The turkey trots in Orange County and LA County in 2026 run from Saturday, November 14 through Sunday, November 29. This guide lists 16 races: 5 on the weekends before Thanksgiving, 8 on Thanksgiving morning (6 in Orange County and 2 in Los Angeles County), and 3 on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday after.
Most races start between 7 and 8:30 a.m. Many offer a 5K, a 10K and a short kids’ race, and some add a 15K or a half marathon. Listed prices rise as race day gets closer.
Christine Almarines is a top real estate agent in Buena Park and Cerritos helping homeowners sell in Orange County and Los Angeles County. This guide sorts the races by date so you can pick the one that fits your holiday week, then confirm the details with the organizer.
Dates, times, venues and listed prices in this guide come from event organizers and local event listings as of November 3, 2026, and can change, so confirm with each organizer before you go. This list is not an endorsement of any event, and Christine is not affiliated with any of the events listed.
They run from Long Beach and Griffith Park down to Dana Point and Rancho Mission Viejo, in three date windows. Pick your window first, then your race.
| Date window | Races listed | Cities |
|---|---|---|
| Weekends before Thanksgiving (Nov 14, 21 and 22) | 5 | Fountain Valley, Long Beach, Seal Beach, Anaheim, Los Angeles (Griffith Park) |
| Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Nov 26) | 8 | Dana Point, Irvine, Tustin, Huntington Beach, Rancho Mission Viejo, Anaheim, Downtown Los Angeles, Van Nuys |
| Weekend after Thanksgiving (Nov 27 to 29) | 3 | Long Beach, Anaheim, Irvine |
No Thanksgiving race was confirmed for Cerritos, Lakewood or Whittier in the listings reviewed for this guide, so none are listed here. If one is announced later, the city’s website is the place to check.
Five races run on the weekends of November 14 and November 21 to 22. They work well if Thanksgiving morning is already spoken for.
| Date | Event | City | Time | Venue and what to expect | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, Nov 14 | Stuffing Shuffle | Fountain Valley | Half marathon 8 a.m., 5K and 10K 8:30 a.m. | Mile Square Park, Lot D | Listed 5K $29.50, 10K $34.50, half $45 through Nov 12, higher after |
| Sat, Nov 14 | Huffin for the Stuffin | Long Beach | 8 a.m. | 5400 E Ocean Blvd, Belmont Shore area. 5K, 10K, half marathon and a kids dash | Listing prices on one site run from about $16.90 to $63.53. Confirm details with the organizer |
| Sat, Nov 21 | Seal Beach Turkey Trot | Seal Beach | 5K and 10K 7 a.m., kids’ 1K 8:45 a.m. | Main Street at Central Avenue. Kids’ 1K for ages 10 and under, plus a Gym Challenge | Listed 5K $40, 10K $45, kids’ 1K $15 |
| Sun, Nov 22 | Anaheim Turkey Trot 5K/10K and Fun Run (Caren Ware Events) | Anaheim | Rolling 5K/10K start 7:55 to 8:10 a.m., 1-mile fun run 8:11 a.m. | Santa Ana River Trail north of Katella Ave and S. Douglas Rd | Listed 5K $46.70, 10K $57.20, fun run $33 |
| Sun, Nov 22 | LA Classic Turkey Trot | Los Angeles | Not confirmed | Griffith Park, start and finish at Shane’s Inspiration. 15K, 5 miles and 5K (the 5K is open to runners and walkers) | Confirm the start time with the organizer |
Six Orange County races run on Thursday, November 26, from Anaheim to Dana Point. Four of them raise money for a named cause.
| Date | Event | City | Time | Venue and what to expect | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Nov 26 | Dana Point Turkey Trot | Dana Point | 10K 7 a.m., 5K 8:30 and 9:30 a.m., 5K Family Walk/Run 10 a.m., Gobble Wobble 10:30 a.m. | Dana Point Harbor. The 49th year. Kids’ Gobble Wobble is 1 mile for ages 2 to 12 | Benefits Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley and the RH Dana Elementary School Booster Club. Listed 5K $48, 10K $54, combo $63 |
| Thu, Nov 26 | Irvine/Orange County Turkey Trot | Irvine | 1 Mile Turkey Dash and Combo 7:30 a.m., 5K 8 a.m., kids’ races from about 9:10 a.m. | Irvine Valley College, 5500 Irvine Center Dr | Listed 5K $42.80, 1 Mile $33 |
| Thu, Nov 26 | Turkey Trot OC 5K | Tustin | Refreshments 6:30 a.m., 5K 8 a.m. | Orange County Rescue Mission, 1 Hope Dr | Benefits the Orange County Rescue Mission. Listed $45.80 through Nov 22, higher race morning |
| Thu, Nov 26 | Huntington Beach Turkey Wobble | Huntington Beach | 5K/10K waves every 20 minutes from 7 to 9 a.m., kids’ fun run 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. | Entrance at Pacific Coast Hwy and Beach Blvd | Supports clean-water wells in developing countries. Listed ages 13 and under $20, ages 14 and up $50 online through Nov 22, $55 race day |
| Thu, Nov 26 | Turkey Trot on the Ranch | Rancho Mission Viejo | 10K 8 a.m., 5K 8:30 a.m., Little Gobbler’s 1K 10 a.m. | Starts at The Pavilion, finishes at Sendero Field | Benefits The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo. Listed 10K $48.70, 5K $43.40 |
| Thu, Nov 26 | Plymouth Rock n Run | Anaheim | 10K 7 a.m., 5K 8 a.m., kids’ races from 9 a.m. | Yorba Regional Park. Includes a 100-yard Tot Trot | Listed from $43.40 and rising in stages as race day approaches |
Two LA County races are on this list for Thanksgiving Day: Turkey Trot LA downtown and the Lake Balboa Turkey Trot in Van Nuys.
| Date | Event | City | Time | Venue and what to expect | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Nov 26 | Turkey Trot LA | Downtown Los Angeles | Race Roster lists 5K starts at 8 and 8:15 a.m., 10K 9 a.m. | Festivities at Grand Park. 5K, 10K, a one-mile dog jog and a kids’ quarter-mile “Widdle Wobble” | Listed 5K $45, 10K $50, combo $65. One listing shows an earlier 6 a.m. start and sources differ on the start area, so confirm start times and location |
| Thu, Nov 26 | Lake Balboa Turkey Trot | Van Nuys | 8 a.m. | Woodley Park. 5K, 10K, 15K and half marathon | Confirm prices with the organizer |
Yes. Three races run Friday through Sunday, November 27 to 29, and each offers a 5K, 10K, 15K and half marathon at 7:30 a.m.
| Date | Event | City | Time | Venue and what to expect | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, Nov 27 | Turkey Trot Friday | Long Beach | 7:30 a.m., check-in 6:45 to 7:30 a.m. | 5400 E Ocean Blvd, Belmont Shore beach path. 5K, 10K, 15K, half marathon | Confirm prices with the organizer |
| Sat, Nov 28 | Turkey Trot Saturday (A Better World Running) | Anaheim | 7:30 a.m. | Yorba Regional Park. 5K, 10K, 15K, half marathon | Race day listed $35 (5K), $40 (10K), $45 (15K), $50 (half) |
| Sun, Nov 29 | Turkey Trot Sunday (A Better World Running) | Irvine | 7:30 a.m. | Bill Barber Memorial Park. 5K, 10K, 15K, half marathon | Race day listed $35 (5K), $40 (10K), $45 (15K), $50 (half) |
Start with who is coming and how far they want to go. Then pick the date.
Confirm the details with the organizer the week of the race. Listings change, and the organizer has the final word.
In a small way, yes. A harbor walk, a park trail or a beach path on a holiday morning shows you a side of a city you may not see on a weekday drive. If a race has you thinking about where you might want to live next, Christine is happy to talk it through with you.
If a move is on your mind for the new year, the first step is a conversation.
Enjoy your race, and message Christine when you are ready to talk about your next move.
Where are the turkey trots in Orange County and LA County in 2026?
The turkey trots in Orange County and LA County in 2026 run from November 14 through November 29 in cities including Fountain Valley, Seal Beach, Anaheim, Dana Point, Irvine, Tustin, Huntington Beach, Long Beach and Los Angeles. Most are on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 26.
Is there a turkey trot in Cerritos, Lakewood or Whittier?
No Thanksgiving race was confirmed for Cerritos, Lakewood or Whittier in the listings reviewed for this guide. If one is announced later, check the city’s website.
Which turkey trots have races for kids?
Most races on this list include one, including Dana Point, Seal Beach, Irvine, Huntington Beach and Turkey Trot LA. Age limits differ, so check the organizer’s page.
Are the dates, times and prices in this guide confirmed?
They come from event organizers and local event listings as of November 3, 2026, and can change. Prices are listed prices that rise closer to race day. Confirm every detail with each organizer before you go.
Where can I find more November events in Orange County?
Christine’s November events page lists more ideas for the month: 100+ Things to Do in Orange County in November 2026.
Who can help me if I am thinking about a move in Orange County or LA County?
Christine Almarines of CA Real Estate Group, licensed since 2004, helps homeowners sell in Orange County and Los Angeles County and helps buyers plan their next move. Book a consultation or get your complimentary market evaluation.
Source: Event dates, times, venues and listed prices come from the event organizers’ websites and local event listings (Enjoy Orange County, The Guide OC, Venture OC, race registration pages and Los Angeles-area event guides), reviewed November 3, 2026. Details can change. Confirm with each organizer before you go.
If you’d like to talk about your next move in Southern California real estate, I’d be happy to help.
By Christine Almarines | Updated November 2026
Looking for holiday events in Orange County this season? Here’s a current guide to boat parades, light displays, holiday markets, theater and family activities for 2026 — with confirmed dates where organizers have published them, and an honest note where they haven’t yet.
The big ones this year: the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade runs December 16–20, Winter Fest OC opens November 27, and Knott’s Merry Farm starts November 20 right here in Buena Park. The Buena Park city tree lighting is Friday, December 4, and it’s free.
Some December organizers won’t publish dates until October or November. Events in that situation are listed below and clearly marked, rather than left out.
If you’d rather not drive an hour, start here. These are all roughly twenty minutes or less.
| Event | City | 2026 dates | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knott’s Merry Farm | Buena Park | Nov 20 – Jan 3 | Park admission |
| Buena Park Tree Lighting | Buena Park | Fri, Dec 4, 6pm | Free |
| Cerritos CPA holiday concerts | Cerritos | Dec 16–20 | Ticketed |
| Fullerton Winter Market | Fullerton | December, TBA | Free |
| The Muck Holiday Festival | Fullerton | Sun, Dec 13 | Free |
The park-wide holiday overlay: Snoopy’s ice show, snowfall on Ghost Town, and the Christmas Crafts Village. November 20, 2026 through January 3, 2027, included with park admission. Knott’s events
At Buena Park City Hall, Friday, December 4 at 6pm, with rides and food from 5pm. Free. This is the easiest holiday outing on the list if you live nearby. buenapark.com
Home for the Holidays on December 16, Dave Koz Christmas December 18–19, and the LA Symphony on December 20. Check the venue calendar for individual show times. ccpa.cerritos.gov
The 118th annual parade — around 100 decorated boats on a 14-mile harbor route, with opening-night fireworks on December 16 and nightly drone shows. December 16–20, 2026. Free to watch from shore; Marina Park is the largest free viewing area. christmasboatparade.com
If you’d rather be on the water than watching from it, both Davey’s Locker and Newport Landing run 75-minute narrated cruises nightly through December, roughly $20–40. Book early for parade week.
Snow play, ice tubing, skating and 30+ rides at the OC Fair & Event Center. November 27, 2026 through January 3, 2027 on select dates. Early-bird tickets are already on sale. winterfestoc.com
The 35th annual edition: 180+ artists, artificial snow, carolers and Santa. November 20 through December 20, 2026, Fridays through Sundays, 10am–7pm. Ticketed. sawdustartfestival.org
The long-running production, November 28 through December 27, 2026. There’s a sensory-friendly performance on December 1 and an ASL-interpreted performance on December 5, which is worth knowing if you need either. scr.org
This year’s Lythgoe family panto is Aladdin & Yasmin’s Winter Wish, running December 4–27, 2026. If you’ve been before, note the show changes annually — it isn’t the Cinderella production from past seasons. lagunaplayhouse.com
Mission San Juan Capistrano lights up with a tree lighting, Dickens carolers, a nativity and a new projection show. December 18–30, 2026 on select days. Tickets are online only and went on sale in August. missionsjc.com
The 64th annual 50-minute narrated boat tour through the decorated harbour, benefiting Philharmonic Society music education. December 12–13, 2026. Reservations required. cruiseoflights.org
The Christmas Train and Train of Lights run November 27 through December 23, 2026, roughly $22–37, with tickets that went on sale November 2. Santa’s Village is free. Reliably one of the best picks for younger kids. irvineparkrailroad.com
A large family-owned craft show at the OC Fair & Event Center. November 6–8, 2026 — note that’s considerably earlier than everything else here, so put it on the calendar now if you shop the craft fairs. ocfair.com
These run every year and are very likely to return, but had no 2026 dates posted as of mid-September. Some now list dates, noted below; the rest still hadn’t posted as of November 2, so bookmark the links and check back.
This is the part most roundups get wrong, because they copy last year’s list forward. Several holiday events in Orange County are genuinely different in 2026:
Plenty of this season costs nothing:
Looking further afield? The California fall colors map is worth a look before the leaves go, and there’s more to do around Orange County year-round.
December 16–20, 2026, with opening-night fireworks on December 16 and nightly drone shows. It’s free to watch from shore, and Marina Park is the largest free viewing area.
Knott’s Merry Farm in Buena Park (November 20–January 3), the free Buena Park city tree lighting on December 4, holiday concerts at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts in mid-December, and the free Fullerton Winter Market and Muckenthaler holiday festival, both about twenty minutes away.
Yes. Watching the Newport Beach boat parade from shore, the Buena Park tree lighting, the Fullerton Winter Market, The Muck Holiday Festival, and Santa’s Village at Irvine Park Railroad are all free.
It no longer runs as a standalone event. Created as a drive-thru display during COVID, it has been folded back into Winter Fest OC at the OC Fair & Event Center, and its former website now redirects there.
Irvine Park Railroad’s Christmas Train, Winter Fest OC, Knott’s Merry Farm, the Laguna Playhouse panto, and Noon Year’s Eve at Pretend City in Irvine, which holds midday countdowns for children who won’t stay up until midnight.
November 27, 2026, running through January 3, 2027 on select dates at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. Early-bird tickets are on sale.
If you spot an event that should be on this list — or one that’s moved again — let me know and I’ll add it.
And if a move is on your mind for the new year, whether you’re upsizing before the next round of family holidays or finally downsizing, I’m always glad to talk it through.
If you’d like to talk about your next move in Southern California real estate, I’d be happy to help.
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