From races to giving back, there’s plenty to do in Southern California on Thanksgiving Day!
Turkey Trots:
Start Thanksgiving Day with a run, walk, or “wobble” at one of the many Turkey Trots happening across the region. Most allow same-day or last-minute registration.
Irvine / OC Turkey Trot – 5K, 1-Mile Dash & Kids Gobble Wobble
• 5K: 8:00 a.m.
• 1-Mile Dash: 7:30 a.m.
• Kids Gobble Wobble: 9:10 a.m.
Link: https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Irvine/OrangeCountyTurkeyTrot
Turkey Trot Los Angeles – Downtown LA
Run past the Walt Disney Concert Hall and finish at Grand Park.
• Multiple distances including Widdle Wobble, Dog Jog, 5K, Virtual
Link: https://turkeytrot.la/
Torrance – Harry Sutter Memorial Turkey Trot (3-Mile Fun Run)
• 8:00 a.m. | Rain or shine
Link: https://www.torranceca.gov/our-city/recreation/special-events/turkeytrot
Rose Bowl Turkey Trot – Pasadena
• 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Family-friendly 5K around the stadium
Link: https://www.visitpasadena.com/events/turkey-trot/
Drumstick Dash LA – North Hollywood (5K/10K)
LA’s largest Thanksgiving run benefiting Hope the Mission, supporting meals for unhoused families.
• 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Location: North Hollywood Red Line/Orange Line Station
Link: https://raceroster.com/events/2025/97749/2025-hope-the-mission-drumstick-dash-la
Other Events in SoCal:
Pershing Square Holiday Ice Rink – Thanksgiving Hours
Date/Time: Open Thanksgiving Day | 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: Pershing Square, Downtown LA
Enjoy a festive afternoon or night ice skating under the city skyline. One-hour sessions begin every 90 minutes.
Link: https://holidayicerinkdowntownla.com/ice-skating-downtown-la/
Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner – Laugh Factory (Hollywood)
Date/Time: Thursday, Nov. 27
For more than 40 years, the Laugh Factory has opened its doors to anyone without a place to go for the holiday, offering a free Thanksgiving meal in a welcoming, supportive environment.
Link: https://laughfactory.com
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Ways to Give Back on Thanksgiving Day
Opportunities to serve meals, prep food, distribute goods, or support local families:
Gobble Gobble Give – Orange County Rescue Mission
Volunteers help collect and distribute meals to families in need.
Link: https://www.rescuemission.org/
Hollywood Food Coalition — Community Dinner Volunteer
Support their nightly meal program, running since 1987.
Link: https://hofoco.org/community-dinner-volunteer/
YMCA of Metro Los Angeles – Fresh Produce Distribution & Holiday Drive
Help sort, pack, or distribute food and supplies across 27 local branches.
Link: https://ymcala.volunteermatters.org/project-catalog/1699
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