Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Anaheim and Orange County offer plenty of ways to celebrate. Here’s our roundup of ways to enjoy Thanksgiving this November.
Thanksgiving at Disneyland® Resort
Ever wondered what Thanksgiving would be like with a little Disney magic thrown in the mix?
At Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa, Storytellers Cafe hosts a Thanksgiving brunch and dinner buffet featuring seasonal dishes and appearances by characters such as Mickey Mouse, Scrooge McDuck and other Disney friends.
Over at the Disneyland® Hotel, Goofy’s Kitchen offers its own Thanksgiving Day brunch and dinner, complete with holiday favorites, seasonal desserts and Disney characters dressed for the occasion.
If you’re having too much fun to sit down, grab a world-famous turkey leg at one of the carts dotted around both parks.
Thanksgiving Buffets at Anaheim Hotels
Several Anaheim hotels are serving up Thanksgiving feasts, making it easy to celebrate without worrying about cooking or cleaning up afterward.
- Tangerine Room at The Westin Anaheim Resort: Enjoy a Thanksgiving buffet from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring roasted meats, seasonal sides, salads, appetizers and holiday desserts.
- nFuse Restaurant at Anaheim Marriott: Thanksgiving dining is scheduled from 5 to 11 p.m., offering another convenient option near the Anaheim Convention Center and Disneyland® Resort.
Thanksgiving Dinner at Noteworthy Anaheim Restaurants
Looking for something a little more traditional? Anaheim’s restaurant scene offers plenty of options for a classic sit-down Thanksgiving dinner.
THE RANCH Restaurant is always a popular choice for Thanksgiving, with previous holiday offerings including free-range turkey, cornbread and sausage stuffing, cranberry conserves and pumpkin pie.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House will serve a traditional Thanksgiving feast featuring oven-roasted turkey, sausage-herb stuffing, homemade gravy, cranberry relish and seasonal sides like garlic mashed potatoes and sweet potato casserole, plus pumpkin cheesecake for dessert.
At Anaheim White House, chef and owner Bruno Serato brings an Italian touch to Thanksgiving dining, serving up an elegant holiday experience inside a beautifully restored historic mansion. Previous Thanksgiving feasts have featured oven-roasted turkey with creamy mashed potatoes and gravy, seasoned stuffing, candied yams, fresh vegetables and cranberry sauce.
Follow our events page as the holiday approaches for more updates and announcements.
Thanksgiving with a View at Orange County Mining Co.
For Thanksgiving dinner with a view, head to Orange County Mining Co. in the hills above Orange, just a short drive from Downtown Anaheim. The restaurant’s annual Thanksgiving buffet returns November 26, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with a generous spread of holiday favorites. Expect carved turkey, prime rib, ham, barbecue ribs, seafood, traditional sides and plenty of pies and pastries for dessert.
Waterfront Thanksgiving Dining in Newport Beach
Prefer to celebrate Thanksgiving by the water? Newport Beach offers several options for a holiday meal with coastal views.
Balboa Bay Resort is hosting a Thanksgiving buffet in its waterfront Lighthouse event space, featuring a holiday spread prepared by Executive Chef Diego Bernal.
For a more traditional restaurant experience, The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar has announced a three-course Thanksgiving dinner at its Newport Beach location, served from 2 to 9 p.m.
Thanksgiving Day Hikes in Anaheim and Orange County
Not everyone wants to spend Thanksgiving sitting around the dinner table. Southern California’s mild fall weather makes the holiday a great opportunity to get outside and explore.
In Anaheim Hills, Santiago Oaks Regional Park offers miles of trails winding through oak woodlands and rolling hills. Nearby, Deer Canyon Park Preserve boasts a 7-mile loop perfect for all skill levels, plus excellent opportunities to see migrating birds in the fall.
For coastal scenery, head to Crystal Cove State Park, where trails wind through Moro Canyon and the surrounding coastal hills.
Read more about Anaheim’s best outdoor adventures here and plan the perfect Thanksgiving Day hike.
Start Thanksgiving with a Turkey Trot
Before the big Thanksgiving meal, why not work up an appetite with a morning run?
The Anaheim Turkey Trot takes place Sunday, November 22, with 5K, 10K and one-mile races along the Santa Ana River Trail. Participants receive festive race gear and can enjoy a slice of pumpkin pie at the finish line.
On Thanksgiving Day itself, the Dana Point Turkey Trot returns to Dana Point Harbor with scenic 5K and 10K courses, a 15K combination and the Kids’ Gobble Wobble.
The OC Rescue Mission Turkey Trot in Tustin also takes place Thanksgiving morning, supporting the organization’s work to provide housing services to people in need across Orange County.