Trade in the stress of cooking (and cleaning!) for a tantalizing Thanksgiving in Anaheim. Discover various dining options, from classic feasts at local institutions to unique culinary adventures you won't find anywhere else. Whether you're a local looking to savor the holiday or a visitor seeking a memorable dining experience, we've got you covered. Here's our rundown of some top spots to celebrate turkey day in Anaheim and the OC, courtesy of our local experts.

Thanksgiving with a Touch of Disneyland® Resort Magic

Make this Thanksgiving a truly magical celebration at the Disneyland® Resort. Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park offer special holiday menus at select restaurants featuring classic Thanksgiving dishes. Indulge in a Thanksgiving buffet at Goofy's Kitchen, a classic turkey dinner at Napa Rose, or, 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! Enjoy festive entertainment, holiday decorations, and give thanks with a sprinkle of Disney magic.

Storyteller’s Cafe

This is a festive favorite! Embark on a Thanksgiving adventure like no other, where a bountiful brunch and festive dinner buffet are completed with special appearances by beloved Disney Characters! For those early risers and brunch enthusiasts, Storyteller’s Café will be open for Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party Character Brunch on Thanksgiving starting at 7 a.m. This delightful buffet will feature an array of holiday classics and breakfast delights, including succulent carved turkey, beloved Thanksgiving sides, and an assortment of mouthwatering pies. From hot to cold breakfast options, there's something to satisfy every palate. Prices stand at $60 per adult, and $35 for kids, excluding tax and gratuities.

Want a later feast? Opt for Storytellers Cafe Thanksgiving Character Dinner featuring carved turkey, beloved Thanksgiving sides, succulent roasted rib-eye, a tempting seafood cocktail, and, of course, an irresistible assortment of pies. From comforting classics to chilled delights, this buffet promises an unforgettable Thanksgiving dinner. Dinner at Storyteller’s Café will be served from 1:15 p.m. to 9 p.m. Prices stand at over $60, excluding tax and gratuities.

Where to Celebrate Thanksgiving in Anaheim

^{Image courtesy of Black Tap Anaheim Craft Burgers & Shakes.}

Black Tap Anaheim

The cherry on top of a great holiday: an entire slice of pie. Black Tap Anaheim in the Downtown Disney® District is celebrating all month long with a Pumpkin Cheesecake Crazyshake that’ll make you say, “Oh my gourd.” The marshmallow-lined glass is filled with a pumpkin spice milkshake and then topped with an entire slice of pumpkin cheesecake and whipped cream.

Steakhouses & Classic Dining in Anaheim: Elevated Choices for Thanksgiving Dinner

For a more refined, à la carte experience, many of Anaheim's top restaurants offer special Thanksgiving menus, too!

• THE RANCH Restaurant & Saloon: This is an excellent choice for an elegant, high-end meal. They often offer a Thanksgiving prix-fixe menu that includes refined takes on turkey and sides, alongside their famous gourmet entrées like prime rib and lobster mac and cheese, all backed with a spectacular wine list.
   
• Ruth's Chris Steak House: A classic choice, this restaurant opens early on Thanksgiving to offer a three-course menu that includes traditional sliced oven-roasted turkey and all the fixings, plus their award-winning steakhouse favorites.
   
• Anaheim White House: A local favorite for Italian-style steakhouse fare, this landmark spot serves a full Thanksgiving feast in addition to its regular dinner menu. Expect elegant takes on the classics (roasted turkey with stuffing and cranberry sauce, creamy mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and rich pumpkin pie), alongside signature pastas, steaks, and seafood dishes.

Thanksgiving in Anaheim

Anaheim Hotels: Thanksgiving Feast with an Edge

Anaheim’s Resort area is known for hosting several Thanksgiving meals and buffets, offering everything from classic turkey to seafood displays.

• Tangerine Room at The Westin Anaheim Resort: This venue brings modern Californian flair to the holiday plate. They typically host an upscale Thanksgiving dinner buffet featuring carving stations, a seafood showcase, and even live music. Pro Tip: Make reservations in advance to secure your seat!
   
• Tocca Ferro at JW Marriott: This upscale Italian eatery always delivers, and for Thanksgiving, their turkey dinner will hit all the right notes—classic sides included!

• Poppy's Anaheim at Hilton Anaheim: The newly reimagined restaurant, led by Executive Chef Prabeen Prathapan, will host a Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet on Thursday, November 28 from 2 to 8 p.m. featuring a carving station, seasonal sides, and house-made holiday desserts. Highlights include thyme-brined turkey breast, Dijon and sage-rubbed ribeye, butternut squash ravioli, and a decadent dessert spread with traditional favorites. The buffet is priced at $59 per adult and $20 per child, with an optional bottomless wine add-on for $10.

• Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel: Garden Court Bistro - Dine in a castle as the Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel hosts its Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet from 3 PM to 9 PM. Savor on traditional Thanksgiving flavors such as Turkey and Country Gravy, Ham with Rosemary Bourbon Glaze or Sliced New York, Cabernet-Mushroom Sauce, and Horseradish Sauce with many sides, salads and desserts for every palate. Don’t miss a very special visit from Santa and Princess Corinne from 5 PM to 8 PM as they inspire the Holiday Spirit for the whole family! Reservations are highly recommended.

• Orange County Mining Company: For a festive feast with a touch of rustic charm, head a few miles southeast of Anaheim to the Orange County Mining Company for their annual Thanksgiving buffet. Known for its historic mining-themed décor and sweeping hilltop views, this iconic restaurant offers a hearty buffet featuring all the Thanksgiving classics. Enjoy bottomless roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and various sides and desserts (pumpkin pie, anyone?). This one-off event will happen on November 28 from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, making it a perfect spot for a memorable holiday meal!

The Home-Style Solution: Takeaway Kits for Thanksgiving 

If your ideal holiday means enjoying a festive meal in your cozy hotel room or private rental (without the fuss of cooking and cleaning), several top restaurants in the Anaheim area offer fully prepared, ready-to-serve Thanksgiving meals!

• Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant: For gourmet quality at home, Mrs. Knott’s offers a complete heat-and-serve Thanksgiving Dinner Takeaway Kit, featuring a whole turkey and all the essentials like mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, and more.
• Blake's Place: For the barbecue enthusiast, Blake’s Place offers a mouth-watering pit-smoked turkey (or a whole smoked ham) to pick up and serve at home. Meals come with a generous selection of classic sides like garlic mashed potatoes and buttery corn. Plus, desserts like apple and peach cobbler.
• The Kroft at Anaheim Packing House: Looking to feast at home? Place your order for a ready-to-go Thanksgiving feast from The Kroft within the Anaheim Packing District. Their special Thanksgiving offering features a tantalizing Roasted Turkey Breast. The meals are thoughtfully designed to cater to different party sizes, accommodating gatherings of both 4-6 and 8–10 people. 
• Urban Plates: Indulge in an annual turkey family feast, complete with antibiotic and hormone-free herb-roasted cage-free turkey breast, mushroom stuffing, gravy and cranberry relish, all accompanied by your choice of two sides. It's provided fully cooked and chilled, along with easy-to-follow heating instructions. If you're traveling solo, Urban Plates also offers a tempting array of à la carte sides and individual plate options. 
• McCormick and Schmick’s at the Anaheim GardenWalk: Your table or theirs, McCormick and Schmick's has Thanksgiving dinner covered. You can pre-order a take-home meal fit for 4-6 to take home or be a guest at the Anaheim GardenWalk location. Start your festivities with a butternut squash soup or walnut mixed greens salad. Then gobble your favorite holiday menu items like roasted turkey, cornbread stuffing, apple squash casserole, and more.

Spending Thanksgiving in Anaheim? Be sure to book early, as many of these restaurants fill up fast, especially at Disneyland^® Resort! Check websites or call ahead for hours, menus, and pricing, and get ready to enjoy a stress-free Thanksgiving surrounded by great food and plenty of Orange County sunshine. And for more things to see and do in Anaheim during Thanksgiving weekend, stay tuned to our events calendar.