Thanksgiving Events in Los Angeles and Nearby Places to Go in 2026

Turkey, pumpkin pie, family gatherings… and a 5K run before breakfast? Apparently, Thanksgiving in Los Angeles isn't just about eating your weight in mashed potatoes anymore!

If you're looking for Thanksgiving events in Los Angeles this November 26, 2026, there's plenty happening beyond the dinner table. You can race through Downtown LA, enjoy a family-friendly morning at the Rose Bowl, give back to the community in La Cañada Flintridge, or escape to the mountains for a Big Bear adventure. Whether you're planning a few fun hours with the kids or an entire holiday getaway, we've rounded up four Thanksgiving activities worth adding to your calendar. So, gather your favorite people, lace up your sneakers, and let's explore some exciting things to do on Thanksgiving before the turkey makes everyone sleepy!

Turkey Trot Los Angeles: Thanksgiving Day Events in Downtown LA

Who says you have to wait until after Thanksgiving dinner to start burning calories? Downtown Los Angeles is getting a head start on the holiday with the annual Turkey Trot LA! Taking place on Thursday, November 26, 2026, this popular holiday tradition invites runners, walkers, families, and even four-legged companions to kick off Thanksgiving with some fresh air and friendly competition.

And the setting makes it even better. Imagine starting your morning surrounded by Downtown LA's iconic architecture, making your way past landmarks such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and finishing at Grand Park, where a post-race festival keeps the celebration going. It's one of those Thanksgiving events in Los Angeles that combines exercise, sightseeing, and community spirit in a single morning. But don't worry if you're not an experienced runner. There are several ways to participate.

Turkey Trot LA race schedule:

• 5K Run: Starts at 8:00 a.m. and 8:15 a.m., with two separate waves.

• 10K Run: Starts at 9:00 a.m. for participants looking for a longer challenge.

• One-Mile Dog Jog: Starts at 7:30 a.m., perfect for people who want to celebrate with their dogs.

• Children's Widdle Wobble: Starts at 10:15 a.m., giving younger participants their own special moment.

One important rule for dog owners: dogs are welcome in the designated Dog Jog, but they cannot participate in the 5K or 10K races. And if you're coming with children, choose the event that matches their interests and abilities. After all, Thanksgiving morning should be fun, not a surprise marathon! The organizer recommends arriving early, especially if you need to collect your race packet. Packet pickup opens at 6:00 a.m. on race day, and advance pickup options are also available. Downtown road closures can affect driving routes and parking access, so review the official instructions before leaving home. Whether you're chasing a personal best or just hoping to earn that extra slice of pie, this is a lively way to start the holiday.

Rose Bowl Turkey Trot: Thanksgiving Activities for Families in Pasadena

Looking for Thanksgiving activities for families that don't require everyone to wake up at sunrise and sprint through Downtown LA? The Rose Bowl Turkey Trot might be exactly what you're looking for! On November 26, 2026, at 8:30 a.m., families, friends, and runners of all experience levels will gather at the historic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena for a festive Thanksgiving morning. And no, you don't have to be an athlete to join in. Participants can run, walk, or take a comfortable stroll along the 5K recreational loop surrounding the stadium. It's a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, spend time together, and start a new family tradition.

Event details:

• Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026

• Start time: 8:30 a.m.

• Location: Rose Bowl Stadium, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena

• Distance: 5K recreational loop (3.1 miles)

• Pets: Leashed dogs are welcome

One of the nicest things about this event is how welcoming it is to families. You can bring the kids, enjoy a walk together, take photos near the famous stadium, and celebrate at the finish line. Participants receive race bibs and finisher medals, making the morning even more memorable for little runners. Children nine and younger may qualify for complimentary registration under the event's advertised family offer, but confirm the current age eligibility and registration conditions before booking. Costumes are also encouraged, so don't be surprised if you see someone running past you dressed as a turkey! The event supports the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation, giving your Thanksgiving morning a charitable purpose, too.

For current registration prices and participation details, visit the official Rose Bowl Turkey Trot website. Whether you're bringing toddlers in strollers, teenagers who need a little motivation, or grandparents who enjoy a morning walk, this is a lovely option for Thanksgiving Day family activities.

La Cañada Flintridge Thanksgiving Run & Food Drive: Run and Give Back

Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, and what better way to celebrate than doing something good for your community? The annual La Cañada Flintridge Thanksgiving Run & Food Drive brings local families together for a morning of fitness, generosity, and holiday spirit. Taking place on Thursday, November 26, 2026, at Olberz Park, One Civic Center Drive, the event includes two separate races for different age groups. The 5K begins at 8:15 a.m., while the Kids' Mile starts at 9:30 a.m. That means adults and older participants can tackle the longer course, while younger runners get their own chance to shine. And yes, the kids might take their race just as seriously as the adults! But this event is about more than crossing a finish line.

Proceeds support the Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge and its programs, helping provide activities and opportunities for people throughout the surrounding community.

There's also a Thanksgiving food drive that encourages participants and residents to give back. If you'd like to contribute, check the organizer's current donation instructions before arriving. The event collects eligible nonperishable food and other requested items to help families in need. Not interested in running? You can still get involved! The organizer lists volunteer opportunities that may include event setup, helping at water stations, assisting with registration, collecting food donations, and supporting race-day activities.

Check the official volunteer signup to see which opportunities are currently available. For families looking for meaningful Thanksgiving activities for kids, this event offers something especially valuable: a chance to have fun while learning that the holiday is about giving as much as receiving. And who knows? Your little runner might enjoy helping the community even more than collecting a medal!

Big Bear Turkey Trot: A Thanksgiving Trip Beyond Los Angeles

Want to trade LA's busy streets for pine trees, mountain air, and a little holiday adventure? Then Big Bear Lake might be calling your name! If you're searching for places to go in California for Thanksgiving, the mountains offer a refreshing alternative to staying in the city. And on November 26, 2026, Big Bear is hosting its annual Turkey Trot, giving visitors a fun reason to explore the beautiful Moonridge area.

The event features a three-mile run or walk beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Dank Donuts, located at 42612 Moonridge Road in Big Bear Lake. The route travels through the scenic Moonridge setting, offering a different atmosphere from the typical city race. And this isn't just about finishing three miles. The event includes a lively finish-line celebration, seasonal activities, awards, and a costume contest. So, if you've ever wanted to run through the mountains dressed as a giant turkey, this might finally be your moment!

Big Bear Turkey Trot details:

• Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026

• Start time: 9:30 a.m.

• Distance: Three miles

• Starting location: Dank Donuts, 42612 Moonridge Road, Big Bear Lake

• Celebration: Finish-line activities, awards, and costume contest

Packet pickup is available in advance from November 23 through November 25, with race-morning pickup also scheduled for November 26. If you're traveling from Los Angeles, consider whether you want to arrive the night before or make an early Thanksgiving morning departure. An overnight stay can give your family more time to enjoy the mountain atmosphere without rushing. And if you're planning to return home for Thanksgiving dinner, don't forget to leave enough time for the drive, changing clothes, and getting everyone ready for the holiday meal.

Big Bear is one of those Thanksgiving trips that can become an entire family experience rather than just a morning activity. Just remember that late November in the mountains can bring cold temperatures and changing weather. Check conditions and any applicable driving requirements before setting off. For registration information, packet pickup instructions, and schedule updates, visit the Big Bear Turkey Trot registration page.

Plan Your Arrival for Thanksgiving Activities

There's nothing quite like waking up excited for a Thanksgiving event, only to realize that half your group is still getting dressed and someone forgot where the car keys are! A little planning can save your holiday morning from turning into a race before the actual race. Most Thanksgiving Day events start early, and many have specific registration, packet pickup, and road access requirements. For example, Turkey Trot Los Angeles recommends arriving well before your scheduled start time. Participants who haven't collected their bibs and race materials in advance also need time for packet pickup.

If you're attending with family or friends, keep these simple tips in mind:

• Choose one main Thanksgiving morning event. Trying to squeeze several activities into one morning could leave everyone exhausted before dinner.

• Confirm registration for every participant. Check entry requirements and make sure everyone has received confirmation.

• Review packet pickup instructions. Some events offer advance collection, which can make race morning easier.

• Check road closures and arrival points. Don't assume your usual route or parking location will be accessible.

• Agree on a meeting place. Choose an easy-to-find location where everyone can reconnect after the event.

• Plan your return time. Leave enough room for celebrations, travel, and getting ready for Thanksgiving dinner.

If you're traveling with younger children, pack water, snacks, comfortable shoes, and an extra layer for cooler morning temperatures. And remember, even if Thanksgiving morning traffic is lighter than usual, road closures and event crowds can still affect your journey. The goal is simple: spend more time enjoying your Thanksgiving activities and less time wondering where everyone went.

Travel Together to Thanksgiving Events

Planning Thanksgiving with a big family or a group of friends? Then you already know that getting everyone to agree on a departure time can feel like organizing a small international conference! Between coordinating multiple cars, finding parking, and making sure nobody gets left behind, group transportation can quickly become one more holiday headache. That's where TourVanGo can help. With chauffeured Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, families and friends can arrange shared rides to holiday activities throughout Los Angeles and nearby destinations. Whether you're heading to a Thanksgiving event in Downtown LA, spending the morning in Pasadena, or planning a longer holiday outing, private transportation can make traveling together more convenient. Keep your group together with group transportation services, and arrange your pickup and return around your Thanksgiving outing. When requesting a quote, share your preferred pickup location, number of passengers, destination, and planned return time. For Thanksgiving Day trips, confirm holiday availability, vehicle capacity, and any venue-specific pickup restrictions in advance. For mountain destinations such as Big Bear, also confirm whether the requested route and seasonal travel conditions can be accommodated. Because the only thing you should be coordinating on Thanksgiving is who brings the mashed potatoes! Thanksgiving in Southern California offers plenty of ways to celebrate beyond the dinner table.

From running past Downtown LA landmarks at Turkey Trot Los Angeles to enjoying a family-friendly morning at the Rose Bowl, there's no shortage of fun Thanksgiving events in Los Angeles and surrounding communities. Want to give back? The La Cañada Flintridge Thanksgiving Run & Food Drive combines holiday fun with a meaningful cause. Prefer a change of scenery? Big Bear offers mountain views and a festive reason to plan a holiday getaway. Whatever you choose, make sure to check the organizer's latest schedule, confirm your registration, and plan how your group will get there and back.

And if you're celebrating with family or friends, TourVanGo can help you explore private group transportation options so everyone can enjoy the outing together. After all, Thanksgiving is about making memories with the people you love, not arguing over who's driving!

Happy Thanksgiving! May your morning be full of fun, your table full of delicious food, and your biggest decision be whether to have a second slice of pie!