If you're looking for things to do in Los Angeles in November 2026, this month offers a full calendar, from a Brahms concerto at Walt Disney Concert Hall and a Diwali festival in Hollywood to the LA Auto Show and an after-dark light walk at Descanso Gardens. With Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26, many of these dates also work well for visiting family.
Below are five November events worth planning around, each with dates, location and a link to tickets.
What are the best events in Los Angeles in November 2026?
When is Daniel Harding conducting Brahms at Walt Disney Concert Hall?
Daniel Harding conducts the LA Phil November 6–8, 2026, with Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes performing Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 2. Harding becomes the LA Phil's Music Director starting with the 2027/28 season, so this is an early look at the orchestra's next chapter. The program opens with Latest by Paris-based composer Betsy Jolas, who turns 100 in 2026. The Friday, November 6 performance is a shorter "Casual Fridays" concert with no intermission, followed by an on-stage conversation and a post-concert reception. Tickets start at $20.
Set inside Frank Gehry's concert hall at 111 S Grand Ave, it's a good excuse to dress up, book dinner downtown and make an evening of it.
Where is Diwali Fest in Los Angeles in 2026?
Diwali Fest takes place Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 6 to 11 PM at Academy LA, 6021 Hollywood Boulevard. The evening celebrates the Festival of Lights with Indian food and music, and it's open to all ages. Come hungry and enjoy a lively celebration of culture and community in the heart of Hollywood.
What's the new exhibition at Craft Contemporary?
Colombian artist Carlos Castro Arias opens Vandalismo Artesanal, his first solo exhibition in Los Angeles, at Craft Contemporary on November 15, 2026. It runs through May 2, 2027. Bronze busts and monuments are reworked with basketry, weaving and beadwork from Colombian craft traditions, and the show uses dark humor to rethink how history gets told.
The museum sits at 5814 Wilshire Blvd on Museum Row and is open Wednesday through Sunday, 11 AM to 5 PM, which makes it an easy afternoon pairing with LACMA or the Petersen.
What are the 2026 LA Auto Show dates?
The 2026 Los Angeles Auto Show runs November 20–29 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, with a media and industry day on November 19. Expect new models, concept cars, classics and test drives inside and outside the hall (LA Auto Show). The show is open on Thanksgiving Day, so it's an easy addition to a holiday-week itinerary with visiting family (The Weekly Driver).
When does Enchanted Forest of Light open at Descanso Gardens?
Enchanted Forest of Light runs from November 22, 2026, to January 9, 2027, from 5:30 to 10 PM nightly. It's closed on Thanksgiving (November 26) and Christmas Day. The route is about 1 mile and accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, and parking is free.
General admission for non-members runs $29–$52 for adults depending on date and entry time, and popular nights sell out, so buy ahead. The event is cashless and happens rain or shine . It's a good choice for a date night or an outing with visiting family; bring a warm layer.
What should I plan for Thanksgiving week in Los Angeles?
Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026, so book tickets for popular events and dinner reservations early if you're hosting visitors. A few things to keep in mind:
The LA Auto Show is open on Thanksgiving Day, while Enchanted Forest of Light is closed that night.
Check holiday hours before heading out, since museums and attractions often adjust their schedules that week.
Evenings cool down quickly after sunset, so bring a warm layer for outdoor plans like Descanso Gardens.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Los Angeles in November 2026? The best things to do in Los Angeles in November 2026 include Daniel Harding and the LA Phil performing Brahms at Walt Disney Concert Hall (Nov 6–8), Diwali Fest in Hollywood (Nov 7), Carlos Castro Arias at Craft Contemporary (opens Nov 15), the LA Auto Show (Nov 20–29) and Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens (opens Nov 22).
When is the 2026 LA Auto Show? The 2026 LA Auto Show runs November 20–29, 2026, at the Los Angeles Convention Center in downtown LA, with a media and industry day on November 19.
Is Enchanted at Descanso Gardens open on Thanksgiving? No. Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens is closed on Thanksgiving, November 26, 2026, and on Christmas Day. It runs nightly from 5:30 to 10 PM between November 22, 2026, and January 9, 2027.
When is Thanksgiving in 2026? Thanksgiving in 2026 is Thursday, November 26.
Where can I celebrate Diwali in Los Angeles in 2026? Diwali Fest, an Indian food and music festival, takes place Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 6 to 11 PM at Academy LA, 6021 Hollywood Boulevard. It's open to all ages.
Let’s Connect!
Wishing you a wonderful November and a happy Thanksgiving. If you're considering a move this season, whether buying or selling, call or text 310-853-2643 or email info@paulsalazargroup.com.
