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How to win your Thanksgiving weekend in SoCal
File photo of pumpkin pie.
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Annie/Flickr Creative Commons
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Participants in a "turkey trot."
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Chris Cast via Flickr Creative Commons
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Whether you're cooking a big dinner or just staying home, there's plenty to do this Thanksgiving weekend. Tired of turkey? Try something new for dinner. Need a place to walk off all those extra calories? We've got something for that, too.
FOODIE PICK
https://twitter.com/NorthgateGlzMrk/status/799280944175681536/photo/1
La Habra Tamale Festival
Forego the traditional Thanksgiving fare and fill up on tamales instead. There might not be turkey, but this festival still showcases the makings of the winter holidays, including a tree lighting ceremony, live entertainment and more. Pro tip: Make sure to try your hand at the churro eating contest!
WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 27, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
WHERE: Euclid Street, La Habra | MAP
COST: Free admission
Sponsored message
LAST CHANCE PICK
https://twitter.com/RealGDT/status/801094563939004416
Guillermo del Toro: At Home With Monsters
If you haven't already hit up this gem, now's your chance. While most of the city is out of town or still recovering from the self-induced food coma, the usually crowded museum will be mostly empty for your leisurely pleasure. That's what we call winning in L.A.
WHEN: Last day is Sunday, Nov. 27
WHERE: Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Miracle Mile | MAP
COST: Tickets are $15 | Get tickets
Sponsored message
SHOPAHOLIC PICK
https://twitter.com/CraftAndFolk/status/796896521144778752
Holiday Marketplace
When the crowds descend, you'll probably want to spend as little time as possible at shopping hubs across Southern California. You can get a head start on your holiday shopping needs at this marketplace featuring one-of-a-kind products like jewelry, housewares and art. Pro tip: For an extra kick of hand-made product commerce, head over to the Patchwork show.
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 26, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
WHERE: The Craft & Folk Art Museum | MAP
COST: Free
FAMILY PICK
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Hollywood Christmas Parade
The streets of Hollywood are already crowded, but this weekend they'll be shut down to spread some holiday cheer. It's the first major event to usher in Christmas, serving as preamble to Pasadena's Rose Parade and rival to New York's Thanksgiving Parade. Celebrity appearances include Lou Ferrigno and Montel Williams — not to mention the giant floating Santa Garfield and the Grinch.
WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 27, 5 p.m.
WHERE: Hollywood | MAP OF ROUTE
COST: Free
STAFF PICK
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Enchanted: Forest of Light
Here, you'll find an interactive, nighttime experience featuring a 1-mile walk through 10 distinct lighting displays at Descanso Gardens, which can serve as an alternative to traditional tree lighting ceremonies. We anticipate plenty of Instagram-worthy moments. Pro tip: Tickets are timed and must be purchased in advance.
Sponsored message
WHEN: Open Saturday, Nov. 25 through Jan. 8
WHERE: Descanso Gardens, La Cañada Flintridge | MAP
COST: Tickets are $28 Get tickets
COMMUNITY PICK
Participants in a "turkey trot."
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Chris Cast via Flickr Creative Commons
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Burbank Turkey Trot
In anticipation of all the food to be consumed, folks can participate in this 5K or 10K walk/run. Don your best turkey outfit — or not — and strut with friends, family and your pets, all to benefit the Burbank YMCA. If you can't make this one, here's a full list of other trots around the city.
WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 24, registration is at 6 a.m.
WHERE: Burbank Community YMCA | MAP
COST: Registration is $45 the day of
OUTDOOR PICK
https://twitter.com/CAStateParks/status/801104628364419072
Green Friday
On the day after Thanksgiving, the California State Parks Foundation will offer free day-use parking passes for all 116 state parks while everybody else is out shopping. The foundation says the passes will go fast though, so don't wait too long to get one. It'll also give you a chance to walk off that second helping of pumpkin pie.
WHEN: Friday, Nov. 25
WHERE: Any California State Park | REGISTRY
COST: Free, but you need to order a pass online
How are you spending your weekend? Let us know on Twitter @matthew_bloom, @lizmoonyoz and @LeoHasACat.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
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