EVENTS

Los Angeles has it all: picturesque beaches, thrilling theme parks, museums, art galleries, sports teams, high-end shopping, just to name a few. If your idea of an ideal Thanksgiving is spending it in the sun amid swaying palm trees, you might wish to consider The City of Angels.

There are plenty of things to do in November in LA, including the Hollywood Christmas Parade – an essential part of Thanksgiving festivities in the city.

Here is a list of things for you and your family to experience should you decide LA is where you would like to be to enjoy your turkey with the trimmings:

Hollywood Christmas Parade

This 90-year-old parade – set for November 27 this year – is everything a Christmas parade should be: filled with colorful floats, marching bands, big balloons, equestrians and celebrities as they ride in a route beginning at Hollywood and Orange and ending at Sunset and Orange. Reserved grandstand seats can be purchased with proceeds going to Toys for Tots.

Los Angeles Auto Show

This popular show features vehicles that would even make James Bond envious. If you love your cars, you can even get behind the wheel to test drive one of the rides on the indoor EV track. Celebrities are on hand to meet and greet at the exhibits. You’ll also be able to see new debuts from worldwide manufacturers. This year the show takes place at the Convention Center, from November 18-17.

Ice Skating

You wouldn’t normally associate Los Angeles with an outdoor ice rink, but there is one right smack in the middle of the downtown skyscrapers. Don a pair of skates and glide around on the ice with your family under the Southern California sun. The rink is located at Pershing Square. If you are in the mood for a real Christmas vibe, head to Santa’s Village just outside Lake Arrowhead where they can get fresh, mountain snowfall. In any case, visit the park’s Silver Bells Arena which converts from a roller rink to seasonal ice skating.

Enchanted Forest of Light

Enchanted Forest of Light is an interactive, nighttime experience unlike anything else in Los Angeles, featuring a one-mile walk through unique lighting experiences in some of the most beloved areas of Descanso Gardens. Popular returning favorites include an entire town of magical “stained glass” creations built in the Rose Garden by contemporary sculptor Tom Fruin; sparkling geometric installations from Hybycozo on the Main Lawn; Flower Power on the Promenade; and exquisite lighting effects in the Ancient Forest. Remember to wear comfortable shoes since this is about a mile long walk and an experience you and your loved one won’t soon forget.

Other Lightscapes

Head over to the Arboretum for a whimsical light event along a mile of pathway. You will find tunnels of lights, uplit trees and many installations that will put you into a festive mood. The LA Zoo will be staying open each night right through January for its holiday lighting tradition including animal-inspired displays, tunnels glittering with lights and oversized lanterns. You might also wish to take in the Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn in Riverside where you will see 4.5 million twinkling lights and more than 400 animated figures.

Where to Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner in Los Angeles

There are a number of fine restaurants in LA serving Thanksgiving dinner. Here are a few of our recommendations:

The Royce Steak House

Get ready for a Thanksgiving feast at the Royce Steak House in Pasadena. You’ll have your choice of starters, honey brine turkey breast, confit turkey leg, maple glazed vegetables, cranberry stuffing and gravy. Or, if you’re not in the mood for turkey, you can opt for the prime flat iron steak with sweet potato harissa puree, rainbow carrots, turnips and pea ragout or grilled whole branzino, kale and cannellini bean cassoulet, bacon lardons and tomato pesto. For dessert, it’s your choice of pumpkin spiced white chocolate mousse, vanilla sponge cake, cinnamon almond crumble and crème Anglaise or orange butter cake with cream filling, cranberry gelee and pistachio ice cream. 1401 S Oak Knoll Avenue, Pasadena.

The Restaurant at Mr. C Beverly Hills

Here, you will find a four-course menu where you will be serenaded by a harpist. Highlights of your dinner include peas velouté’ with parmigiano foam and white truffle infused homemade butternut squash ravioli with butter and sage sauces; oven roasted turkey with sweet mashed potatoes and candied pecans with maple and brown sugar cranberry sauce and bacon wrapped asparagus with Napa Valley chardonnay gravy and roasted chestnut stuffing. It’s homemade pumpkin pie with meringue, topped with amaretto cookies for dessert. 1224 Beverwil Drive, Los Angeles.

Bourbon Steak

This Thanksgiving Glendale’s Bourbon Steak is offering a delicious Thanksgiving meal including turkey, rolls, squash, apple soup and a luxurious Caesar salad with black truffle crunch. Sides include mac and cheese, potato purée and Brussels sprouts. Dessert include pumpkin pie. 237 S Brand Boulevard, Los Angeles.

Should you wish to enjoy your Thanksgiving in The City of Angels this year, please reach out to one of LVH’s client relations professionals who will ensure you have the most memorable Los Angeles Thanksgiving vacations staying at the most elite of LA’s luxury accommodations where you will receive full services and support. Let us plan your holiday getaway which will be teeming with exciting experiences you and your family will be sure to remember forever.