Before you tuck into that Thanksgiving meal, burn some calories at a turkey trot. Madonna wraps her L.A. residency this week. The Never Not Funny podcast tapes a live show. Love Actually Live returns to the stage. The American Cinematheque screens the holiday classic Planes, Trains and Automobiles. A Galaxy Quest documentary celebrates the cult film's 20th anniversary. And a UCB show improvs a Thanksgiving family meal.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25; 10:30 P.M.
Madonna
The Wiltern -- 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire
The material girl -- woman -- wraps her residency at the Wiltern. She's on tour to support her 14th studio album, Madame X, a "love letter to multiculturalism and a testament to Madonna's transformative influence on, and respect for, global culture." This is a no cellphone/no recording device event.
COST: Tickets start at $175; MORE INFO
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25 - SEPTEMBER 2020
L.A. Murals
Walt Disney Concert Hall -- 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A.
A new photography exhibition from the Library of Congress showcases murals painted on the streets of L.A. Now on view in the Ira Gershwin Gallery, it features 30 photographs from the archives of photographers Carol M. Highsmith and Camilo José Vergara, part of the Library's more than 14 million photographs.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25
Tacos. Mezcal. Repeat.
JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE -- 900 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown L.A.
The hotel's ground floor restaurant, The Mixing Room, becomes Tacos. Mezcal. Repeat. through summer 2020. The menu has been updated with Latin American-inspired flavors and there are more than 60 new mezcals and tequilas to choose from. New dishes include cochinita pibil tacos, beef short rib taquitos and white shrimp ceviche. When the Lakers play at home on Tuesdays, look for their taco Tuuuuuuesday specials.
COST: Varies ; MORE INFO
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25; 8 - 9:30 A.M.
Never Not Funny Live
Feinstein's at Vitello's-- 4349 Tujunga Ave., Studio City
The Earwolf podcast presents a live taping of the show featuring hosts Jimmy Pardo and Matt Belknap chatting with guest CeCe Pleasants.
COST: $15, plus $20 food and beverage minimum; MORE INFO
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25; 7 - 8 P.M.
Chez Melange Celebrates 37 Years
1611 S Catalina Ave, Redondo Beach
The South Bay staple celebrates nearly four decades in business with a night of food, wine and stories. Hear tales from owners Michael Franks and chef Robert Bell while enjoying a meal. Call 310-540-1222 for reservations.
COST: $95, plus tax and service; MORE INFO
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26
Never Surrender: A Galaxy Quest Documentary
Various SoCal movie theaters
The meta sci-fi comedy starring Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman and Sam Rockwell, gets more meta thanks to a documentary. Produced by Fandom and Screen Junkies, the doc features insight from the original cast along with commentary from Galaxy Quest director Dean Parisot, and Star Trek fan-favorites Wil Wheaton and Brent Spiner. The one-day only event also features deleted scenes and the premiere of the "Honest Trailer" for film, which was released 20 years ago.
COST: Varies; MORE INFO
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27; 8 - 9 P.M.
Thanksgiving Feast Show
Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre -- 5919 Franklin Ave., Franklin Village
This improv show recreates a family Thanksgiving meal with all its awkwardness and hilarity. From creepy uncles to troubled teens and out-of-it elders, watch this show to prepare yourself for the holidays. Since this is a "feast," audience members will be served food during the show.
COST: $9; MORE INFO
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27 - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29
Love Actually Live
The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts -- 9390 N Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills
The multimedia concert celebration of Richard Curtis's 2003 film returns to the Wallis after last year's smash run. Returning cast members Rex Smith, Carrie Manolakos, Doug Kreeger, Tomasina Abate, Carson Higgins and Emily Lopez join new players including Rogelio Douglas Jr., Declan Bennett, Jon Robert Hall and Chris Mann.
COST: $39 - 125 ; MORE INFO
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27
Truffle Day
Eataly L.A. -- 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Century City
In Italy and around the world, white truffles are a rare delicacy. For one day, Eataly offers the truffles at the lowest price in year, $4.90 per gram (that's up to 55% off) and just in time for Thanksgiving dinner.
COST: Varies; MORE INFO
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27; 7:30 - 9:30 P.M.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Aero Theatre -- 1328 Montana Ave., Santa Monica
Avoid the freeways and duck into a screening of John Hughes's 1987 Thanksgiving-themed film starring Steve Martin and the late John Candy. When a stiff businessman meets an freewheelng fellow passenger, they're forced to travel together to make it to their homes in time for the holiday.
COST: $12; MORE INFO
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28; 6 A.M. - 12 P.M.
Turkey Trot Los Angeles
Los Angeles City Hall -- 200 N. Spring St., downtown L.A.
The 7th annual run returns with the goal of raising $50,000 for the Midnight Mission. Runners dressed in Thanksgiving costumes jog through DTLA's streets in a loop that starts and ends at City Hall. Participants are encouraged to donate money or bring blankets and towels. The events begin at 6:45 a.m. and end after the Widdle Wobble fun run for kids at 10:15 am. Registration includes a Turkey Trot L.A. T-Shirt and a finisher medal.
COST: $20 - $70; MORE INFO
Looking for other options? There are tons of Turkey Trots happening around Southern California. Here are a few.
If you're hosting guests this week, or not going anywhere for the holiday, you've got options.
Through SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1
The Thanksgiving Play
Geffen Playhouse -- 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood
Written by Larissa FastHorse (What Would Crazy Horse Do?, Landless) and directed by Michael John Garcés (Urban Rez, The Royale), the play asks how do you celebrate Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage month at the same time? The satire follows "three 'woke' white thespians tasked with devising an elementary school pageant about the first Thanksgiving." The production pokes fun at political correctness and the politics of entertainment?
COST: $30 - $120; MORE INFO
Through SUNDAY, JANUARY 12
Moonlight Forest
Los Angeles County Arboretum -- 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia
The lantern art festival features interactive displays and two new themes, Polar Dreams ,which features penguins and cuddly sled dogs, and Ocean Visions, which features exotic fish, giant sharks and undersea creatures.
COST: $23 - $28; MORE INFO
Through TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10
Key Largo
Geffen Playhouse Theater -- 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood
Danny Pino, Andy Garcia and Joely Fisher star in Maxwell Anderson's Broadway play (made famous by the pairing of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall in the film noir). Returning from World War II, disillusioned vet Frank McCloud (Pino) travels to a hotel in Key Largo to pay his respects to the widow of a fallen friend. But now has to deal with the mobsters, led by the ruthless Johnny Rocco (Garcia), who have taken over the joint.
COST: $30 - $155; MORE INFO
Through SUNDAY, JANUARY 5; 6 - 10 P.M.
L.A. Zoo Lights
Los Angeles Zoo -- 5333 Zoo Dr., Griffith Park
The holiday season begins at the zoo with the return of its fantastical light display. The self-guided, 60 to 90 minute walk features wildlife-inspired displays, lights, projections and immersive interactive experiences.Treats and visits with Santa are also available.
COST: $11.95 - $21.95; MORE INFO
Through SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29
Jitney
Mark Taper Forum -- 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown L.A.
Tony Award-winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson directs the Center Theatre Group's presentation of August Wilson's classic. Set in the 1970s, the play follows a group of men who drive unlicensed cabs aka jitneys. When the city threatens to board up the business and the boss's son returns from prison, tempers flare and secrets are revealed.
COST: $25 - $125 ; MORE INFO
Through SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1
Los Angeles Auto Show
Convention Center -- 1201 S Figueroa St., downtown L.A.
Car enthusiasts can check out more than 1,000 vehicles including debuts, custom and exotic cars, test drives and activations for drivers and non-drivers alike. The show hosts its first-ever LEGO booth, which honors SoCal's car culture and also features a life-size LEGO Bugatti Chiron.
COST: $6 - $35 admission; MORE INFO
Through SUNDAY, JANUARY 5
Enchanted Forest of Light
Descanso Gardens -- 1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge
Take a one-mile nighttime stroll through the garden's foliage, which will be illuminated with interactive installations that allow guests to manipulate the lights and sounds. Tickets are timed and are rain-or-shine.
COST: General admission tickets start at $28; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 5
Santa's Village - A Nostalgic Christmas in the Woods
SkyPark at Santa's Village -- 28950 California 18, Skyforest
The outdoor adventure park near Lake Arrowhead plays host to Santa throughout the holiday season. There are activities and entertainment for all ages such as meet-and-greets with Mr. Claus, magic show, ice skating, parades and light shows. Day passes also include access to park attractions like ziplining, an archery range, an ax challenge and pedal cars.
COST: $49 - $59; MORE INFO
Through SATURDAY, JANUARY 4
Magic Lantern Festival
Pomona Fairplex -- 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona
Every Saturday through Jan. 4, the Chinese Lantern Festival returns for the holiday season. View illuminated displays with the theme "Blooming Seasons." Bask in the glow of lanterns strung up to 30 feet high and a 100-yard-long ceramic dragon. You'll also learn about the art of lantern-making in China, which dates back 2,000 years.
COST: $15.50 - $27; MORE INFO
Through SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22
29th Annual Winter Fantasy
Sawdust Art Festival -- 935 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach
While most people visit the Sawdust Festival grounds during the summer, the three-acre art village transforms into a snowy wonderland for five weekends during the winter. The festival features 180 artists and makers, three stages of music, art demonstrations, a petting zoo, holiday lights, trees and Santa. The community tree lighting takes place on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
COST: $4 - $12, and active or retired members of the military, and three members of their family get in for free.; MORE INFO
