LA’s Vegan Thanksgiving: Compassionate Feasts & Festivities

As Thanksgiving approaches, Los Angeles’ thriving vegan community is embracing a holiday free from traditional turkey dinners. Instead, locals are discovering a wealth of compassionate alternatives, from animal sanctuary events to dedicated plant-based restaurant offerings and community potlucks, making gratitude truly inclusive for all beings.

Embracing Compassion: The Rise of ThanksVegan

While millions across the U.S. prepare for turkey-centric meals, many Angelenos are opting for a different kind of celebration. Animal advocates, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), highlight the ethical dilemma of feasting on animals during a holiday of gratitude. PETA’s “ThanksVegan” campaign, now in its seventh year, encourages a meat- and dairy-free holiday, offering resources like recipes and even “turkey tombstone” awareness items.

The movement reflects a broader trend: U.S. per-capita turkey production has steadily declined since its 1996 peak, with plant-based options growing in popularity and availability. This shift is fueled by increasing awareness of animal welfare, particularly concerning factory farming practices where average turkey sizes have nearly doubled since the 1960s.

Local Sanctuaries & Community Celebrations

For those looking to connect with animals or share a meal with like-minded individuals, Los Angeles offers unique opportunities:

• Farm Sanctuary (Acton): Their 39th annual “Adopt A Turkey Project” allows you to symbolically adopt a rescued turkey for $35 or sponsor an entire flock for $135, supporting their natural lives at the sanctuary. More stories can be found at farmsanctuary.org/adopt-a-turkey.
• Kindred Spirits Care Farm (Chatsworth): Hosting a compassionate Thanksgiving Day celebration, this farm understands the challenges vegans face during traditional meals. They “flip the script” by letting their rescued turkeys feast on pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.
• The Gentle Barn (Santa Clarita): Offering “Turkey Cuddle Therapy,” this non-profit sanctuary provides one-hour sessions for a $200 donation, aimed at stress relief, grief support, or simply brightening someone’s day. A $35 donation also supports their Turkey Guardian program.
• Vegan Thanksgiving Potluck (Cheviot Hills): This free, annual event, running for over 20 years, is LA’s largest in-person vegan holiday gathering. Held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day at 2551 Motor Ave., it draws hundreds with live music and an open mic. Attendees are asked to bring a vegan dish to share.

Delicious Plant-Based Alternatives & Easy Swaps

Gone are the days when vegan Thanksgiving meant limited choices. Supermarkets now stock an array of plant-based options that easily fit into holiday menus:

Supermarket Staples for Your Feast

From the pioneering Tofurkey, which debuted its Holiday Roast in 1995, to newer options from Gardein, Field Roast, Quorn, Country Life, and Trader Joe’s, plant-based roasts are readily available. These offer a convenient and cruelty-free centerpiece for your meal.

Transforming Traditional Sides

Humane World for Animals (formerly the Humane Society) suggests simple swaps to maintain classic Thanksgiving flavors without animal products:

• Main Dishes: Explore vegetable- or seitan-based roasts.
• Sides & Desserts: Easily make them egg- and dairy-free by swapping milk and butter for plant-based alternatives found at most grocery stores.
• Soups: Warm options like fire-roasted corn chowder, butternut squash, or sweet potato vegetable soups are perfect additions.

For culinary inspiration, the Los Angeles-based group Mercy for Animals offers a free digital cookbook, “Pardon a Turkey,” accessible via their website.

LA’s Vegan Eateries: Dine-In & Take-Out Options

Many Southland vegan restaurants are offering special holiday packages and menus, providing convenient and delicious alternatives for your Thanksgiving table. Here’s a glance at some options:

Other notable spots include Cafe Gratitude (Larchmont) with a Thanksgiving pickup menu (orders by Sunday, pickup Wednesday), Sunshine Kitchen (Culver City) offering a vegan Shepherd’s Pie for pickup through Wednesday, and Planta (Brentwood) which offered a “Friendsgiving” event and “PlantsGiving” bundles for pickup.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Thanksgiving in LA

• Where can I find vegan roasts like Tofurkey?
  Most major supermarkets in Los Angeles, including Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and even larger conventional grocery stores, will carry a variety of plant-based roasts from brands like Tofurkey, Gardein, Field Roast, and Quorn, especially in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving.
• Are there free vegan Thanksgiving events in LA?
  Yes, the annual Vegan Thanksgiving Potluck in Cheviot Hills (2551 Motor Ave.) is a free event on Thanksgiving Day, welcoming everyone to bring a vegan dish and enjoy community, live music, and an open mic.
• What if my family isn’t vegan? How can I still participate?
  Many vegan restaurants offer individual plates or catering options that you can bring to a non-vegan gathering. Alternatively, focus on preparing classic Thanksgiving side dishes with plant-based swaps (e.g., vegan butter for mashed potatoes, vegetable broth for stuffing) that everyone can enjoy. You can also share recipes from Mercy for Animals’ free digital cookbook.

Whether you’re cuddling a rescued turkey, sharing a potluck dish, or indulging in a gourmet plant-based feast, Los Angeles provides abundant ways to celebrate a truly compassionate Thanksgiving.

LA Vegans Celebrate Compassionate Thanksgiving