Thanksgiving in Huntington Beach has its own way of celebrating the holiday. Instead of colder weather and changing leaves, the season brings cooler mornings along the coast, sunny afternoons, oceanfront dining, and opportunities to spend time with friends and family around town.
Whether you're a longtime Huntington Beach resident, visiting family for the holiday, or spending Thanksgiving in Orange County for the first time, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the week. From the annual Thanksgiving morning Turkey Wobble to local restaurants offering holiday meals and seasonal shopping downtown, Huntington Beach has several activities worth adding to your plans.
Thanksgiving also marks the beginning of the holiday season throughout Surf City. Local businesses begin preparing for the weeks ahead, seasonal markets return, and Downtown Huntington Beach becomes a popular place to spend an afternoon.
If you're planning to stay local this year, here's a closer look at things to do in Huntington Beach during Thanksgiving week 2026, including events, dining options, outdoor activities, and a few ideas for making the most of the long weekend.
1. Start Thanksgiving Morning at the Huntington Beach Turkey Wobble
One of Huntington Beach's Thanksgiving traditions is the annual Turkey Wobble, a community running and walking event that brings residents and visitors together on Thanksgiving morning.
The 15th Annual Huntington Beach Turkey Wobble is scheduled for Thursday, November 26, 2026. The event includes 5K and 10K options, along with children's fun runs, making it an activity for different ages and fitness levels.
The event begins near the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Beach Boulevard, close to the Huntington Beach coastline. Participants have the opportunity to enjoy the coastal setting while starting Thanksgiving morning with some exercise.
What makes the Turkey Wobble especially meaningful is its charitable purpose. The event supports efforts to provide clean drinking water to communities around the world. According to the organizers, proceeds have helped fund wells and expand access to clean water for thousands of people.
For families who want to do something active before sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner, it's a nice way to combine a morning outdoors with supporting a worthwhile cause.
2026 Event Information:
Event: 15th Annual Huntington Beach Turkey Wobble
Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026
Location: Near Pacific Coast Highway and Beach Boulevard
Activities: 5K, 10K, and children's fun runs
Start times: Multiple waves beginning at 7:00 AM
Registration: Available through the official event website
Families with strollers and participants bringing dogs are welcome, according to the event's published information. Parking is available near the start and finish area, although arriving early is recommended.
Registration fees and availability may change as Thanksgiving approaches, so check the organizer's website before heading out.
Official website: https://hbturkeywobble.com/
2. Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner at a Local Huntington Beach Restaurant
Not everyone wants to spend Thanksgiving preparing a large meal at home. Fortunately, Huntington Beach has oceanfront restaurants and hotels that offer another way to celebrate.
For those interested in dining out, two local options have published Thanksgiving offerings for November 26, 2026.
Thanksgiving at Lōrea Restaurant
Located inside Paséa Hotel & Spa, Lōrea offers a coastal dining experience near Pacific City and the Huntington Beach shoreline.
The restaurant has Thanksgiving dining listed for Thursday, November 26, from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Its holiday offering provides an opportunity to enjoy Thanksgiving-inspired food while taking in the atmosphere of one of Huntington Beach's oceanfront hotels.
This could be a good option for families who want to celebrate outside their homes without traveling far from the coast.
Location: Paséa Hotel & Spa, Huntington Beach
Date: November 26, 2026
Hours: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
Website: https://loreahb.com/happenings/
Thanksgiving by the Coast at Pacific Hideaway
Another option is Pacific Hideaway, located inside the Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort near Main Street.
The restaurant has a Thanksgiving dinner offering scheduled for November 26 from 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM. Its published menu includes herb-roasted turkey, traditional stuffing, seasonal sides, and pumpkin pie.
The listed price is $85 per person, with reservations recommended.
Pacific Hideaway is located just a short walk from Main Street and the Huntington Beach Pier, making it possible to enjoy a meal and take a walk around downtown afterward.
Location: Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort
Date: November 26, 2026
Hours: 11:00 AM–9:30 PM
Listed price: $85 per person
Website: https://www.shorebreakhotel.com/huntington-beach-restaurants/
If you're planning to dine out, make reservations ahead of time and confirm the current menu, pricing, and availability directly with the restaurant.
3. Spend Thanksgiving Weekend Exploring Downtown Huntington Beach
Thanksgiving weekend is a great opportunity to spend some time in Downtown Huntington Beach.
Main Street is one of the city's most recognizable areas, with local restaurants, coffee shops, surf stores, boutiques, and businesses that give downtown its distinct coastal atmosphere.
The area is particularly convenient for visitors because so much is within walking distance. You can grab breakfast, explore local shops, walk toward the pier, and spend time along the beach without needing to drive between every stop.
A few ideas for spending an afternoon downtown include:
Walking along Main Street and exploring the local shops.
Visiting the Huntington Beach Pier for ocean views.
Stopping at a nearby restaurant for lunch.
Watching surfers from the beach.
Exploring the seasonal vendors at Pier Plaza.
Enjoying the sunset along the coastline.
For residents who spend most of their time in other parts of Huntington Beach, Thanksgiving weekend can also be a good opportunity to revisit downtown and support some of the local businesses.
Visit the Surf City Artisan Fair
The Surf City Artisan Fair is scheduled to take place at Huntington Beach Pier Plaza on several weekends throughout November and December.
The event brings together local and regional artisans offering handmade products, gifts, artwork, and other creative items.
Thanksgiving weekend is one of the scheduled opportunities to visit, with the fair listed for November 27–29, 2026. It's a convenient stop for anyone already planning to spend time near Main Street or the pier.
Rather than heading to a large shopping center, visitors can browse vendor booths and discover products from independent makers.
2026 Thanksgiving Weekend Dates:
Friday, November 27
Saturday, November 28
Sunday, November 29
The event is weather permitting, and dates are subject to change. Check the Downtown Huntington Beach event page for the latest schedule.
Location: Huntington Beach Pier Plaza
Website: https://www.hbdowntown.com/scaf
4. Visit the Christmas Market at Old World Village
For another seasonal activity, Christmas Market OC at Old World Village is returning to Huntington Beach for the 2026 holiday season.
The market runs from November 15, 2026, through January 3, 2027, bringing a European-style Christmas market experience to the area.
Visitors can explore an indoor shopping village featuring independent artisans, crafts, seasonal gifts, and holiday decorations. The outdoor Biergarten area adds food, drinks, live entertainment, and seasonal programming on select dates.
Some of the activities listed for the 2026 season include:
Live music and holiday entertainment.
Santa meet-and-greets on select weekends.
Seasonal shopping and artisan vendors.
Wiener Dog Races on select Sundays.
Holiday decorations throughout the village.
Special Christmas performances and activities.
The market is a good option for families looking for something different to do during the holiday season, especially if they enjoy browsing small vendors and seasonal displays.
One important detail for Thanksgiving visitors: the market lists Thanksgiving Day, November 26, as a closure. The indoor shopping village and outdoor entertainment areas also have different schedules, so check the calendar before planning a visit.
Location: 7561 Center Avenue, Huntington Beach
Season: November 15, 2026–January 3, 2027
Website: https://christmasmarketoc.com/
5. Take Advantage of Huntington Beach's Coastal Outdoor Activities
One of the advantages of spending Thanksgiving in Huntington Beach is that outdoor activities remain an option throughout the holiday season.
While November mornings can be cooler, afternoons often provide comfortable weather for getting outside and enjoying the coastline.
If you're looking for something simple to do between holiday gatherings, consider spending some time at one of the area's outdoor destinations.
Walk Along Huntington Beach Pier
The Huntington Beach Pier is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city.
Stretching out into the Pacific Ocean from the end of Main Street, the pier offers views of the coastline and is a popular place to watch surfers, take pictures, or enjoy a walk.
For visitors who haven't spent much time in Huntington Beach, it's an easy way to experience one of the area's most recognizable locations.
Explore the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
If you prefer a quieter outdoor experience, the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve offers a different side of Huntington Beach.
The reserve protects a large coastal wetland habitat and provides opportunities for walking, birdwatching, and observing local wildlife.
It's a nice alternative to the busier beach areas and can be an interesting activity for families who enjoy spending time outdoors.
Visitors should remain on designated trails and respect wildlife and protected habitat areas.
Spend Time at the Beach
Huntington Beach has several miles of coastline, providing plenty of room for walking, relaxing, and enjoying the ocean.
A Thanksgiving weekend beach visit doesn't necessarily need to be an entire afternoon. Even a short walk along the shoreline can be a nice break between meals and family activities.
For residents, it's also one of the easiest ways to enjoy the local lifestyle without needing to plan a major outing.
6. Explore Local Shops and Restaurants Before the Holiday Season Gets Busy
Thanksgiving is also a good time to start thinking about holiday shopping.
Downtown Huntington Beach has a variety of independent retailers and specialty shops, making it a good place to look for gifts while supporting local businesses.
Rather than waiting until December, the Thanksgiving weekend can be an opportunity to start shopping early.
You can also make an afternoon of it by combining a few shops with lunch or coffee along Main Street.
Beyond downtown, Huntington Beach has other shopping destinations worth exploring, including Pacific City and Bella Terra.
Pacific City offers a mix of restaurants, retail businesses, and oceanfront views just north of the pier. Bella Terra provides another shopping and dining option farther inland, with a mix of national retailers, restaurants, and entertainment.
Each area offers a different experience depending on what you're looking for.
For people who want to keep their holiday shopping local, exploring these areas can be a good starting point.
7. Plan Around Thanksgiving Weekend Traffic and Parking
Thanksgiving weekend is one of the busier periods of the year for travel and family gatherings. If you're planning to visit Downtown Huntington Beach, the beach, or a popular restaurant, it's worth thinking about parking before you leave.
The areas around Main Street, Pacific Coast Highway, and the Huntington Beach Pier can become especially busy during weekends and special events.
A few simple planning tips can help:
Arrive earlier in the day. If you're visiting downtown or planning a beach walk, arriving earlier can make parking easier than waiting until the afternoon.
Consider walking between destinations. Once you're parked, many downtown attractions are within walking distance. Moving your car between restaurants, shops, and the pier may not be necessary.
Check event parking information. Special events can affect traffic patterns and parking availability. Check the event organizer's website for any updates before attending.
Allow extra time for restaurant reservations. If you're dining out on Thanksgiving, give yourself additional time to arrive and park.
Check road conditions before traveling. Thanksgiving travel can create congestion throughout Orange County, especially around major highways and coastal roads.
A little planning can make the difference between spending your afternoon enjoying Huntington Beach and spending it looking for parking.
8. Things to Do in Huntington Beach After Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving weekend also marks the beginning of the larger holiday season in Huntington Beach.
If you're staying in town through the end of November and into December, there are additional seasonal events to look forward to.
The Christmas Market at Old World Village continues through early January, while the Surf City Artisan Fair has additional scheduled dates throughout December.
The Huntington Harbour Holiday Boat Parade is another annual local tradition to watch for. The 2026 parade is scheduled for December 12–13, offering another opportunity to enjoy the holiday season around the water.
These events provide even more reasons to get out and explore the community in the weeks following Thanksgiving.
For a broader list of seasonal activities, visitors can also check the official Visit Huntington Beach events calendar:
https://www.surfcityusa.com/events/
Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving in Huntington Beach
What is there to do in Huntington Beach on Thanksgiving Day?
Some options include participating in the Huntington Beach Turkey Wobble, making a Thanksgiving dining reservation at a local restaurant, or spending time outdoors along the coast. Check individual business and event schedules because holiday hours vary.
Is the Huntington Beach Turkey Wobble happening in 2026?
Yes. The 15th Annual Huntington Beach Turkey Wobble is scheduled for Thursday, November 26, 2026. The event includes 5K and 10K options, along with children's activities.
Where can I eat Thanksgiving dinner in Huntington Beach?
Lōrea at Paséa Hotel & Spa and Pacific Hideaway at the Kimpton Shorebreak have both published Thanksgiving dining offerings for November 26, 2026. Reservations and current menu details should be confirmed directly with each restaurant.
Are there holiday markets in Huntington Beach during Thanksgiving weekend?
Yes. The Surf City Artisan Fair is scheduled for November 27–29 at Huntington Beach Pier Plaza. Christmas Market OC at Old World Village is also open during the holiday season, although it lists Thanksgiving Day as a closure.
Is Downtown Huntington Beach open on Thanksgiving?
Individual restaurants and businesses determine their own Thanksgiving hours. Some may close for the holiday, while others may offer special dining services. It's best to check directly with the business before visiting.
What are some family-friendly activities in Huntington Beach during Thanksgiving week?
Families can consider the Turkey Wobble, a walk along Huntington Beach Pier, the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, beach activities, and seasonal shopping at Old World Village.
Is Huntington Beach a good place to visit during Thanksgiving?
Huntington Beach offers a combination of coastal scenery, outdoor activities, restaurants, shopping, and community events. Its mild coastal climate and walkable downtown make it an appealing place to spend part of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Enjoy Thanksgiving in Surf City
Thanksgiving is a good reminder of what makes Huntington Beach such a unique place to live and visit. Between the coastline, local restaurants, independent businesses, and community traditions, there are plenty of ways to spend the holiday without traveling far.
Whether you're starting Thanksgiving morning at the Turkey Wobble, enjoying dinner near the ocean, browsing the artisan fair downtown, or simply taking a walk along the beach, the week offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the local community.
At Hennessee Real Estate, we enjoy sharing the local events, businesses, and places that make Huntington Beach more than just a coastal destination. It's a community we're proud to be part of.
Hennessee Real Estate | Huntington Beach, California