As the rest of the country bundles up for winter, Los Angeles enjoys a Fall season that is a perfect blend of crisp mornings and sun-kissed afternoons, the perfect weather for exploring everything the city has to offer.
November in LA is a time when fall flavors meet holiday sparkle; from many fun outdoor activities to the first twinkling light displays of the season.
Here are six incredible ways to experience Los Angeles this November. Have fun everybody!
1 – November Special Experiences
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This month Fork and Film should be on your list of fun things to do. This immersive cinema experience pairs beautiful and very creative gourmet bites with beloved films. November’s lineup includes Frozen, The Polar Express, and Ratatouille; a perfect blend of nostalgia, laughter, and heartwarming stories that capture the season’s charm. It’s an evening that feels equal parts cinematic and magical, right in the heart of downtown.
Don’t miss the 2025 LA Auto Show, happening November 21 to 30 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The show starts early with AutoMobility LA (press + industry day) on November 20, a full-day showcase of vehicle debuts, brand announcements, and mobility tech talks. Expect an incredible amount of vehicles on display.
Join a Turkey Trot! LA’s Turkey Trot is the largest in our city and held Thanksgiving morning (November 27) in Downtown Los Angeles, starts at City Hall and winds through historic streets and family-friendly 5K and 10K options.
Down the coast, the Dana Point Turkey Trot celebrates its 48th annual run this year, also on Thanksgiving Day, featuring 5K, 10K, and Kids’ Gobble Wobble races along scenic routes with gorgeous views of Dana Point Harbor and the Pacific Ocean.
Both events offer charity tie-ins, local food vendors, and that unbeatable SoCal spirit that makes November mornings feel electric.
Location: various
Pic Credit: @LifeHacksLA
2 – Where to Eat Thanksgiving Dinner
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Ready to let someone else handle the cooking this year? These five restaurants offer delicious and unique experiences for Thanksgiving. Our first recommendation is 71 Above. This restaurant delivers a delicious meal with a truly unforgettable view. Check their website for thanksgiving menu and hours details.
Next up is Yardbird. This restaurant offers a Southern-inspired feast including herb-roasted turkey and all the classic sides. Whether you dine-in or order a to-go package, this place brings comfort and flavor in equal measure. It’s also a family friendly venue, so you can host your family dinner with confidence.
Our last pick is the Castaway. Just north of L.A., in the hills of Burbank, the Castaway offers a festive Thanksgiving brunch and dinner experience with sweeping views of the Valley. Brunch runs from around 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. with options like bottomless mimosas and a turkey special, and dinner follows a la carte in the evening.
If you prefer to dine at home an be entertained, consider Let’s Hibachi for your thanksgiving dinner https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVrDSrf737s
Location: various
PIC Credit: @Yardbird
3 – Grab a Pumpkin Spiced Drink or Dessert
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Fall flavors are in full swing across LA’s creative cafes, and so it’s time for all of us to savor the season. Here are our top recommendations for you, and we hope you visit all of them. These awesome places are super creative offering horchatas, organic pies, and delicious warm drinks that taste like pumpkin pies.
Start your flavorful adventure at Iced Above, where the Pumpkin Pie Horchata combines creamy rice milk, cinnamon, and a subtle pumpkin sweetness; a refreshing twist that bridges LA’s love for horchata and fall’s favorite dessert.
Over in Echo Park, Be Bright Coffee pours its signature Pumpkin Pie Latte, a smooth, aromatic drink that perfectly balances espresso with real pumpkin purée and warming spices. This is the kind of latte that feels like a hug in a cup.
For something uniquely LA, head to Thank You Coffee in Chinatown and order the Kabocha Spice Latte. Made with Japanese pumpkin (kabocha) and a careful blend of spices, it’s a velvety, earthy alternative to the standard pumpkin spice and a must-try for adventurous palates.
And no fall coffee crawl would be complete without a stop at Urth Caffé, a local favorite with multiple locations citywide. Known for its organic teas, lattes, and pastries, Urth’s seasonal lineup of pumpkin-infused treats brings comfort and cheer to any November afternoon.
Don’t forget; they’re also taking Thanksgiving pie pre-orders, so you can bring that cozy flavor home to your holiday table.
Location: various
PIC Credit: @Losangelestimes
4 – Go Shopping on Black Friday
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Another traditional thing to do in LA in November is Black Friday shopping. If you love the thrill of finding the best deals, here are our top recommendations for where to go when the sales hit.
Our first recommendation is Westfield Century City. This massive shopping destination with over 200 stores, it is one of the best venues for Black Friday Shopping. Featuring luxury anchors like Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom and Macy’s, plus sensational dining including Eataly market, and entertainment zones.
Use the mall’s package-locker service, if you want to stash purchases and keep shopping hands-free. There will be special Black Friday hours, so check their website for more info.
Next on our list is The Grove, because what could be more fun than hunting for the best deals of the year while exploring one of LA’s most beautiful shopping landmarks? This open-air destination transforms into one of the best holiday shopping venues every November.
Come visit the Grove, its dazzling Christmas tree, and have fun with festive music, and endless photo ops. Shoppers can also catch “LeBron XXIII at Nike”, an exclusive release available only until December 8, making this season the ideal time to stop by.
Beyond the shops, you’ll find spectacular dining venues, perfect for taking a break between splurges. The Grove will have special Black Friday hours, so check their website for details.
Location: various
PIC Credit: @beverlypress
5 – Light Shows Spectacular
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Dive head-first into the glow of the season, start at the L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow at Los Angeles Zoo. This super family friendly event invites everyone! The zoo transforms after dark into a luminous trail of larger-than-life animal lanterns and nature-themed installation.
Tickets include seasonal treats, free parking, and the knowledge that you’re supporting wildlife-conservation efforts, which makes it feel extra meaningful. This event begins on November 13th.
Next up is the Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens. Beginning mid-November (Nov 16 in 2025) and running through early January, this event offers a whimsical one-mile nighttime pathways filled with illuminated botanical art, interactive light sculptures, and ambient music. Entries start at 5:30 pm, also remember to wear comfortable shoes.
For a more immersive botanical-meets-technology experience, head to the Lightscape show at Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden in Arcadia. The event features themes like a “Winter Cathedral,” “Fire Garden,” and other walk-through fantastic installations.
Last but not least on our list, don’t miss the urban spectacle of SPARKLE DTLA at The Bloc in downtown L.A. This highly-Instagram-friendly installation lights up with millions of LEDs synchronized to music and offers one of the largest interactive multi-colored holiday displays in the city.
The show combines holiday magic with downtowns urban vibes and is always a great kickoff to the shopping season. The Grand Kickoff is Saturday November 16th with special actives and entertainment along with the debut of the light show.
Location: various
PIC Credit: @losangelestimes
6 – Awesome Festivals in November
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Our first pick for festivals this month is the Los Angeles Water Lantern Festival. This is a family-friendly event featuring thousands of glowing lanterns drifting across the lake, creating a magical reflection of light and color.
Guests can build and decorate their own lantern, write a wish or message on it, and gently launch it out onto the water as the sun sets — a truly memorable way to celebrate the season together. The festival also offers food trucks, live music, and a relaxed community atmosphere that feels both festive and peaceful.
Next is The LA Wine & Food Festival. This event brings together an incredible lineup of chefs, winemakers, and mixologists for a weekend of indulgence by the beach. Hosted at Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar, this event turns November into a celebration of flavor, featuring chef demos, tasting stations, and a lively outdoor atmosphere that perfectly suits LA’s coastal vibe.
Take your family to the Fall in The Farm at Fairplex, this event celebrates the harvest season with hands-on workshops, fresh produce, and interactive exhibits that bring agriculture to life.
Families can meet farm animals, learn from master gardeners, and enjoy live demonstrations focused on sustainability and farm-to-table living. It’s a refreshing way to connect with nature and the local farming community right in the heart of Pomona.
For something truly unique, head to 123 Farm for their annual Community Olive Picking event. Guests are invited to help harvest organic olives straight from the grove — and every full bucket earns a reward, from gift certificates to free festival admission.
It’s a fun, hands-on experience that captures the spirit of cooperation and sustainability while offering a glimpse into traditional olive-picking culture. After your harvest, relax with a farm-fresh lunch or browse the charming on-site market.
Location: various
PIC Credit: @patch
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