate stage performance at The Little Theater in Santa Monica. Performances at 6:00pm and 9:00pm this Saturday. For more information and discount tickets, head over to our friends at Goldstar.

29. West Elms x Academy Of Handmade Artists And Supporters

For Small Business Saturday, West Elm Los Angeles and Academy of Handmade Artists and Supporters (AHAS) will feature products by local makers, at a pop up inside the West Elm Los Angeles store this Saturday from 12:00pm – 5:00pm.

Location: 8366 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048

30. Adopt A Pet At The Shelter Spot And Give Them Something To Be Thankful For!

What better way to give back this holiday season than by giving a cat or dog a new, loving home? Visit the Shelter Spot, located at the Healthy Spot in Santa Monica. The first not for profit pet store dedicated to finding homes for animals at L.A. City’s shelters, the LA Love and Leashes gang have adopted over 1,300 dogs and cats to date and are aiming to find homes for another 200 pets this holiday season.

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31. Movember Cocktails At Bow & Truss

Bow & Truss is throwing a Jameson-themed charity event this Saturday. The restaurant is offering discount shots of Jameson Black Barrel at only $6, Irish Rose cocktails at $9, and Cask & Porter boilermakers at $10. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Movember Foundation.

Sunday November 29th, 2015

32. Hollywood Christmas Parade

The 84th annual Hollywood Christmas Parade will usher in the Holiday season in tinsel town fashion with musical performances, celebrity appearances, magic shows and lovable massive inflatables.

33. Silent Sundays Launches At The Mission Playhouse

The historic Mission Playhouse launches a new film series called Silent Sundays. It’s a series of four classic silent films with live accompaniment on their 1924 Mighty Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ. This month they will screen the 1920 classic, The Mark of Zorro, starring the King of Hollywood, Douglas Fairbanks. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at door.

34. Holiday Ice Rink In Pershing Square

From November 12 – January 18 Angelenos can skate in the heart of DTLA at Pershing Square. Each skate-session costs $9, and it’s $4 for skate rental.

35. Spare Tire Kitchen & Tavern Launches Sunday Brunch

Tired of turkey this November? Head to mid-city hotspot Spare Tire Kitchen & Tavern for tasty plates and cocktails and a sunny Sunday Brunch which officially starts this Thanksgiving Weekend.


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