Thanksgiving season is a wonderful time to enjoy our local communities, gather with loved ones, and make a few new traditions. Whether your plans include a morning turkey trot, a holiday meal overlooking the ocean, or a family outing over Thanksgiving weekend, there are plenty of ways to celebrate close to home.
With Thanksgiving falling on Thursday, November 26, 2026, here are some local events to add to your calendar in Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, and neighboring cities.
Fountain Valley
The Stuffing Shuffle at Mile Square Park
Saturday, November 14 | Half marathon at 8 a.m.; 5K and 10K at 8:30 a.m.
Location: Mile Square Park, Parking Lot D
Get into the Thanksgiving spirit a little early with The Stuffing Shuffle. With 5K, 10K, and half marathon options, this seasonal race offers several ways to enjoy a morning outdoors before the holiday rush.
The start area is at Parking Lot D, across from 11014 Lavender Avenue. Bring a friend, choose your distance, and kick off the season with a little movement and community fun.
Event details and registration
Holiday Crafternoon at Fountain Valley Library
Wednesday, November 25 | 11 a.m.–noon
Location: Fountain Valley Library
Looking for something to do with the kids the day before Thanksgiving? Fountain Valley Library is hosting a Holiday Crafternoon where participants can make turkey decorations or create holiday cards using recycled cards and fresh designs.
The event welcomes families and all ages, with supplies provided while they last. It’s a simple way to enjoy some creative time together before the cooking and hosting begin.
Library calendar and event information
Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach Turkey Wobble
Thursday, November 26 | 5K and 10K starts every 20 minutes from 7–9 a.m.
Location: Pacific Coast Highway and Beach Boulevard
Start Thanksgiving morning by the ocean at the 15th Annual Huntington Beach Turkey Wobble. This local tradition combines a holiday run with a meaningful cause: helping provide clean water to communities in need.
Choose a 5K or 10K start time and bring the family along. The organizer welcomes dogs and strollers, with stroller participants asked to begin at the back of the group. It’s a festive way to spend the morning together before heading home for Thanksgiving dinner.
Event details and registration
Thanksgiving by the Sea at The Waterfront Beach Resort
Thursday, November 26 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Location: 21100 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach
For a Thanksgiving celebration with ocean views, The Waterfront Beach Resort is hosting a holiday brunch in its Breakwater Ballroom and Vista Lawns.
The celebration includes seasonal dishes, desserts, a welcome beverage, and live music. Children can enjoy activities such as balloon artistry, airbrush painting, and magical entertainment, making this an appealing option for a multigenerational gathering.
Event details and reservations
Thanksgiving at Pacific Hideaway
Thursday, November 26 | 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m.
Location: Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort
Let someone else handle the cooking this year and enjoy Thanksgiving just steps from the beach. Pacific Hideaway is offering a holiday feast featuring herb-roasted turkey, traditional stuffing, seasonal sides, and pumpkin pie.
The advertised price is $85 per person, and reservations are recommended. With its relaxed coastal setting, it’s a lovely option for anyone hoping to spend more time around the table and less time in the kitchen.
Dining information and reservations
A Few More Events Close to Home
Seal Beach Turkey Trot
Saturday, November 21 | 5K and 10K at 7 a.m.; kids’ trot at 8:45 a.m.
Location: Main Street, Seal Beach
Head to neighboring Seal Beach for a Thanksgiving tradition the weekend before the holiday. The Seal Beach Turkey Trot offers 5K and 10K races, plus a kids’ “Don’t Be a Turkey” Trot.
With the start and finish on Main Street, this event is a fun excuse to spend a morning in Seal Beach and enjoy its welcoming downtown atmosphere. Organizers recommend registering ahead and picking up race bibs on Friday when possible.
Event details and registration
Thanksgiving Buffet at SHOR in Newport Beach
Thursday, November 26 | 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Location: Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, 1107 Jamboree Road
For another nearby Thanksgiving dining option, SHOR at Hyatt Regency Newport Beach is hosting a buffet with traditional holiday favorites and seasonal dishes.
The celebration also includes a petting zoo, face painting, arts and crafts, and a balloon artist. Families looking for a holiday meal with activities for younger guests may want to add this one to their list.
Event details and reservation link
Lighting of the Bay at Newport Dunes
Friday, November 27 | 4–9 p.m.; lighting around 6 p.m.
Location: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina, Newport Beach
Keep the celebration going the day after Thanksgiving with the opening night of Lighting of the Bay and the Fire & Lights Festival.
The evening includes holiday crafts, food concessions, photos with Santa, and a holiday movie on the beach. Around 6 p.m., Santa will illuminate more than 50 floating holiday displays across the bay.
Admission is free, with a $15 flat parking fee on opening night. It’s a festive way to welcome the next season while family and friends are still in town.
Celebrate the Season Close to Home
From crafts in Fountain Valley to Thanksgiving morning on the Huntington Beach coastline, our local communities offer plenty of ways to make the holiday memorable. Pick a favorite event, invite someone to join you, and enjoy a little extra time together this Thanksgiving season.
Event schedules, pricing, and availability may change. Please check the linked event pages for current details and make reservations or register in advance where required.
