Thanksgiving in Los Angeles is a time for friends, family, and, of course, a side of avocado. But have you ever wondered how this beloved American holiday has been celebrated in the City of Angels?

A L.A. preschool student enjoys a turkey dinner in 1951 | Los Angeles Examiner/USC Libraries/Corbis via Getty Images

A Brief History of Thanksgiving

Before we dive into the LA-specific history, let's take a quick look at how Thanksgiving came to be. In 1621, the Pilgrims, early European colonizers of the United States, held a harvest feast in present-day Plymouth, Massachusetts. This feast, which was attended by members of the Wampanoag Native American tribe, is often credited as the first Thanksgiving.

The Early Days of Thanksgiving in LA

Fast-forward to the late 18th century, when Los Angeles was still a small pueblo. During this time, Thanksgiving was not widely celebrated in Southern California. In fact, it wasn't until 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday, that Angelenos began to observe the day.

A turkey shoot in Northridge in 1957

A Hollywood Twist

As the film industry grew in Los Angeles during the early 20th century, Thanksgiving became a time for Hollywood stars to shine. In the 1930s and '40s, movie studios would often host elaborate Thanksgiving feasts for their stars, complete with turkey, stuffing, and all the trimmings.

Thanksgiving dinner at the Midnight Mission in 1942

Modern-Day Celebrations

Today, Thanksgiving in Los Angeles is a time for people from all walks of life to come together and give thanks. From traditional family gatherings to volunteer opportunities at local food banks, there are countless ways to celebrate the holiday in LA.

So, whether you're a native Angeleno or just visiting the city, take some time this Thanksgiving to appreciate the rich history and diverse culture of Los Angeles.

Fun Facts and Events

• The LA Mission hosts an annual Thanksgiving feast for those in need, serving over 3,000 meals.

• The Hollywood Christmas Parade, which takes place on the day after Thanksgiving, has been a LA tradition since 1928.

• In 2019, the city of LA launched a "Turkey Trot" 5K run on Thanksgiving morning to promote health and wellness.

Happy Thanksgiving from LA!