As we close in on Thanksgiving, campus empties and most students go home. Staff turn off the fountains and lock up many buildings. For students who remain here — for financial, logistical or other reasons — it can be a challenging time, especially those who wrestle with anxiety, loneliness or who just don’t like short winter days.
Nearly two in five people surveyed reported feeling more anxious during the holiday season, according to the American Psychological Association. We put together a list of activities students can take part in here in Los Angeles to fend off the holiday blues.
Many students have come up with their own holiday rituals. Aditiya Thiyag, a junior who is majoring in journalism, has a personal tradition of giving thanks.
“Something that I try to do… is reaching out to the people I care about and let them know now how grateful I am that they’re in my life,” he said. “Thanksgiving provides a specific date so that I’m reminded to do it.”
But for those seeking specific places to go as the days get short and the breeze gets colder, Thiyag suggests the musical vibe at Amoeba Music, an iconic old-school record shop in Hollywood.
“I think if you’re a fan of any kind of mass media, there’ll definitely be something that you’re interested in,” he said of the store that lets you flip through the DVDs, vinyls, and CDs they sell.
The Amoeba Music location in L.A. is located at 6200 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028.
12th Annual Los Angeles Turkey Trot
In many cities, turkey trots bring together people of all ages are welcome to watch or take part in a 5k or 10k run, often with a mini course for children and sometimes even dogs. In Los Angeles, the run will culminate with a celebration at Gloria Molina Grand Park. Typically, a few attendees dressed in turkey costumes take part in the run. This year, the Turkey Trot is scheduled for Nov. 28, 2024, with the starting gun at at Grand Park. Register for the race here.
Turkey Cuddling
Have you ever thought about hugging a turkey? At Gentle Barn in Santa Clarita, you can now cuddle with just such a feathered bird. The barn’s pre-Thanksgiving celebration includes opportunities for visitors to feed treats to turkeys, cuddle with them and then enjoy a light refreshment.
Ice Skating
Southern California rarely gets anything resembling a true winter, but you can make your way to Pershing Square in Downtown Los Angeles or to Ice in Downtown Santa Monica for some outdoor ice skating. On Thanksgiving Day, both rinks are open from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Apple Picking
Oak Glen, California is home to numerous apple orchards where an array of activities can fill your day. Los Rios Rancho, Willowbrook Apple Farm and Snow-line Orchard are some of the places to pick apples, sip cider and enjoy festive treats.
Big Sunday: The 13th Annual Thanksgiving Stuffing Event
Are you into the holiday spirit of giving? Big Sunday arranges for volunteers to help feed more than 16,000 people in need throughout the greater Los Angeles area. On the day before Thanksgiving — November 27 — volunteers fill bags with prepared food to distribute the next day. Meet at Radford Studio Center from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday before the holiday. Find more information here.
Thank LeBron
On November 29, the Lakers are scheduled to play the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena, points out Ben Chung, who is a junior at USC with parents in Minnesota.
“It’d be nice to go home and see my parents and friends over break, but I think I’m just locking in. I’m pretty busy these next few weeks,” he explained. Unable to see his parents, Chung and his brother will watch LeBron take on MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Host a Friendsgiving
USC senior Isabel Yang suggested that students staying local host a “Friendsgiving” with other people who are also unable to get home for the holidays.
“And I think the courtesy of all my friends offering Friendsgiving to get everyone together and just enjoy good food really makes it a lot better for me. It’s better than staying at home and just… binge-watching TV,” Yang said.
Happy Thanksgiving!