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Best Thanksgiving Celebrations And Events For The Family In Los Angeles

Westside Thanksgiving Dinner header
(credit: Westside Thanksgiving Dinner)

The holiday season brings families together, but if you're looking for a way for your family to connect to the rest of the world, it might be time to venture out. For this Thanksgiving make a new tradition that goes beyond dinner at home. Try a new activity like volunteering at a community Thanksgiving dinner, go on a cruise for a change of scenery, or support a cause by entering a race and raising funds for charity. The following activities will make your Thanksgiving a day the whole family will remember.

Westside Thanksgiving Dinner
(credit: Westside Thanksgiving Dinner)

Volunteer At Westside Thanksgiving
11301 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA90025
(310) 394-3153
www.westsidethanksgiving.org
Dates: November 22 & 23, 2017

Thanksgiving is about being thankful, but do more than just give thanks this year. Give back to those who are less fortunate by donating time and resources to the annual community meal, which will feed thousands of Angelenos this year. It won't take much of your day as there are plenty of shifts to take part in. And, it is a great way to connect with your community in the spirit of the holiday. On Wednesday, November 22, 2017, setup begins from 2 p.m. to dusk. The event is on the south lot of the West L.A. Civic Center on Corinth Avenue. Then, on Thanksgiving Day starting at 6 a.m., come and be part of shifts to help out. Shifts are 6 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before the shift you've been assigned to!

Long Beach Turkey Trot
(credit: Long Beach Turkey Trot)

10th Annual Claremont Turkey Trot
Marina Vista Park
5200 E. Eliot Stret
Long Beach, CA 92803
www.active.com
Date: November 23, 2017 at 5:30 a.m.

This marathon starts early at 5:30 a.m.! Then, the half marathon, 10k, and 5k start begins at 7 a.m. The course is run along the scenic city streets around a lake provide an incredible oceanfront view. Marathon & Half course is a 4.37 out and back loop where runners will pass the aid station at around mile 3 and and mile 4.37. There will be medals provided to all finishers.

Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise
(credit: hornblower.com)

Thanksgiving Day Brunch Cruise
Fisherman's Village Marina
13755 Fiji Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 301-6000
www.hornblower.com
Date: November 23, 2017 at 11:30 a.m.

This Thanksgiving, celebrate a wonderful holiday with your family in a uniquely Marina del Rey way onboard Hornblower Cruises. They will do all the cooking and cleaning for Thanksgiving so you can relax and enjoy and take pictures of all the sights with your family and friends. It will be an experience you won't soon forget. This 2 hour cruise boards at 11:30am and cruises for 2 hours from 12pm to 2pm. The price is $68.95 per person, and includes unlimited champagne and mimosas, a brunch buffet with holiday dishes, a cash bar, a beautiful 2 hour cruise, scenic harbor views and much more.

burbank turkey trot
(credit: Burbank Community YMCA)

Burbank Community YMCA Turkey Trot
Downtown Burbank
321 E Magnolia Blvd
Burbank, CA 91502
www.burbankymca.org
Date: November 23, 2017 at 7:30 a.m.

For Thanksgiving this year, why not join others for a great cause? Whether you want to run, jog, walk or push a stroller, you won't want to miss the annual Burbank Community YMCA Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 5K/10K as well as a kids run. Join casual joggers, terrific athletes, families and revelers dressed in costumes on the streets of downtown Burbank to enjoy an annual family-friendly holiday tradition which raises funds to help make the Burbank YMCA program available throughout the year. It starts early at 7:30 a.m., and aside from the 5k, 10k and kids run, there will be a kids fun zone and much more!

Descanso Gardens
(credit: Ken Wolter/shutterstock)

Patina Thanksgiving Brunch
Descanso Gardens
1418 Descanso Dr
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
www.descansogardens.org
Dates: November 23, 2017 at 11:30 a.m.

The beautiful Descanso Gardens is participating in the Thanksgiving fun this year at their restaurant Patina. Patina's top chefs will create a terrific holiday buffet with traditional Thanksgiving favorites as well as vegetarian options. The cost is $75 for adult members, and $35 for child members; $85 for adult non-members, and $45 for child non-members. Reservations are required.

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