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Best Thanksgiving Celebrations And Events For The Family In Orange County


The holiday season has come to Southern California. It often does so before any dramatic change in the weather, so residents and traveling families enjoy a wealth of options for celebrating Thanksgiving in Orange County. Step outside the home and take advantage of the festivities, charity events and specialty fare that dots the land, beckoning locals and visitors alike.

2012 Dana Point Turkey Trot
Dana Point Harbor
Dana Point Harbor Drive/Golden Lantern
Dana Point, CA 92629
Race: Nov. 22, 8 a.m.
Registration: $40 5K/$45 10K online/$50 5K/$55 10K in person

Of course you're planning to eat a fair bit on Thanksgiving. Relieve the guilt and support an excellent cause by joining California's largest Thanksgiving Day run event. The 5K and 10K courses track the beautiful beaches of Dana Point, as walkers and runners alike sail through the Dana Point Marina and Doheny State Park. The 2012 Dana Point Turkey Trot benefits the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group to help Marines and their families during the holidays.

Related: Best Fall Festivals In Orange County


Disneyland Hotel
1150 Magic Way
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 778-6600
Price: $71.99 Disneyland Hotel buffet for adults/$20.99 children/$33.99 Goofy's Kitchen brunch/$38.99 dinner/$17.99 kids' buffet
Date: Nov. 22
disneyland.disney.go.com

The Disneyland Resort is, of course, famous for fun and adventure, but during the holiday season it also means festive family dining. The Disneyland Hotel rolls out its annual extravaganza Thanksgiving Buffet featuring all of your traditional favorites and a special spread for the kids. Goofy's Kitchen will also offer Thanksgiving brunch and dinner, with no shortage of your classic holiday favorites and made-to-order delights. Disney annual pass holders receive their regular dining discount during the Thanksgiving event.

Related: Best O.C. Restaurants For Thanksgiving

We Give Thanks dinner
(credit: We Give Thanks Thanksgiving Dinner)

26th Annual We Give Thanks Thanksgiving Dinner
The Honda Center
2695 E. Katella Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92806
(714) 704-2400
Price: free
Time: Nov. 22, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
www.wegivethanksinc.org

Make a difference this holiday season and join We Give Thanks, Inc. and La Casa Garcia Restaurant to help serve Thanksgiving meals to thousands in the Honda Center parking lot. In addition to providing a much-needed meal, the We Give Thanks Thanksgiving Dinner is an event where anyone can come enjoy great food, entertainment and the company of fellow Southern Californians.

Bob the Builder Discovery Science Center
(credit: Discovery Science Center)

Bob the Builder - Project: Build It
Discovery Science Center
2500 N. Main St.
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 542-2823
Price: $14.95 adults/$12.95 kids
Hours: Sept. 15 to Jan. 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
www.discoverycube.org

Give thanks by learning to give back this holiday season. Get the kids, and yourself, out to the the Discovery Science Center this weekend to take advantage of the entertaining, educational and interactive exhibit featuring Bob the Builder and his Can-Do Crew. Learn and have fun in family friendly games and activities that build on your creativity and construct a sense of teamwork. Chase away the holiday humdrum with this bracing hands-on adventure that'll prep them for years of Habitat for Humanity projects to come.

ruff rescue
(credit: Ruff Rescue)

RUFF Thanksgiving Day Event
Tivoli Terrace
650 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 580-1092 or (949) 494-9650
Price: $35/pet food donations appreciated
Time: Nov. 22, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
www.ruffrescue.org

Rescue Unwanted Furry Friends is holding its semi-annual fundraising event to benefit its non-profit organization, and dinner is included. RUFF is dedicated to providing financial assistance for veterinary care and treats sick, injured and abandoned animals. The RUFF Thanksgiving Day Event boasts a traditional turkey feast with all of the trimmings, open to animal lovers and socialized pets. Vegetarian meals are available as well. Come rub elbows, and noses, with like-minded animal enthusiasts and let RUFF do the dishes.

Christopher Schmidt is a freelance writer covering all things Orange County. His work can be found on Examiner.com.

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