It’s that time of year when the holidays are upon us and we tend to focus more on what’s truly important in our lives – spending quality time with our family and friends.  Halloween is over and Christmas is right around the corner.  However, in the meantime, there is this little unsung holiday known as “Thanksgiving” that also deserves a shout out and little more than a passer-by.

Since Thanksgiving is only three short weeks away, it means it’s time for our 6th Annual Southern California Thanksgiving Events Roundup.  Throughout the month of November, there are many holiday inspired events that emphasis the importance of gratitude and thankfulness.  Take a look through our list of upcoming events across the southland and enjoy the season with your family!

Family Thanksgiving Events in Southern California

11/3 – Falling Leaves 3-D Tree, Lakeshore Learning

Lakeshore Learning hosts free crafting session for kids ages 3 and up every Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm.  No reservations are required.

11/10 – Friendly Fall Scarecrow, Lakeshore Learning

Lakeshore Learning hosts free crafting session for kids ages 3 and up every Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm.  No reservations are required.

11/17 – Hide & Seek Turkey, Lakeshore Learning

Lakeshore Learning hosts free crafting session for kids ages 3 and up every Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm.  No reservations are required.

11/24 – Gingerbread Man Ornament, Home Depot

Run, run, run as fast as you can to this hands-on holiday workshop where you and your child can assemble a gingerbread picture frame that doubles as a Christmas ornament. Perfect for gifting or adding to the family’s heirloom holiday decor. Once the picture frame is built, your child can decorate it with paint and holiday stickers. All Kids Workshop attendees must be accompanied by a parent or adult at all times. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron, and pin.

11/24 – My Favorite Slice of Pie, Lake Learning

Lakeshore Learning hosts free crafting session for kids ages 3 and up every Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm.  No reservations are required.

Family Thanksgiving Events in Los Angeles

11/9 – 11/10 – 70th Annual Pilgrim Place Festival, Claremont

Pilgrim Place is a non-profit retirement community in Claremont and home to more than 350 people who have dedicated their lives to improving the lives of others.  The Annual Pilgrim Place Festival offers two days of shopping, fun, children’s games and food.  You will find vintage clothing, precious and costume jewelry, baked goods, plants, crafting, household items and more.  Handcrafted items include quilts, stained glass, knitted, sewn, woven and paper-made goods.  Shoppers may meet artists and purchase paintings, sculpture and everyday items directly from the artists.  Attractions include riding the Festival boat and train.  Kids can learn how to reduce, reuse and recycle everyday items at their sustainability and “glue-in” booths.

11/15 – Opening Day Ceremony at Pershing Square Ice Rink, Los Angeles

The Bai Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square offers the quintessential winter activity in the heart of beautiful downtown Los Angeles.  Surrounded by art, lively activity and the impressive city skyline, our outdoor ice rink lets you enjoy entertainment and ice skating in Los Angeles under the sun and stars.  Pop in for an opening celebration on November 15 with special performances and on and off entertainment throughout the entire day.

11/22 – Los Angeles Mission, Los Angeles

Sign up to volunteer and serve Thanksgiving meals to those who would otherwise go without.  Donations may be made online.

11/22 – Thanksgiving Day Run & Food Drive, La Canada Flintridge

The Thanksgiving Day 5K Run/Walk has been a local tradition and a community favorite with families, athletes, and community supporters of all types for two decades. The race is professionally timed, and begins promptly at 8:30am at Memorial Park in La Cañada.  The Kids’ Mile Run is a family fun event geared for children 12 and under. Parents are encouraged to run alongside registered children at no additional cost. Kids will receive a t-shirt before the race and an award as they cross the finish line! The 1 Mile Kids’ Run will begin promptly at 9:30am at Memorial Park in La Cañada.

The Community Centers Thanksgiving Day Food Drive is the largest Food Drive in the Foothill communities.  Canned and non-perishable food is collected during the month of November at locations in La Cañada, La Crescenta and Montrose.  Non-perishable donations are distributed by the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station to local families in need. In 2017, the food collected served over 160 families.

11/22 – Turkey Trot Los Angeles, Downtown LA

Join thousands of runners and walkers for the annual Turkey Trot Los Angeles on Thanksgiving morning.  They have a Widdle Wobble, a half-mile kids and family run/walk.  In the spirit of Thanksgiving, this event benefits the Midnight Mission – an amazing organization that offers a path to self sufficiency to those experiencing homelessness.

The Turkey Trot L.A. is also proud to partner with BOMBAS this year.  Make a difference in the lives of Los Angeles’s neediest individuals by registering and buying a pair of Bombas socks.  For each pair sold, another pair is donated to The Midnight Mission along with a donation of $6.00!

11/22 – The Midnight Mission, Los Angeles

Sign up to volunteer and serve Thanksgiving meals to those who will come by for a Thanksgiving meal.

11/22 – Westside Thanksgiving Community Dinner & Celebration, Los Angeles

This non-profit organization has over three decades of tradition serving the community a wonderful free sit-down Thanksgiving dinner.  During the celebration, they also provide free haircuts, blankets, clothing, hygiene kits, medical, optical, and dental services, vaccination, a resource fair, and a children’s carnival.  The Celebration relies entirely on donations from the local community.  Families can get involved by volunteering, donating food and/or clothing or making a financial donation.

11/22 – Thanksgiving Dinner in the Park, Pasadena

Union Station Homeless Services has been hosting holiday celebrations for forty-six years.  They need volunteers to help with set up and take down, serving meals and financial donations.

11/22 – Hope of the Valley, Sun Valley

Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission serves the largest Thanksgiving dinner in the Valley.  In addition to serving meals, there is a street fair where guests will receive sleeping bags, fresh fruit and vegetables, hair cuts, and much more.  Check the website for volunteer opportunties.

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