Thanksgiving weekend in LA offers far more than turkey and leftovers — it’s a period for festive fun, community gatherings and family-friendly traditions. Families can explore craft-filled celebrations, bustling holiday markets and volunteer opportunities that give back to the community. Check out some of the events listed below happening on Thanksgiving Day and the days following.

    

Turkey Trot Los Angeles

NOV. 27

Downtown Los Angeles is hosting the annual Turkey Trot. Thousands of runners and families come to the heart of the city on Thanksgiving morning to raise money and stay active on the holiday. The 5K and 10K courses wind through DTLA streets starting at 8 a.m., encouraging participants of all ages to kick off the holiday with community spirit and a little cardio. The event features costumes, photo ops and family-friendly activities. Proceeds support local charities.

Los Angeles City Hall, 200 N. Spring Street, Los Angeles, prices vary, 8 a.m., turkeytrot.la

    

Annual Thanksgiving Street Festival

NOV. 27

Organized by The Midnight Mission, the Annual Thanksgiving Street Festival brings together community members, volunteers and local organizations to serve holiday meals and provide support to those in need. It features live music and is along the streets of Skid Row. Volunteers will distribute hot meals and essential services to the people living in Skid Row, giving Angelenos an opportunity to give back on the holiday.

The Midnight Mission, 601 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, free, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., midnightmission.org

    

ROW DTLA x playdate Family Holiday Hang

NOV. 29

ROW DTLA and Playdate are teaming up to host Family Holiday Hang, a festive morning filled with hands-on kids’ activities, live entertainment and nostalgic holiday fun. Families can enjoy complimentary Playdate-hosted craft stations while supplies las, plus a variety of paid activities throughout ROW, including ornament-making, seed planting, mini wreath decorating and a special holiday t-shirt/onesie station benefiting Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. The first 50 attendees will receive a parent-only goodie bag. The event supports Small Business Saturday, with exclusive promotions at ROW shops available throughout the day.

Highlights include letters to Santa card-making, keepsake ornament-making and custom embroidery, seed planting and bento box cookie decorating.

ROW DTLA, 777 S. Alameda Street, Los Angeles, free, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., rowdtla.com/events/playdateholidayhang

    

Smorgasburg for the Holidays

NOV. 30 to DEC. 21

Smorgasburg LA transforms ROW DTLA for the holidays with decor, food creations and a rotating lineup of local makers offering giftable goods every Sunday from Nov. 30 to Dec. 21. The market becomes a hub for holiday shopping, featuring artisan crafts, treats and small-batch products from independent vendors. Visitors can enjoy seasonal bites, live entertainment and a vibrant community atmosphere perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.

ROW DTLA, 777 S. Alameda Street, Los Angeles, free, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., la.smorgasburg.com

    

LA County Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Music Center

DEC. 1

The LA County Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Music Center brings communities together for a festive evening of lights, music and family activities. The event features a massive holiday tree, live performances and seasonal entertainment across the plaza. Visitors of all ages can enjoy hot beverages, holiday markets, and interactive displays. This annual tradition highlights Downtown LA as a central hub for holiday celebrations.

The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, free, 5 to 8 p.m., musiccenter.org

    

Pershing Square Holiday Ice Rink & Tree Lighting

Through JAN. 11

Pershing Square transforms into a winter wonderland with its annual Holiday Ice Rink and Tree Lighting event. The celebration kicks off with performances and a ceremonial tree lighting, followed by public skating on the seasonal rink. Families and visitors can enjoy festive décor, music and holiday cheer in the heart of Downtown LA.

Pershing Square, 532 South Olive Street, Los Angeles, $21.20, various times, holidayicerinkdowntownla.com