Get in the spirit
You can trot off your Thanksgiving dinner, watch tennis, go gift shopping and catch a holiday parade, all in support of good causes and all within driving distance.
Palm Springs
More than 300 LGBT tennis players from around the world will play in the 25th Palm Springs Open, a fundraiser for the AIDS Assistance Program: Food Samaritans. The tournament takes place at three venues in Palm Springs; check the website for the match schedule. When: 8 a.m. Nov. 23-25 Cost, info: Free. Familyfriendly. Dogs OK. (310) 418-7202, lat.ms/palm springsopen
Norco
Shop handmade at Hillside Farm’s Holiday Craft Fair, now in its 34th year. You’ll find artisanal goods, food vendors and Hillside’s famous ginger cookies; some of your money will benefit the Norco Senior Citizens and Pet Relief Fund. When: 10 a.m. Nov. 23-25 (also Dec. 1 and 2) Cost, info: Free. Familyfriendly. No dogs. (951) 737-0414, hillsidefarmnor co.com
San Simeon
See the nearly 100-yearold Hearst Castle in a new light at the estate’s Holiday Twilight Tour. The 75-minute tour shows you the kitchen, theater and social rooms in the main residence as well as a guest house, two pools and the 127-acre gardens — all decked-out in lights, decorations and Christmas trees. Check the website for additional dates. Reservations encouraged. When: First tours at 5 p.m. Nov. 23 and 24 Cost, info: $15 for children 5-12, $30 for adults at the castle. Online or phone reservations are an extra $8 per ticket. Familyfriendly. No dogs. (800) 444-4445, lat.ms/hearst holidaytours
Los Angeles
Work off your Thanksgiving turkey (or meat-free substitute) at the LA Tofurky Trot Fun Run at Griffith Park. The 5K, open to all abilities, will honor the first adult and child to finish, the cutest dog and the best-costumed human. Proceeds benefit the Factory Farming Awareness Coalition. After the run, fuel up at the event’s vegan food festival with plant-based burgers, tamales, macaroni and cheese, and more.
When: 10 a.m. (Registration starts at 8 a.m.) Nov. 25
Cost, info: Trot: $15 to $45; food fest: free. Family-friendly. Dogs OK. (323) 828-7040, lat.ms/ tofurkytrot
Hollywood
Bundle up as the Grinch, toy soldiers, nutcrackers and other giant balloons float down a red-carpeted Hollywood Boulevard in the Hollywood Christmas Parade. Also in the lineup are marching bands, dancers and equestrian groups. Ashanti, Band of MerryMakers, and past “American Idol” contestants David Archuleta, Blake Lewis and Elliot Yamin will perform in a pre-parade concert. When: 5 p.m. Nov. 25
Cost, info: $32 to $75. (Grandstand tickets are sold out.) Family-friendly. Dogs OK in certain areas. (866) 727-2331, theholly woodchristmasparade.org