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Short answer: Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26, 2026. Huntington Beach's own Thanksgiving-morning race is the 15th Turkey Wobble, a 5K and 10K that starts in waves from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. at Pacific Coast Highway and Beach Boulevard. Surf City Nights runs on Main Street the Tuesday before. By that week Knott's Merry Farm (from November 20) and the Disneyland holiday season (from November 13) are both open. The sun sets around 4:45 p.m., so plan the beach for the middle of the day. If you are cooking, shop by Wednesday and cook at a rental with a real kitchen.
This guide is for a family or a group of friends deciding how to spend Thanksgiving week in Huntington Beach: what is on, what to book now, and how to get dinner on the table away from home.
Thanksgiving morning: the Turkey Wobble
The Huntington Beach Turkey Wobble is in its 15th year. Its site lists it for November 26, 2026, with the entrance at Pacific Coast Highway and Beach Boulevard. The 5K and 10K start in waves at 7:00, 7:20, 7:40, 8:00, 8:20, 8:40 and 9:00 a.m. Kids fun runs are at 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. The course is a flat out-and-back on the beach path. Proceeds go to clean-water projects through World Help.
- Price: $20 for ages 13 and under. For ages 14 and up, $25 through July 31, rising in steps to $50 through November 22 and $55 on race day. If you are going, register before Sunday, November 22.
- Pickup: There is no packet pickup. You collect your bib and shirt when you check in that morning.
- Strollers and dogs: Both are welcome. Strollers start at the back.
- Parking: The race site points to the lot next to the start and to street parking. Arrive early.
- Weather: The race site says rain or shine.
If the bird has to go in early, pick the 7:00 wave and you are home well before lunch.
For a bigger race, the Dana Point Turkey Trot is about 30 miles south at Dana Point Harbor. 2026 is its 49th year. The 10K starts at 7:00 a.m., the 5K at 8:30 or 9:30 a.m., and the family 5K at 10:00 a.m. Regular prices are $54 for the 10K and $48 for the 5K, and entries are non-refundable. Free shuttles run from 5:30 a.m. from Dana Hills High School and from the Costco in San Juan Capistrano. Packet pickup is Wednesday from noon to 6 p.m. or race morning from 6:00 to 11:00 a.m. You need an early start from Huntington Beach to make it.
Thanksgiving dinner: cook in or book out
Cooking in. This is where a house beats a hotel. This home has a full kitchen with quartz counters and stainless appliances, a breakfast bar, and a dining table that seats the whole group. The BBQ island under the pergola can take the grilling while the kitchen does the sides. Two things to know before you plan the menu:
- Check-in is at 4:00 p.m. If you arrive on Wednesday, you will be shopping in the evening, on one of the busiest grocery days of the year. Arriving Tuesday or earlier makes the week much easier.
- If your recipe needs a particular pan, a roasting rack or a thermometer, ask in Airbnb messages before you travel what the kitchen has, or bring your own. It is better to know in advance than to find out on Thursday morning.
The listing is for up to 7 guests. If you hope to have local family over for dinner, ask through Airbnb messages before you book. Airbnb's house rules apply.
Booking out. As of mid-October most restaurants have not posted their 2026 Thanksgiving menus. Watch for them in early November and book as soon as they appear. We would rather say that plainly than list menus that are not out yet.
The rest of the week
Tuesday, November 24: Surf City Nights
Surf City Nights runs every Tuesday from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Main Street, between Pacific Coast Highway and Orange Avenue, weather permitting. It has a farmers market, food and live music. The downtown site lists no Thanksgiving-week exception. Parking is free for 90 minutes at the Main Promenade structure, 200 Main Street (enter on Olive or Walnut). If you check in at 4:00, you can still make it. Main Street is about 10 to 15 minutes from the house.
Wednesday: Bolsa Chica, then a fire
Late November is good timing for Bolsa Chica. The reserve says the November to February season is the best time to see shorebirds, ducks and loons. The flat loop trail suits all ages and is about 10 minutes from the house. Sunset is around 4:45 p.m. all week, so a beach fire can start before dinner. The bonfire guide covers where the rings are, the rules and the 10 p.m. curfew. Nights are cool, so bring jackets.
Black Friday: theme parks or the coast
Knott's Merry Farm runs November 20, 2026 through January 3, 2027. Knott's says live shows, the light displays, select activities and most rides are included with park admission. It is about 20 to 25 minutes away. Disneyland Resort's holiday season starts November 13 and brings A Christmas Fantasy Parade, Haunted Mansion Holiday, "it's a small world" Holiday, and World of Color – Season of Light at Disney California Adventure, according to FOX 11's report on the announcement. Thanksgiving week is a school break for most families, so expect big crowds and check park hours before you buy. The kids and Disneyland guide has the day-trip plan.
Saturday: Santa at Pacific City
Pacific City lists Photos with Santa from November 21 through December 24. Its One MORE Coat at the Coast drive with One Warm Coat runs through December 24, so pack an old coat to drop off. The center has not listed a Black Friday or tree-lighting event for 2026. For the December events, see the Christmas and Cruise of Lights guide.
A simple Thanksgiving-week plan
- Sat Nov 21: Check in at 4:00 p.m. Stays of a week or longer get 9% off on Airbnb.
- Tue Nov 24: Surf City Nights on Main Street.
- Wed Nov 25: Morning grocery run, Bolsa Chica at midday, beach fire at sunset.
- Thu Nov 26: Turkey Wobble wave, then cook. Pool and darts while the turkey rests.
- Fri Nov 27: Knott's or Disneyland, or a quiet beach day if the parks are packed.
- Sat Nov 28: Santa at Pacific City, then leftovers.
- Sun Nov 29: Checkout is at 11:00 a.m.
Where to stay for Thanksgiving week
This house is in Huntington Beach 92649. It has 4 bedrooms with 4 beds and 2.5 baths, sleeps 7, and is a 5.0-rated Guest Favorite. It is about 8 minutes from the beach. After dinner there is a Brunswick Gold Crown pool table, an electronic dartboard, an 82-inch TV and board games, plus an in-unit washer and dryer and utilities included. Stays can be up to 30 nights. Thanksgiving week books up early, so check your dates first, then sign up for the race.
Check Thanksgiving dates on Airbnb
Thanksgiving FAQ
When is the Huntington Beach Turkey Wobble in 2026?
Thursday, November 26, 2026, at Pacific Coast Highway and Beach Boulevard. The 5K and 10K start in waves from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m., with kids fun runs at 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. It runs rain or shine.
How much is the Turkey Wobble?
$20 for ages 13 and under. Ages 14 and up pay $50 through November 22 and $55 on race day. There is no packet pickup; bibs and shirts are handed out at check-in.
Is Surf City Nights on during Thanksgiving week?
Downtown Huntington Beach lists it every Tuesday, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., weather permitting, and posts no Thanksgiving-week exception. That makes November 24, 2026 the night to go.
Are Knott's and Disneyland decorated for the holidays by Thanksgiving?
Yes. Knott's Merry Farm runs November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027, and the Disneyland Resort holiday season starts November 13, 2026. Expect Thanksgiving-week crowds.
Can we cook Thanksgiving dinner at the house?
Yes. It has a full kitchen with quartz counters and stainless appliances, a dining table for the whole group, and a BBQ island. Check-in is at 4:00 p.m., so arriving by Tuesday makes the shopping easier.