San Diego Thanksgiving Traditions & Things to Do 2025

It’s safe to say that many of the best Thanksgiving traditions involve an incredible meal.

With the Thanksgiving Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise on San Diego Bay, you and the family can enjoy that meal in a truly unique way: from a ship as you cruise around the harbor!

Head to the San Diego Bay at 11:30am for the brunch cruise or 4:00pm for the dinner cruise on Thanksgiving Day, November 27th, to board the boat and embark on your two-hour trip. It’s easy to think of things to be thankful for when you’re overlooking the bay; some of my own include the incredible sights like the Coronado Bay Bridge and USS Midway Museum San Diego, San Diego’s beautiful weather, and the excellent company of my family.

The cost of your ticket includes buffet-style salads, entrees, and desserts, as well as bottomless mimosas during the cruise. I’ve already taken a look at 2025’s brunch menu which features Pasta Al Forno, hand-carved oven-roasted turkey, and much more! Everything on the menu sounds amazing, trust me!

If you prefer to cruise a bit later in the day, the gourmet dinner options vary slightly with standouts looking like the three cheese macaroni, apple crisp, and once again the classics such as the hand-carved oven-roasted turkey and cranberry sauce.

Both buffet menus feature vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free selections. Children under three can cruise and eat for free, making this an excellent choice for families with young kids.

Our Complete Guide to All the Holidays in San Diego highlights this one-of-a-kind activity and these incredible meals as well as activities that will help you get into the holiday spirit not just on Thanksgiving, but throughout the year.

While I’ve not taken the Thanksgiving Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise on the San Diego Bay yet myself, I can recommend the operator City Cruises who offers year-round bay and harbor cruises, my personal favorite being their Best of the Bay Scenic Harbor Tour.

That cruise lasts about 1.5 hours and includes informational narration as you look for sea life and cruise past highlights like Cabrillo National Monument at Point Loma, the historic Hotel del Coronado, Seaport Village, and PETCO Park.

What Makes It a Special Way to Celebrate

While you can have the traditional sit-down turkey dinner anywhere, this cruise is a uniquely San Diego experience that highlights some gorgeous spots around the bay. I think it’s worth doing at least once for any local and a great way to try something different this year.

If you’re interested in other harbor cruise options before or after the holiday, check out our article on the 13 Best San Diego Harbor Cruises & Boat Tours.

Are you feeling charitable this holiday season? If so, then I’d recommend you attend the 20th annual O’side Turkey Trot fundraising event in 2025.

All registered participants who pay to join the run or walk will receive a series of perks, including a commemorative shirt, finisher medal, age group awards, and photo, but if you’d just like to watch from the sidelines, that’s fine too and totally free.

The O’side Turkey Trot consists of four different events, the 5K starting at 330 N. Coast Hwy and the two Kids Runs starting at Tyson and Pacific. All races will take place on the morning of November 27th. In 2025, the start times are listed below.

• Early Wave 5K: 6:45am
• Main Wave 5K: 8:05am
• Kids 1 Mile (7-12 Years Old): 10:00am
• Kids 1/5 Mile (6 and Under): 10:25am

In addition to being one of the biggest holiday events in the Oceanside neighborhood, the Turkey Trot is the perfect way to pregame for a Thanksgiving dinner so you can chow down guilt-free afterwards.

And on a day where we all give thanks for all that we have, the O’side Turkey Trot benefits the Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank, the largest hunger-relief organization in San Diego County as well as dozens of North County schools and nonprofits.

You can register online at the official event site. I’d suggest that if you’d like to participate in 2025, don’t wait as space is limited and it’s been my experience that prices for San Diego’s 5Ks, half and full marathons can increase as we get closer to the date of the event!

What Makes It a Special Way to Celebrate

As a parent, I love finding ways to teach my kids (especially when they were younger) that holidays are about more than the celebrations. They’re about giving back to others.

The O’side Turkey Trot benefits the community and lets you make a positive impact, encouraging participants of all ages to focus less on the feasting and more on sharing and being thankful.

The Prado in Balboa Park is one of me and my family’s favorite places to eat. It’s not only a beautiful restaurant in a great location, but it also has some of the best food I’ve ever tasted!

On Thanksgiving, they are serving a three-course menu from 1:00pm to 7:00pm that is sure to be delicious. So the next question of course will be, ‘What’s on the menu’? Crisp apple salad, roasted turkey, butternut squash stir fry, and spiced apple tart crumble are just a few of the amazing choices you’ll find in 2025. Kids will also have some quality options, including pasta and short ribs.

I would highly recommend making reservations now because they are bound to book up, especially if you have a specific time you would like to dine.

What Makes It a Special Way to Celebrate

One of my favorite things to do is to frequent restaurants in Balboa Park, and what better time to do it than Thanksgiving with my family?

The Prado, with tasty food and affordable prices, certainly stands out as one of the best places to dine out for Thanksgiving

Many turkey trots are held in San Diego each Thanksgiving, but the original and longest-running event is Father Joe’s Village Thanksgiving Day Run for Hope. This is a 5K run and walk that includes both timed and “fun run” options for youths and adults.

Even if you’re not a big runner, attending the race to cheer on the runners from the sideline can be just as fun, totally free, and a great way to kick off your family’s celebrations.

Plus, from 7:45am to 10:00am, you can join the post-race festival at Plaza de Panama, which is filled with fun and games for all ages.

Like the O’Side Turkey Trot, this event is another chance to give back to the community, as proceeds go toward the Father Joe’s Villages’ meal program for feeding San Diego’s homeless population. Runners are encouraged to fundraise and will receive merchandise at check-in as a thanks.

As a local tip, if you register before November 13th, you can receive a discounted rate no matter whether you’re doing the timed or “fun run” race, so be sure to check out that option!

What Makes It a Special Way to Celebrate

Through getting active and getting involved with charity work, joining Father Joe’s Village Thanksgiving Day Run is a tradition you can feel good about participating in each year, which makes it one of our team at Go Visit San Diego’s favorite ways to start the holiday!

If you’ve ever thought about relaxing on Thanksgiving without having to cook and clean, enjoying a meal at the Oceana Coastal Kitchen at the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa on Mission Bay Park is an excellent idea.

You’ll have your choice in 2025 of if you prefer to stop by for lunch or dinner, which makes the Thanksgiving Day Buffet an especially convenient option if you’ve already got a few other activities planned for the day. You can make your reservation for any time between 2:00pm to 9:00pm. I would recommend doing it soon because they will fill up fast!

Buffet stations include seafood, soups, salads, carving, pasta, desserts, and a selection of Thanksgiving sides. The experience will be extra special as everything is served in the Catamaran's Ballrooms. You can also enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and live entertainment!

If you prefer to celebrate Thanksgiving with à la carte options, Oceana Coastal Kitchen is also open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with holiday specials.

What Makes It a Special Way to Celebrate

I’ve dined at Oceana Coastal Kitchen quite a few times, and while the food itself is great, the standout here is the view!

I suggest that you head out onto the restaurant’s patio where you’ll catch an impressive view of Mission Bay, which becomes even better when sharing the experience with your loved ones.

We clearly love Turkey Trots as a family-friendly holiday activity. Not only are they fun for all ages, but they also embody the spirit of the holiday by spotlighting what really matters: lending a helping hand to those in need.

The 2025 Coronado 5K Turkey Trot will once again be presented by the Coronado Unit of the Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary with all net proceeds benefitting the Orthopedics and Scoliosis Center at Rady Children's Hospital - San Diego.

In 2025, the Coronado 5K Turkey Trot will be held on November 27th at Tidelands Park. The run, jog, or walk begins at 8:00am and will continue until 9:30am.

Spots are limited and tend to run out each year, so it’s a good idea to register in advance on the race’s website.

What Makes It a Special Way to Celebrate

The Coronado 5K Turkey Trot is just over the bridge in Coronado Island, which is packed with other beach day activities. As someone that looks forward to a likely mild and sunny day on Thanksgiving, this race course right along the San Diego Bay is what makes this turkey trot stand out to me!

And as a bonus tip for active families that like to stay active and save money during the holiday season, take a look at the Go City San Diego pass! Coronado Island is your playground, with discounts on rentals for biking and kayaking around the neighborhood to work off those Thanksgiving Dinner calories, plus you can bundle admission to famous attractions like the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego.

Located right on the Pacific Beach boardwalk - basically my backyard - JRDN at Tower 23 Hotel is one of those spots where the ocean does half the decorating for you. If you want Thanksgiving with serious San Diego energy, this is it.

This year, JRDN is serving a three-course prix fixe Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, November 27, from 12pm–8pm. It’s the perfect setup if you want the holiday without the stress: no cooking, no dishes, no scrubbing the house before guests show up. Just great food and that PB sunset glow.

What’s on the Menu

You’ll kick things off with your choice of a Green Apple & Feta Salad (with roasted pepitas and a honey mustard dressing) or their velvety Pumpkin Soup topped with crème fraîche, bacon bits, and sage.

For the main course, you’ve got three solid options: a Classic Turkey Dinner with all the fixings, a Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham with sweet potato mash and roasted asparagus, or a rich Wild Mushroom & Truffle Risotto if you want to go meatless.

Dessert doesn’t disappoint either - pick between Pecan Pie, Apple Crisp, or a decadent Warm Banana Bread Pudding.

Why I Love This One

Living in Pacific Beach, I’ve eaten at JRDN more times than I can count, and it’s always been one of my go-tos when I want something a little nicer without feeling stuffy. I haven’t personally tried their Thanksgiving feast yet, but if it’s anything like their usual menu, you’re in good hands.

Thanksgiving at JRDN feels like the best of both worlds: a real holiday meal without the chaos - and an unbeatable oceanfront backdrop. Perfect for families, couples, or anyone who wants a laid-back holiday that still feels special.

Another experience in La Jolla that I would recommend for Thanksgiving dinner is

dining in luxury at the Mediterranean Room at La Valencia Hotel. Pull up a chair at the hotel restaurant’s classy dining room and let the chefs and staff of La Valencia cater to your every need.

There are few better places in all of San Diego to treat yourself than the La Valencia Hotel, which also makes our list as one of best San Diego hotels overall. You and the family can feel like royalty throughout dinner.

2025’s Thanksgiving dinner is a sit-down three-course meal. Alongside holiday favorites like turkey and apple pie, you’ll have your choice of upscale options like Braised Lamb Osso Buco.

Dinner reservations are available from 12:00pm to 7:00pm on November 27th, 2025. I can imagine they will start booking up quickly, so I’d suggest that you make your plans soon.

After dinner, visit the beach at nearby La Jolla Cove and make use of Go City San Diego pass discounts throughout the weekend to save on surfing rentals, lessons, and more to make your time with loved ones truly memorable.

What Makes It a Special Way to Celebrate

This hotel is just a short walk from the La Jolla coastline, and the dining room’s wide windows offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean while you eat.

To me, going for a stroll along the beach after a Thanksgiving meal is the most San Diegan way to celebrate the holiday and an experience you won’t want to skip.

The Provisional Kitchen at the Pendry San Diego is one of my favorite restaurants in Downtown San Diego. If you haven’t tried it, I would highly recommend it! Provisional Kitchen blends coastal Mediterranean and Italian dishes that are out of this world.

On Thanksgiving, November 27th from 2:00pm to 8:00 pm, you and your family can enjoy a three-course prix fixe menu. While menu specifics have not been released yet, I can tell you from experience, that you won’t be disappointed!

While the Provisional Kitchen is worth a visit any time of year, what nets it a spot on our Complete Guide to All the Holidays in San Diego article is the thought that it could offer an even tastier meal for Thanksgiving, all without any clean-up!

And if you’d rather enjoy the Provisional Kitchen’s incredible food at home this year, they are also preparing meals you can pick up. This feast includes free-range turkey, garlic mashed potatoes, and pecan apple stuffing. Absolutely delicious! Prices start at $310 for 3-4 guests. Orders have to be placed by noon on Monday, November 24th and you can pick up your food on Thanksgiving between 9:00am and 12:00pm.

Besides the Thanksgiving feast, you may also want to check out Chefsgiving. It took place on November 13th this year, and my wife and I went and wow, it was incredible. The food was next-level, the chefs brought their A-game, and we even made some new friends while we were there. We absolutely LOVED it, and we’re already counting down the days until we can go again next year.

What Makes It a Special Way to Celebrate

Choosing to have Thanksgiving dinner at Provisional Kitchen in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, surrounded by family, is a high-end choice at a reasonable price.

My past experience has been that the food has always been phenomenal, so this special event could be even better!

If you want to dine in style this Thanksgiving, I would highly recommend making reservations at Nine-Ten Restaurant. Located at the Grande Colonial La Jolla, this boutique hotel is the perfect backdrop for an elegant Thanksgiving feast. Did I mention that the restaurant received a 2025 Michelin Guide Distinction? That just goes to show you the quality meal you can expect.

While the 3-course prix-fixe menu hasn’t been released as of writing this article, the sample menu I saw on their site shows items like Ahi Tuna, Maine Sea Scallops, and Ginger Cake Tiramisu. That all sounds delicious!

Just note that Thanksgiving dinner at Nine-Ten is already sold out this year. However, you can still call (858) 964-5400 to be added to the waitlist. The restaurant will also be closed for breakfast and lunch on Thanksgiving and requires online reservations or reservations made by phone.

What Makes It a Special Way to Celebrate

The vibe and the delicious food at this restaurant make it one of my favorite options in La Jolla. Whenever I can enjoy one of my favorite spots with my favorite people, it becomes the perfect recipe for an incredibly memorable experience!

Thanksgiving marks the start of the Christmas gift-giving season, but for savvy shoppers, deals are available well before Thanksgiving and well after it too!

Traditionally, most San Diego stores have only offered Black Friday deals during the holiday weekend. However, this trend has been changing in recent years, with many stores extending sales to run through the whole month of November. This means you can comfortably take a post-turkey nap without worrying about missing out on many one-day-only discounts, which is totally fine by me!

If you still enjoy the rush of Black Friday shopping, though, don’t worry; while most malls will be closed Thanksgiving day, spots like Fashion Valley Mall will open bright and early at 6:00am on Friday, November 28th. My personal favorite mall, the Westfield UTC Mall San Diego will open its doors at 8:00am while the Carlsbad Premium Outlets will open at 6:00am.

I’d also recommend doing some shopping at Las Americas Premium Outlets, which will open at 10:00am. And don’t forget about shopping in Downtown La Jolla where each individual store will set their own hours, many expected to open between 6:00am and 8:00am. I’d also recommend shopping for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts at Seaport Village, which as of now will open on Black Friday at 11:00am.

If you’re interested in more incredible places to shop before or after Thanksgiving, be sure to check out our article on the 11 Best Malls & Shopping Areas in San Diego.

What Makes It a Special Way to Celebrate

If you’re hoping to get some of your family members’ Christmas lists checked off early, there are few better ways to do so than taking advantage of Black Friday deals.

And for me and my family, there’s just something about heading to one of the malls on Black Friday that gets us in the holiday spirit.

There are few stories that are as closely associated with the holidays as Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park. If you, like me, have grown up reading the original Dr. Seuss book or watching the movie each year, you’ll be happy to know that the stage play version performed annually in Balboa Park is an excellent adaptation.

Performances take place in the Old Globe Theatre, one of San Diego’s best-known art venues and one of its oldest, dating back to 1935. Watching a show here is very cool, as you can practically feel the history all around you.

While this isn’t strictly a Thanksgiving activity and also has a home on our list of A Holiday Season Guide to San Diego Christmas Activities 2025, performances begin as early as November 5th. I like to go a little after Thanksgiving to bridge the gap between the holidays.

Kids under the age of 3 will only be allowed at the 10:30am All-Ages Performances. You can buy your tickets on the event site.

What Makes It a Special Way to Celebrate

This is something my family and I do every year around Christmas time, and it’s become something of a personal ritual. It’s the best way to get everyone in the holiday spirit and the performance is always fun for all ages.

If you like the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, I highly recommend putting Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show on your holiday to-do list.

This year’s performance has all of the traditional elements of “A Christmas Carol”, but with a comical twist. I don’t want to give it all away, but I will tell you that there’s beautiful live music and plenty of laughs to be had at this show.

I can say that for a fact because my wife and I have gone before and loved it! The show is only one hour and 15 minutes with no intermission so it’s likely a good option for your kids but do know that no children under the age of 5 will be permitted.

What Makes It a Special Way to Celebrate

I think anytime you can hit the theater to see a classic Christmas story played out on stage, it helps to bring the holiday spirit to life!

This is why my family tries to attend at least one show during the season, with Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show being at the top of our list!