Events
The Return of the Turkey Trot
Nov. 23. On Thanksgiving morning, Downtown LA will host the annual Turkey Trot, a charity run aiming to raise $100,000 for The Midnight Mission to aid the homeless. Participants, often dressed in festive costumes such as turkeys and pilgrims, will start and finish at City Hall. The event will also feature the Widdle Wobble and Dog Jog, inviting children and dogs to join in the festivities. Thursday, packet pick-up opens 6:30 a.m. 200 N. Spring St., Los Angeles. turkeytrot.la
Hollywood Christmas Parade
Nov. 26. Full of floats, bands, equestrians and celebrities, the annual Hollywood Christmas Parade returns and traverses a U-shaped route, starting at Hollywood and Orange and concluding at Sunset and Orange. Reserved grandstand seats are available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting Toys for Tots, and spectators also have the option of free curbside seating. Sunday at 6 p.m. 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. thehollywoodchristmasparade.org
Movie Nights At The Godfrey Hotel iO Rooftop Bar & Lounge
Nov. 26. Movie Nights at the Godfrey Hotel continue throughout the holidays. Come to the Rooftop iO Bar & Lounge for weekly screenings of popular movies on a 60 ft outdoor rooftop screen. Your reservation includes access to the rooftop, reserved seating, complimentary popcorn and cotton candy, complimentary use of the Godfrey blankets and chance to win prizes with Movie Trivia Games. Cash bar available featuring themed cocktails for the night along with selected menu items for dining. Movie starts at 8 p.m., 11/26, The Nightmare Before Christmas. $40.00 minimum per person. 1400 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles. Get Your Tickets Now
A Winter Wonderland at King Gillette Ranch
Starts Nov. 24. Holiday Road at Calabasas’ seasonal spectacle features a mile-long trail adorned with twinkling lights, oversized holiday displays and vibrant decorations. This year also debuts new lantern art, photos with Santa and a collaboration with Amazon’s holiday comedy film “Candy Cane Lane.” Don’t forget to indulge from local food trucks and holiday-themed bars. Days vary, 4:30 p.m-9:30 p.m. 26800 Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas. holidayroadusa.com
Netflix Family Nights
Starts Nov. 24. At Santa Monica’s Ice rink, Netflix Family Nights offer complimentary skating sessions accompanied by popular family films and shows. Alongside the entertainment, guests can purchase special treats from local favorites Ugo Trattoria and Stefano’s Pizzeria, plus an exclusive rink-side fire pit experience featuring s’mores kits from S’moreology. First come, first serve. Starts Friday, at 5:30 p.m. 1324 5th St., Santa Monica. More Information
Food + Drinks
Ardor’s Thanksgiving Dinner
Nov. 23. Michelin-starred Chef John Fraser presents a festive vegetable-forward three-course Thanksgiving menu. The meal begins with roasted parsnip bisque, raw cauliflower cacio pepe or hamachi ceviche. Main course options include sweet potato curry or spiced roasted turkey, served with crispy Brussels sprouts, pommes puree and sauce poulette. For dessert, finish off with Ardor’s signature pie or warm chocolate mousse with pecan praline and pear sorbet. Thursday, at 3 p.m. 9040 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. Reserve Now
New American Italian Ristorante
Now Open. Twelve Twelve Santa Monica unveils its reimagined ristorante, with a refreshed menu and new Italian-inspired cocktails. Enjoy a selection of dishes, including beef tartare, fresh gnocchi pomodoro and bistecca alla ribeye. Complement your meal with cocktails such as the Bellucci and Italian Dragon from their curated program. Their Discoteca offers nightlife featuring live DJs and guest violinists. Monday-Thursday, 5 p.m.-12 a.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m. 1212 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica. 1212santamonica.com
The Bar at Short Stories
Now Open. Located in Short Stories Hotel’s central courtyard, the new cocktail bar and lounge offers specialty cocktails and an array of California wines. Featured drinks include the bourbon-based Ordinary Madness and the gin-infused Ritz Diamond. Complement your beverage with their small dishes like burrata & heirloom tomato, the Short Stories burger or olive oil lemon cake topped with sangria berries. Tuesday-Sunday, hours vary. 119 S. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles. shortstorieshotels.com
Lucifer’s Pumpkin Pizzas
Now Open. For this Thanksgiving season, Lucifer’s Pizza introduces a novel twist on traditional holiday dishes with its ‘Pumpkin Pizzas.’ The menu features two new signature flavors: the roast pumpkin and prosciutto pizza, which combines pumpkin, prosciutto, roast garlic, spinach, and mozzarella and the Zucha Pizza, a unique mix of pumpkin, olives, feta, zucchini, red bell pepper, spinach and mozzarella. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. 3116 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank. luciferspizza.com
Thanksgiving at The Palm
Nov. 23. The popular steakhouse in DTLA invites everyone to a lavish three-course Thanksgiving dinner. The menu features a blend of traditional holiday favorites and Palm classics such as butternut squash soup, roasted turkey with stuffing, green beans, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce and gravy. Top it all off with dessert selections of chocolate pecan pie or Junior’s cheesecake. $59 per guest. Thursday, hours vary for the holiday. 1100 S. Flower St., Los Angeles. thepalm.com
Arts + Culture
Friendsgiving Offer to Love Actually Live at The Wallis
Now Open. Once your Thanksgiving feast is over, begin the Christmas season with your best friends at an LA holiday tradition: Love Actually Live, the critically acclaimed theatrical experience where scenes from the holiday film are performed live on stage with a full orchestra and powerhouse performances. Use code FRIENDSGIVING for 30% off tickets to Thanksgiving weekend performances Nov 24 – 26. Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd. Beverly Hills. Get Tickets Now
Enchanted Forest of Light
Now Open. Descanso Gardens invites you on a mesmerizing evening stroll through their annual light exhibition, featuring illuminated installations and magical “stained glass” sculptures. Key attraction includes the rose garden’s labyrinth, adorned with HYBYCOZO’s captivating 3-D geometric sculptures, creating an immersive visual experience. Tickets $35-$45. 1418. Open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. descansogardens.org
Flamenco! MarÃa Bermúdez’s Sonidos Gitanos
Nov. 25. Experience the intensity and emotion of traditional flamenco, brought to life by the talented MarÃa Bermúdez and her ensemble of skilled dancers and musicians. Be transported to the heart of Spain, as you experience an authentic gypsy fiesta that blends both traditional and contemporary flamenco styles. Saturday, at 8 p.m. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
Photo credit: Twelve Twelve courtesy of Ryan Tanaka. The Ancient Forest courtesy of Descanso Gardens. The Bar at Short Stories courtesy of M18 Public Relations. Ice at Santa Monica Aerial Shot courtesy of Photo Bryan and Hanya Bruner. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
