November in Los Angeles offers a perfect blend of warm weather, cultural events, and a big array of indoor and outdoor activities to choose from.
With the summer crowds dwindling but the holiday season approaching, this month provides a unique opportunity to explore the best the city has to offer in Fall. From iconic attractions to hidden gems, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in LA this month.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this blog post will guide you through a list of must-do activities and events that will make your November in LA unforgettable. So, get ready to discover the magic of this enchanting month in the City of Angels.
1 – Fall and Thanksgiving Celebrations
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Get ready for one of the most popular local activities during Thanksgiving, The Los Angeles Turkey Trot. This annual event invites all Angelenos to participate in a fun activity while contributing to charity, and working off some holiday calories.
The event is held in several locations around Los Angeles, so check here to find out which location is best for you https://findarace.com/us/running/turkey-trots/california/los-angeles
Attend the annual Autumn festival at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach on Saturday November 16th and Sunday November 17th. This super fun event celebrates the traditions of Japan, Korea, China and the Philippines. This celebration is for the entire family and it features music, craft demonstrations, dance and cultural art exhibits.
Looking for a Fall brunch cruise? Long Beach is inviting all to participate in their Thanksgiving Day Premier Brunch Cruise. On November 28th starting at 10:30 A.M. you can indulge in stunning waterfront views, delicious thanksgiving brunch buffet, unlimited mimosas, and live entertainment. Boarding time is 10:30 am, the pleasant cruise ride is 2 hours. Cheers!!
Location: various
Pic Credit: @visitnewport
2 – Seasonal Shows
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The LA Auto Show is back on November 22nd at the Los Angeles Convention Center! Get ready to hit the road to your new vehicle for the upcoming new year at this awesome event.
You will have the opportunity to explore hundreds of the latest models, gas and hybrids of your favorite automotive brands. You get the opportunity to get behind the wheel to test drive some of your favorites! They have over 1 million square feet of event space where you can discover HUNDREDS of the latest gas, hybrid and EV models from the largest brands along with fun exhibits from car including customs, exotics, classics, lowriders, motorsports and offroad vehicles
Hit the Big Top this month by attending the incredible Kooza! This production is a thrilling return to Cirque du Soleil’s roots, combining jaw-dropping acrobatics with the heart and soul of traditional circus clowning. It tells the story of “The Innocent,” a charming yet naive character who embarks on a journey of self-discovery in a mysterious world filled with humor, wonder, and surprises.
With vibrant costumes, mesmerizing music, and incredible acts, Kooza captures the essence of joy, fear, and daring stunts, all wrapped up in Cirque’s signature artistry. And it also marks the return of the Big Top to the Santa Monica Pier! You can once again enjoy the circus by the sea.
If you love movies and food we have a fun and unique cinematic experience for you. Fork’n Film is the perfect way to mix your love for great food, beloved films, and immersive theater. Gather your friends, family, or your date, and don’t miss out on one of the most unique cinematic experiences in LA.
Watch your favorite movies this month like Home Alone or Ratatouille while enjoying Fork’n Film’s gourmet menus inspired by each movie. The curated multi course meal has custom food and cocktails served that match key scenes in the film. The films are also always held in cool locations that are themed to the screening.
Yes, November is a great time for wine! The Burbank Wine Walk returns on November 23rd. This annual tradition turns downtown Burbank into a wine lover’s paradise, with 40+ tasting stations set up at participating businesses, allowing you to sip and shop as you discover everything this creative city has to offer.
The Holiday Street Fair is 12pm – 8pm on San Fernando Blvd while the wine tasting locations will pour samples from 4pm – 7pm. There will also be plenty of music, vendors, live entertainment and fun!
Location: various
PIC Credit: @fork’nfilm
3 – Botanical Gardens Night Time Experiences
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Looking for a winter wonderland of lights and nature? Make a plan this month to visit the LA county Arboretum. Starting on November 12th, the Los Angeles county Arboretum and Botanic Garden brings back Light Scape which features a multi sensory installation that blends the magic of the holiday season and the serenity of nature.
Expect to be enveloped in tunnels of light, walk among glowing sculptures, and feel enchanted as you wander through tree-lined paths illuminated with vibrant colors. The event is designed to inspire wonder and awe, with each installation telling its own story and offering a new experience at every turn. It is one of the first big kickoffs to Holiday Light Season.
Another gorgeous installation is the Enchanted Forest of Lights. The immersive nighttime experience in Descanso Gardens is back starting November 17th. Get ready to see the beautiful gardens transformed into a magical land of lights and incredible designs for the whole family to enjoy.
Astra Lumina invites everyone to take an enchanted night walk among the stars. If you live near the South Bay area of LA, we recommend you visit the South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes. This 87 acres of peaceful vegetation and garden transforms into a galactic immersive experience in the evenings starting in November.
This event is part of the lumina night walk series and it transforms nature trails into celestial landscapes. The unique light show is different from all other holiday light event shows, and its focused on cosmic visions, and astral music.
So go on, and take your family to this remarkable galactic experience. Parking is limited and the area is a bit remote and dark, so make sure to follow all the directions and parking advice posted in the website.
Location: various
PIC Credit: @astralumina
4 – Special Museum Exhibits – November
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Our first recommendation for special exhibits in November is the Spider Pavilion at the Natural History Museum. This one of a kind interactive exhibit offers a rare opportunity to explore the fascinating world of spiders in a safe and beautifully designed outdoor pavilion. It’s the perfect activity for visitors of all ages! Make sure to catch it before it closes on November 24th.
Our next suggestion for a cant miss exhibit is, Best in Low. The Petersen Automotive Museum “Best in Low – Icons of the Street” exhibit is a massive must-see display that celebrates the artistry, culture, and craftsmanship of the lowrider community. Displayed in the iconic Mullin Family Grand Salon, this exhibit brings together some of the most mesmerizing and intricately detailed lowriders ever built and reveals the intricate local history of the culture in its birthplace; Los Angeles!
Last but not least, we recommend a visit the Museum Academy of Motion Pictures this month. There is a sensational number of special exhibits including Casa Blanca, Boyz in the Hood, and many more. This month of November we are particularly excited about The Godfather 1 and 2 exhibits! And of course Toy Story 3D Zoetrope, which was so popular that they decided to bring it back but only until July 2025.
Location: various
PIC Credit: @youtubebadchad
5 – Where to Find the Best Fall Treats
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With the arrival of November you know we have to share some foodie suggestions. When it comes to LA classics you have to try the classic sweet potato cheesecake at Harriet’s in Inglewood. We can tell you, first hand that it’s a decadent dessert with a soulful twist and it tastes amazing!
Harriet’s Cheesecakes has garnered a reputation for delivering one of the most unforgettable desserts in town. The sweet potato cheesecake combines the rich, creamy texture of classic cheesecake with the sweet, spiced flavor of sweet potato, making it a favorite every Fall season.
For autumn inspired cocktails, there are several tasty spots. We recommend Pump the Breaks at the Raymond 1886 in Pasadena. This amazing drink involves graham infused vodka, pumpkin flavor, cream and cinnamon. Also visit Gracias Madre, they’re featuring their delicious fall menu which includes tasty fall cocktails like Ponche, Gaucho, and Amigo.
Looking for a delicious pumpkin spice latte? Coffee for Sasquatch in Hancock Park is our first choice. Their delicious drink includes organic pumpkin, espresso and milk, so good!
If you are near Eagle Rock, stop by Muddy Paw and enjoy a spice coffee drink hot or cold, with notes of cardamom, and cinnamon.
Our last but not least recommendation is Be Bright in Melrose. You should visit them for their Pumpkin Pie Latte, oh yeah baby, it’s just as good as it sounds. This drink spoils your buds with espresso, pumpkin juice, pumpkin spice, brown sugar, and other delicious notes.
Location: various
PIC Credit: @Thrillist
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!