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The Best Thanksgiving Events In OC

dana-point-turkey-trot 610
(credit: Dana Point Turkey Trot)

Thanksgiving marks a great time for Americans to express their gratitude, take a moment to spend time with loved ones and gear up for the holiday season that is around the corner. Whether you decide to spend this holiday at home or go out, here are some events in the Orange County area to keep in mind when making plans this season.

turkey thanksgiving dinner cranberry stuffing
(credit: shutterstock)

Shades Bountiful Thanksgiving Buffet
The Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort
21100 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714) 845-8444
www.waterfrontresort.com
Date: Nov. 27, 2014

Located at the beachfront in Huntington Beach, the Waterfront Resort is the perfect location for a family get-together during Thanksgiving. Offered on Thanksgiving day, the buffet is $84 per person and $24 per child and it is offered at 12pm and 4pm with a menu thatincludes a wide array of courses including cheese salads with starters, scones and spreads, seafood, a carving board and desserts. For those who choose to explore the resort, you will find amazing amenities and spectacular ocean views.

Hornblower Cruises
(credit: Hornblower Cruises)

Thanksgiving Buffet Dinner Cruise
Hornblower Cruises & Events
Newport Beach Hornblower South
2431 W. Coast Highway, #101
Newport Beach, CA 92663
www.hornblower.com
Date: Nov. 27, 2014

Thanksgiving is not just a time for those who enjoy a turkey dinner. For many, preparing a traditional Thanksgiving dinner can be a tedious task. Why not let the Hornblower do all of the work for you while you enjoy your time with family and friends on a cruise in Newport Beach? You can enjoy a three-hour cruise, glass of champagne, live music and entertainment along with a cash bar. The pricing for the event is $86 for adults, $77.60 for seniors and active military, $52.40 for children and no charge for children under three years of age.

Turkey Trot
(credit: Dana Point Turkey Trot)

Dana Point Turkey Trot
Dana Marina Plaza
Golden Lantern & Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 496-1555
www.turkeytrot.com
Date: Nov. 26, 2014 for the Health & Wellness Expo; Nov. 27, 2014 for race day.

One of the largest running events in California is hosted by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce where one will enjoy the beautiful scenic beach, majestic cliffs and the cool breeze of the ocean. A health and wellness expo will take place at the Dana Marina Plaza on the 26th and throughout the day of the race. The race will include a 5K Master, 5K open, 10K and Kids Gobble Wobble. In its 37th year, the Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with Run Racing has helped create the nation's six largest turkey trot. This Orange County tradition has attracted more than 17,000 participants and this year will include new features including on-course entertainment, a post-race beer garden and the health expo.

Related: Guide For Thanksgiving Weekend Visitors To OC

thanksgiving turkey
(credit: Shutterstock)

Balboa Bay Club & Resort First Cabin Thanksgiving Dinner
Balboa Bay Club
1221 W Coast Highway
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949) 645-5000
www.balboabayclub.com
Date: Nov. 27, 2014

Established since 1948, the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach is a great venue that embodies the Southern California lifestyle with all of its opulent amenities. During Thanksgiving day, there are options for families that wish to not cook a traditional Thanksgiving dinner offered from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Bay View Room where attendees can enjoy the beautiful Newport Harbor view. For those looking for more of a casual Thanksgiving treat, there is the Casual Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet offered from 4pm to 8pm for more of an informal feel at the club.

turkey trot plymouth rock n run
(credit: Plymouth Rock N Run)

Plymouth Rock N Run
Yorba Regional Park
7600 E La Palma Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92807
(714) 973-6615
www.ocparks.org
Date: Nov. 27, 2014

The 7th annual race takes place Thanksgiving morning and will introduce a new aspect to the race: team competition. Awards will be given to the fastest teams and to the team that raises the most money for the local organization, Reeve-Irvine Research Center. The 5K and 10K is hosted by the Research for the Cure in support of the progressive spinal-cord injury research. Registration on race day begins at 6:15 a.m. at the event staging area of Yorba Regional Park. There will be live music at the event followed by a kids 1K run after the races for children 10 and under.

Related: Ask An OC Chef: Best Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes

birding-hike-ocparks1
(credit: ocparks.org)

Wobble Walk
Nix Nature Center
18751 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
www.eventbrite.com
Date: Nov. 28, 2014

After you've enjoyed a day of gourmet food, conversation, and remembering all you're thankful for, walk off your Thanksgiving food on a slow-paced 2 mile hike over the steep terrain with the OC Parks staff. The 2 mile hike through the woodlands of the park offers panoramic views.

Elle Toussi is a freelance writer covering all things Orange County. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
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