Best 2014 Thanksgiving Celebrations And Events For The Family In Los Angeles

westside thanksgiving dinner header Best 2014 Thanksgiving Celebrations And Events For The Family In Los Angeles

(credit: Westside Thanksgiving Dinner)

The holiday season brings families together, but if you're looking for a way for your family to connect to the rest of the world, it might be time to venture out. For this Thanksgiving make a new tradition that goes beyond dinner at home. Try a new activity like volunteering at a community Thanksgiving dinner, go on a cruise for a change of scenery, or support a cause by entering a race and raising funds for charity. The following activities will make your Thanksgiving a day the whole family will remember.

westside thanksgiving dinner Best 2014 Thanksgiving Celebrations And Events For The Family In Los Angeles

(credit: Westside Thanksgiving Dinner)

Westside Thanksgiving Community Dinner & Celebration
1855 Main St.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 394-3153
www.westsidethanksgiving.org
Date: Nov. 27, 2014

Providing a terrific free sit-down Thanksgiving dinner, The Westside Thanksgiving Community Dinner & Celebration will be held at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium and is open to everyone with no reservations required. Hosted this year by New Directions for Veterans and the VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System, they will also be providing haircuts, blankets, clothing, hygiene kits and a children's carnival. The event welcomes everyone including students, singles, low-income families, seniors, and those who are homeless. To find out how you can help, visit The Westside Thanksgiving Community. This event is a perfect chance to make a difference.

long beach turkey trot Best 2014 Thanksgiving Celebrations And Events For The Family In Los Angeles

(credit: Long Beach Turkey Trot)

Hot to (Turkey) Trot in Long Beach
4000 E. Olympic Plaza
Long Beach, CA 90803
justinrudd.com/trot.html
Date: Nov. 27 2014

Make this Thanksgiving full of lots of family fun, and join thousands of other people as they walk or jog to the finish line of this year's 5K/10K Turkey Trot in Long Beach. This is a unique way to work some exercise into the holiday season. Proceeds will benefit Community Activity Team, which sponsors local community organizations and events including beach cleanups, spelling bees, Miss Long Beach and parades. There will be refreshments, photos taken and a Ms. Drumstick contest.

thanksgiving dinner cruise Best 2014 Thanksgiving Celebrations And Events For The Family In Los Angeles

(credit: hornblower.com)

Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise
13755 Fiji Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 301-6000
www.hornblower.com
Date: Nov. 27 2014

Make this Thanksgiving exciting, and take the family on a cruise. Imagine the thrill the family will have traveling on a yacht listening to satellite radio on a holiday-themed ship that serves perfectly as a backdrop for festive pictures. Enjoy sightseeing, being accompanied by family, inhaling the fresh air and a beautiful view of the ocean. End the night with a Thanksgiving meal fit for a king with vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, refreshments and, of course, dessert.

burbank turkey trot Best 2014 Thanksgiving Celebrations And Events For The Family In Los Angeles

(credit: Burbank Community YMCA)

Burbank Community YMCA Turkey Trot
321 E. Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91502
(818) 845-8551
www.burbankymca.org
Date: Nov. 27 2014 at 8am

Valley residents get fit and have fun at the same time this Thanksgiving. YMCA has partnered with Fleet Feet to help get the community in better physical fitness. All ages are welcome to attend this Turkey Trot. Even babies in strollers can join in this race to raise funds for the YMCA. Participants are welcome to be festive and wear holiday outfits. There will be local vendors and activities to keep the whole family in high spirits. There are even cash prizes for top winners.

lcf thanksgiving day run Best 2014 Thanksgiving Celebrations And Events For The Family In Los Angeles

(credit: Community Center of La Canada Flintridge)

Thanksgiving Day 5K Run and Food Drive Community Center of La Canada Flintridge
1201 Foothill Blvd.
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
(818) 790-4353
www.cclcf.org
Date: Nov. 27 2014 from 8:30am to 11am

Here is an activity for the family that likes to stay in motion and interact with other community members. This race has become a favorite pastime for many families on Thanksgiving in La Canada Flintridge. Being a part of this event and donating canned food to The Community Center of La Canada Flintridge is a great way to celebrate Thanksgiving, the holiday that is recognized for giving to others. The entire family, including dogs on a leash, can join in the fun.

Related: Best Fall Sports Leagues for Kids in Los Angeles

Cassandra Bautista is a freelance writer from Los Angeles. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.