Tired of the same old Thanksgiving routine filled with dry turkey and family drama? This year, shake things up with our ultimate list of things to do in Los Angeles on Turkey Day, November 28th, 2024.
Your Thanksgiving Day Escape Plan from the Family Drama
1. Run the Turkey Trot for a Good Cause
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Ever wanted to run past LA's iconic landmarks while making a difference? Join the 12th Annual Turkey Trot Los Angeles, where you can jog through history, from the Walt Disney Concert Hall to the Wall Street of the West, all while helping provide meals to those in need. With events for all ages, from the 5K and 10K runs to the Widdle Wobble for kids, you'll be giving back and having a blast.
🪄 Insider Tip: Arrive early at the Music Center to secure parking, as the garage closes at 8 AM. Free street parking will fill up early as well.
2. Gather Your Friends at Pan Pacific Park
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰 FREE
Looking to keep your competitive spirit alive while dodging awkward family conversations? Pan Pacific Recreation Center is your Thanksgiving Day salvation, where the sprawling multi-purpose field becomes an impromptu arena for your turkey-fueled flag football dreams. Round up your cousins, grab those flags or soccer balls, and turn that post-feast food coma into pure athletic glory – all without having to explain your career choices to Aunt Linda.
🪄 Insider Tip: Follow in Manny Pacquiao's footsteps – the boxing legend used to train at these very grounds.
3. Go Ice Skating by the Beach
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Ever dreamed of ice skating under palm trees? ICE at Santa Monica brings winter wonderland vibes to the beach, with an 8,000-square-foot rink that feels like a movie set (fitting, since it's presented by Disney+). Grab your crew, lace up those skates, and experience the surreal magic of skating under the California sun.
🪄 Insider Tip: For around $75, you can skip the public locker and cozy up at your own rinkside fire pits.
4. Sail Along the Coast on a Thanksgiving Day Cruise
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Set sail on a memorable Thanksgiving feast aboard City Cruises' harbor tours, where you'll indulge in chef-prepared holiday spreads while gliding past Long Beach's glittering coastline. Whether you choose the champagne-flowing brunch ($90+), traditional afternoon dinner ($130+), or evening cruise ($110+), each 2-2.5 hour voyage promises stunning harbor views, festive vibes, and guaranteed private table seating for your crew – plus kids under 3 cruise free.
🪄 Insider Tip: Take advantage of convenient parking at the Aquarium Parking structure (100 Aquarium Way) for just $8 with City Cruises validation.
5. Grab a Gourmet Thanksgiving "Meal To-Go"
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Skip the kitchen chaos and let Fairmont Century Plaza's culinary team handle your holiday feast. Their gourmet Thanksgiving to-go package transforms your dining room into a luxury experience with a perfectly roasted organic turkey and chef-crafted sides.
🪄 Insider Tip: Order early. Pick-up is available from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on November 28, 2024, at P2 at Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel.
6. Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner at Fleming's Steakhouse
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If you're not feeling the whole "kitchen chaos and dishes for days" vibe this Thanksgiving, Fleming's has your back with a seriously elevated holiday spread right by L.A. Live. And since they're smart enough to keep their regular menu available too, you can totally bring that one cousin who "doesn't do traditional Thanksgiving food" without starting a family feud.
🪄 Insider Tip: Don't want to cook? Take advantage of their Take-Home Thanksgiving Bundle for 6 people.
7. Get Fit at the Thanksgiving Day Food Drive
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Join the Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge for their 31st Annual Thanksgiving Day Run & Food Drive, a beloved local tradition that brings the community together for a day of fun, fitness, and giving.
🪄 Insider Tip: You can donate directly to the Scholarship Fund—it's a great way to give back while supporting the event.
8. Cuddle and Feed Turkeys at The Gentle Barn
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From 10 AM to 1 PM on Thanksgiving Day, visitors can participate in a compassionate 1.5-hour self-guided tour at The Gentle Barn where they can cuddle turkeys, offer them treats, and celebrate these remarkable birds in their natural habitat. With timed entry slots available throughout the morning, this Turkey Day celebration offers a mindful way to start your holiday, focusing on connection and kindness rather than consumption.
🪄 Insider Tip: All of their turkeys have unique names and personalities.
9. Volunteer at the Thanksgiving Community Dinner
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰 FREE
Experience the true spirit of giving at the Westside Thanksgiving Community Celebration, a heartwarming tradition that has been uniting Los Angeles since 1982. This free gathering at the West Los Angeles Civic Center transforms Thanksgiving Day into a comprehensive community care event from 11 AM to 2 PM. Far beyond just a traditional turkey dinner, it's evolved into a full-service celebration offering essential services on Thanksgiving Day in LA.
🪄 Insider Tip: Plan ahead for parking as there is limited free parking is available at the site
10. Watch Movies at Quentin Tarantino's New Beverly Cinema
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The New Beverly Cinema is a historic movie theater located in Los Angeles, California, owned and programmed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Quentin Tarantino. The cinema is renowned for its unique double-feature screenings of classic films, including many of Tarantino's own works. On Thanksgiving Day, the New Beverly screens a special 35mm print of 'King Kong' (2005) at 7:30 PM. With a general admission price of $14.25, the theater offers a nostalgic and communal movie-going experience, complete with an old-school vibe, popcorn, and candy sold at the concession stand.
🪄 Insider Tip: Quentin Tarantino sometimes hangs out at the theater or watches films there.
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