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The Best Thanksgiving Events In Los Angeles

thanksgiving decor pumpkins 610 header
(credit: Shutterstock)

The Thanksgiving holiday is a US proclaimed day of prayer and thanksgiving. Whether you are making the time to spend with loved ones, serve those who are in need or garner some holiday cheer, holiday memories are worth creating. Regardless of how you prepare and observe this uniquely American holiday, give thanks and enjoy the festivities in our city. Wine tasting, volunteering and decorating cupcakes are just a few fun events in Los Angeles leading up to the big feast.

turkey trot downtown los angeles
(credit: Turkey Trot DTLA)

Turkey Trot
Los Angeles City Hall
200 N. Spring St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 485-2121
www.turkeytrot.la
Date: Nov. 27, 20144

This classic Turkey Trot makes you work for your meal. The 5k/10k goes along the historic streets of Downtown Los Angeles. Runners or "trotters" start in front of City Hall. The Turkey Trot route takes participants by Grand Park, Disney Hall and Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, the Continental Building, The Hellman Building, El Dorado Hotel and Crocker Bank. It's also a day to give and say thanks by bringing non-perishable food to the race, which will be donated directly to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

Related The 5 Most Impactful Charities for Holiday Giving

Westside Thanksgiving Dinner header
(credit: Westside Thanksgiving Dinner)

Westside Thanksgiving Community Dinner Celebration
VA North Campus
At Wilshire Blvd. and Federal
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 394-3153
www.westsidethanksgiving.org
Date: Nov. 27, 20144

Volunteering at the Westside Thanksgiving Community Dinner is a perfect way to show gratitude and celebrate blessings. Beginning bright and early at 6am, volunteers help to put on and serve a free sit-down Thanksgiving dinner to students, singles, low-income families, seniors and those who are homeless. The event also provides haircuts, blankets, clothing and hygiene kits and a children's carnival too. Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to help as long as children under 18 are accompanied by an adult. The celebration relies entirely on donations from the community. Visit the website to sign up for a volunteer shift or make a donation.

wine glasses dinner flowers thinkstock
(credit: Thinkstock)

Sip of Vino
Seasons52 Century City
10250 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310) 869-5788
www.sipofvino.com
Date: Nov. 26, 2014

Sip of Vino is a fun wine tasting event giving guests a head start on holiday fun. The evening will feature red, white and sparkling wines from around the world, along with delicious and healthy food (for purchase) offerings from Seasons 52. The pre-Thanksgiving social event brings friends, family and out-of-towners together to sip great wines while playing table games such as Connect 4, Jenga and Apples to Apples. Tickets are $65 per person, and seating is first come. first served. You must be 21 years or older to enter so don't forget your ID.

duff's cakemix
(credit: duffscakemix.com)

Duff's Cakemix
8302 Melrose Ave.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(323) 650-5555
www.duffscakemix.com
Date: Nov. 26, 20144

Bring something special to the Thanksgiving table this year. The cake decorating master and "Ace of Cakes" TV star Duff Goldman and his interactive design bakery, Duff's Cakemix, welcomes bakers to a Thanksgiving Cupcake Decorating Event. Duff's team sets you up with four cupcakes to decorate, and all of the Thanksgiving-themed must-haves, decorations and tools. Expert decorators will be on hand to give instruction. Advanced ticket purchase is required for all attendees including chaperones. Spots are limited, so make sure to snag tickets early.

winterlit santa monica downtown
(credit: Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.)

Winterlit Let It Snow
Third Street Promenade
3rd Street and Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
www.downtownsm.com
Date: Every Thursday evening, beginning at 6pm, through Dec. 18, 2014

Third Street Promenade kicks off the holiday season with Let It Snow. November 20 through December 18, 2014, locals and visitors will enjoy festivities hosted by Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. Thursday nights at 6pm, including Thanksgiving, the wonderment begins with a beautiful Oceanside snowfall (generated by a special bubble machine) which will drift down on Promenade pedestrians. Families can enjoy other free activities including karaoke, kids' crafts and holiday movie screenings - just check the Downtown Santa Monica website for its holiday calendar.

Related: Best Ski Resorts Near Los Angeles

Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise
(credit: hornblower.com)

Thanksgiving Day Buffet Cruise
13755 Fiji Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 301-6000
www.hornblower.com
Date: Nov. 27, 2014 at 4pm

This Thanksgiving, join Hornblower Cruises for an experience that you won't soon forget. Leaving from Marina Del Rey Fisherman's Village on Thanksgiving Day at 4:30pm, you'll enjoy a stress-free Thanksgiving as you relax and dine on a traditional Thanksgiving buffet. Sip from champagne, take in the live entertainment and great service and enjoy the scenic harbor views!

Sheryl Craig is a writer with a passion for interesting finds and treasures in Los Angeles. She has a background in journalism and public relations. A mother of two daughters, Sheryl integrates her healthy lifestyle into raising her children. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.


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