Thanksgiving is days away. Family and friends will be in focus. But first… a few local to-dos.
This November 25-29 in Los Angeles, you’ll find tree lighting holiday events at Union Station and The Grove, the Human Rights Speaker Series in WeHo, a continuation of the LA Auto Show, the 18th Annual Thanksgiving Feast Show at The Elysian, an LA Christmas Market at ROW DTLA, Holiday Road at King Gillette Ranch, and more.
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Things To Do This Week
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
9th Annual Tree Lighting at Union Station – M FA TP > On Monday, the 9th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Union Station takes place in the Ticket Concourse this year, where guests will enjoy live music from the Kingston Ska Orchestra and Los Rebeldes Romanticos, photos with Santa in the Waiting Room, and a ceremony to light the signature 30-foot tree. Runs 6 to 9 p.m. More info here.
The Grove Tree Lighting Celebration – FA > The 23rd Annual Tree Lighting Celebration at The Grove takes place this Monday. Lance Bass hosts, with special performances by Ryan Tedder, Maren Morris, Rachel Platten, Jesse McCartney, Abi Carter, Robin Thicke, Sheléa, and Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA and more. Guests can experience the the season’s first “snowfall” plus a drone show and fireworks to welcome and Santa Claus’ arrival. Starts at 7 p.m. More info here.
L.A. Auto Show – M > Continuing today through Sunday, the nation’s top auto show is back at the Los Angeles Convention Center with a massive slate of automotive exhibitors, plus vehicle test drives, activations, and family-friendly entertainment. Single day tickets start at $22.80 for adults. More info here.
Human Rights Speaker Series – FA > This Monday, the City of West Hollywood is hosting a panel discussion focused on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals across the former Soviet Union. Held at the West Hollywood City Council Chambers, the event will also explore issues encountered by asylum seekers and recent immigrants from the region, addressing key topics impacting Eastern Europe and neighboring areas, as well as pathways to asylum in the U.S. More info here.
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Digital Witness at LACMA – > This past weekend, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art opened their newest exhibition, Digital Witness: Revolutions in Design, Photography, and Film. The exhibition features works from 200 artists, designers, and makers, all curated to examine the impact of digital manipulation tools from the 1980s to the present. It remains on view through July 13, 2025. Adult tickets to LACMA start at $23 for L.A. County residents, or $28 for non-residents. The museum is open every day except Wednesdays and major holidays (including Thanksgiving). Get more info here.
Drinksgiving at Benny Boy – FA > If you need a few adult brews to kick off your Thanksgiving weekend, head over toe Benny Boy this Wednesday for their second annual Drinksgiving celebration. There will be plenty of beer and cider on tap, plus music by DJ BigSpin from 6 to 11 p.m., and food for purchase by Saulito’s from 5 to 10 p.m. Admission is free. 21+ only. More info here.
The Red-Eye Pre-Thanksigiving Party – FA > Hawthorne’s Common Space Brewery is hosting their second annual Pre-Thanksgiving Day bash this Wednesday featuring dancing beats from multiple DJs plus live tarot readings from 7 to 10 p.m. Free to attend. 21+ only. More info here.
18th Annual Thanksgiving Feast Show -> This Wednesday, the Elysian Theater hosts an improvised holiday get together featuring some of L.A.’s top improvs creating fictional dysfunction that will make your family seem decidedly sane in comparison. Cast includes Deborah Tarica, Kimia Behpoornia, Suzi Barrett, Alex Berg, Julie Brister, Todd Fasen, and Alex Fernie. Tickets are $18. Show starts at 8 p.m. More info here.
Enchanted: Forest of Light -> Descanso Gardens’ annual light spectacle is back this November with a range of wondrous, illuminated installations spread throughout the grounds, from 3-D geometric sculptures in the Rose Garden to a glowing meadow grass installation among the oaks. Adult tickets cost $22-$45 for non-members. More info here.
L.A. Zoo Lights -> The Los Angeles Zoo’s brightest annual tradition will transform the zoo grounds into a world of light and holiday magic. The after-hours event offers brightly lit displays and festive family-friendly experience on select nights through January 5. Adult tickets range from $29-$35, depending on the desired date to attend. More info here.
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LA Christmas Market -> Starting this Friday, ROW DTLA will host a European-inspired Christmas Market featuring holiday decor, baked treats, festive activities, and seasonal music. Free to attend, visitors can browse dozens of open-air booths offering seasonal delights like soft pretzels and hot chocolate, as well as handcrafted items from local artisans. After the opening weekend, the market will continue every Wednesday through Sunday throughout November and December. More info here.
Friday Night Flirt – FA > This Friday, Cuties hosts a social night for the QTBIPOC polyamorous and non-monogamous community at Bar Franca in Downtown Los Angeles. Happening from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. the event is free to attend with registration and 21+. More info here.
The Grinch Who Stole Christmas at Ovation – M FA > This Friday, Ovation Hollywood’s monthly outdoor movie night takes a holiday turn with a screening of How The Grinch Stole Christmas. As usual, the screening takes place under the arch in the center courtyard, and if you arrive early you can snag free popcorn and discounted treats from the TCL Chinese Theatre concessions stand. Film starts at 7 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Holiday Road – > Starting this Friday, Holiday Road returns to King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas for its fourth year, bringing a 1-mile walking trail of immersive scenes and holiday-themed activities for all to enjoy. The experience continues on select dates through December 28. Tickets range from $24.99-$34.99. Get more info here.
Astra Lumina: An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst The Stars -> The South Coast Botanic Garden again morphs into a multi-sensory celestial pathway where guests will walk amongst the stars thanks to brilliant lights, cosmic visions, and astral song. Adult tickets start at $39 and there’s an additional fee for parking. Runs on select dates through January 31. More info here.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
“Korean Thanksgiving” Dinner at Jilli -> This Friday, Jilli in Koreatown is hosting a Chuseok Soolsang celebration centered around food and drink. Guests will be the first to sample new menu items alongside Jilli’s favorite dishes, with complimentary soju and beer available throughout the evening. Reservations can be made through Resy for $66.30 per person.
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Thanksgiving at Crossroads Kitchen -> Celebrate Thanksgiving with a four-course vegan prix-fixe menu at Crossroads Kitchen for $80 per person. Available from noon to 6 p.m., the meal begins with Celery Root Soup and a Waldorf Salad. For the main course, choose between Breaded Scallopini or Roasted Lion’s Mane Mushrooms with herb gravy. Sides include Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Classic Stuffing, Cranberry Relish, Brussels Sprouts with currants, pine nuts, and maple Dijon vinaigrette, and Sweet Potato Biscuits with maple butter. For dessert, opt for Pumpkin Pie with whipped cream or Cranberry Sorbet. Reservations are available on OpenTable for both Calabasas and Melrose locations.
Intercrew Holiday Menu -> Intercrew in Koreatown is offering a special Friendsgiving/Thanksgiving menu from November 27 to 30 (closed on the 28th). Priced at $85 per person, the meal includes a complimentary seasonal cocktail, the “Pumpkin Old -Thankful,” an old fashioned with pumpkin spice and a cinnamon stick garnish. Menu highlights include Roasted Sweet Potato with Italian meringue, toasted pepitas, brown butter, and sage; Duck Confit Pot Pie; and a Roasted Turkey Dinner featuring chunky Yukon mashed potatoes, green beans with cream of mushroom, fried onions, brioche stuffing, gravy, and bourbon cranberry. Dessert is Apple Pie served with vanilla ice cream and caramel. Reservations are available through OpenTable.
Thanksgiving Deal at SHOR Bazaar -> SHOR Bazaar, the upscale Desi restaurant in Hawaiian Gardens, is serving a Thanksgiving Day plate for just $19. The special includes roasted halal turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry chutney. Their seasonal mocktail menu is also available, featuring cozy drinks like the Pumpkin Spiced Martini and a warm Hot Toddy with honey, orange, and cinnamon. The restaurant is open from 4 to 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving, with reservations available through OpenTable.
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