Thursday, November 27, 2025
Today is Thanksgiving Day
There are 27 shopping days until Christmas
Happy Thanksgiving, Santa Monica! Whether you’re running the Turkey Trot, heading to the Westside Community Dinner, or just prepping for a marathon of football and food, we wish you a wonderful holiday. The weather is forecasted to be cool and partly cloudy—perfect for a post-meal walk on the beach.
Parking Alert: Street cleaning and parking meters are suspended today for the holiday. Enjoy the free parking!
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▶︎ 43rd Annual Westside Thanksgiving Community Dinner
The Civic Center is bustling today for the annual community dinner. Thousands of meals are being served to students, families, seniors, and those experiencing homelessness. It is a massive volunteer effort and a cornerstone of Santa Monica’s holiday spirit.
▶︎ Santa Monica Turkey Trot
The race kicked off early this morning at Ocean Park. Expect some road closures to be lifting around noon near Barnard Way and the beach path. Congratulations to all the runners who earned their pumpkin pie this morning!
▶︎ Holiday Traffic Watch
PCH and the I-10 are expected to be light this morning but will get congested by late afternoon as people travel for dinner. The I-405, naturally, will be unpredictable.
▶︎ Waymo Must Limit Overnight Charging
Neighbors have been complaining about excessive noise for almost a year. Santa Monica Sun
▶︎ Young Magic Castle Headliners Stage Charity Show to Fight Childhood Cancer
Proceeds benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. SMDP
▶︎ SMC Track, Field Will Close Until Spring
Major upgrades are on the way. Santa Monica Sun
Tuesday December 2 Wednesday, December 3 Note: City Hall is closed November 27 and 28 for the holiday. |
Indiana cops hand out tickets to kids for swing “6-7” New York Post
Pope Leo reveals his secret Wordle strategy AP
Middle schoolers go viral for sharing positive experiences CNN
1924 The very first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was held in New York City (originally called the “Macy’s Christmas Parade”).
1978 A tragic day in California history: San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk were assassinated.
2013 Disney’s Frozen was released in theaters, changing the landscape of animated musicals forever.
11/27 Bill Nye, science icon (70); RIP Jimmy Hendrix, rock icon (1943 – 1970)
11/28 Trey Songz, rapper (41); RIP Anna Nicole Smith, reality star (1967 – 2007)
11/29 Salish Matter, social media star (16); Howie Mandel, comedian (70)
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🌛THINGS TO DO AFTER DARK Ice at Santa Monica: The rink at 5th & Arizona is open daily from noon to 10:00 PM. 1324 5th St. Jeopardy Alumni Trivia: Test your knowledge alongside former contestants every Wednesday at O’Brien’s Pub. 2226 Wilshire Blvd. Neighborhood Game Night: Meet and challenge other members of the community Thursday nights at Weary Livers. 2819 Pico Blvd. Magic By The Sea: Be dazzled by top magicians every Friday and Saturday night at Illusions Magic Lounge. 1418 4th St. 🌆 AROUND LOS ANGELES Dungeons and Dragons: The Twenty Sided Tavern: The live role-playing adventure wraps up its west coast run Sunday night at the Montalban Theatre. 1615 Vine St., Hollywood. Jay Leno: The former Tonight Show host returns to his home away from home at The Comedy and Magic Club in Hermosa Beach. 1018 Hermosa Avenue, Hermosa Beach 🏈 LOCAL & PRO SPORTS College Football Rivalry Week: The USC Trojans (8-3) host the UCLA Bruins (3-8) Saturday afternoon at the L.A. Coliseum. USC is favored by 21 points. NFL Week 13: The L.A. Chargers host the Las Vegas Raiders Sunday (11/30) at SoFi Stadium. 🎥 MOVIES Zootopia 2: Disney’s highly anticipated sequel arrives in theaters Friday. It’s playing at the AMC Santa Monica 7. Expect sold-out matinees as families flock to this one. The Breakfast Club 40th Anniversary: Spend your post-Thanksgiving Friday with the Brat Pack. The American Cinematheque is hosting a special evening in honor of the John Hughes classic right here in our neighborhood. Friday, November 28. The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Just a quick hop over the border into West LA, the NuArt Theatre continues its legendary tradition. “Sins O’ The Flesh” shadow cast performs live every Saturday night at 11:30 PM. Don’t dream it, be it! 11272 Santa Monica Blvd. 📺 WHAT TO WATCH NFL Thanksgiving Triple-Header: It’s tradition. The Detroit Lions play TBD at 9:30 AM, the Dallas Cowboys take on the Kansas City Chiefs at 1:30 PM, and the Miami Dolphins host the Green Bay Packers for the primetime slot at 5:20 NBC The Great British Baking Show Holiday Special : Need something soothing after the chaos of family dinner? Watch bakers construct gingerbread masterpieces without the stress of doing it yourself. Netflix Yellowstone: Sunday, Nov 30. The drama on the ranch is heating up as the season moves toward its finale. Perfect Sunday night viewing to cap off the weekend. Peacock Holiday Rom-Com Marathons: If you want to turn your brain off entirely, the “Countdown to Christmas” is in full swing 24/7. Look for the premiere of Holiday at the Pier this Saturday night. Hallmark |
- Black Friday Shopping: Tomorrow, Nov 28. Santa Monica Place opens early.
- Small Business Saturday: Saturday, Nov 29. Please support our local Montana Ave and Pico Blvd shops!
- Santa Monica Tree Lighting: Thursday, Dec 4. Official ceremony on the Promenade.
Gobble, Gobble, Santa Monica. Have a safe and delicious holiday. See you next week!
- R.I.P.:Unleashed By Petco set to close - February 18, 2026
- Hotsheet 2/19/26: Will SMMUSD eliminate teachers? - February 17, 2026
- Hotsheet 2/5/26:SMC in ‘financial crisis’; Cat cafe opens - February 5, 2026
