NEW BLOG: OCTOBER CARMEL VALLEY EVENTS- As autumn settles over the rolling hills and coastal valleys of Carmel Valley, the town comes alive with elegance, culture, and community spirit. November brings crisp air, golden sunsets, and a sense of warmth as locals and visitors gather to celebrate the season. From upscale dining experiences to charitable events and family-friendly gatherings, Carmel Valley offers a sophisticated mix of activities that combine local charm with memorable experiences.
To help you make the most of your month, I’ve curated a selection of standout Thanksgiving events in Carmel Valley for November 2025. These experiences—ranging from gourmet feasts and festive buffets to charity runs and cultural gatherings—are designed for families, retirees, and visitors seeking meaningful, well-organized, and upscale celebrations.
1. Community Thanksgiving Feast
Image via Carmel Valley Angel Project
Date & Time: Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Location: Carmel Valley Community Youth Center, 25 Ford Road, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
Tickets: Free admission; reservations required by November 15.
Website: Community Thanksgiving Feast
Parking: Free on-site parking available; early arrival recommended.
Join the Carmel Valley Kiwanis Club and the Carmel Valley Angel Project for a heartfelt community gathering at the Carmel Valley Community Youth Center. This free sit-down dinner offers a traditional turkey meal with all the fixings, prepared and served by local volunteers. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with neighbors and celebrate the spirit of gratitude and togetherness.
2. Pacific’s Edge Thanksgiving Buffet
Image via Open Table
Date & Time: Thursday, November 27, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Pacific’s Edge Restaurant at Hyatt Carmel Highlands, 120 Highlands Drive, Carmel, CA 93923
Tickets: $105 for adults (12+); $50 for children (3–11); complimentary for children under 3.
Website: Pacific’s Edge Thanksgiving Buffet
Parking: Valet parking available; complimentary for restaurant guests.
Experience a festive Thanksgiving buffet with a coastal flair at Pacific’s Edge, perched above the dramatic Big Sur coastline. The culinary team has crafted a menu blending traditional holiday favorites with coastal-inspired dishes, creating an unforgettable dining experience in a festive setting for families and friends. Highlights include roasted turkey with cranberry sauce, slow-roasted brisket, glazed ham, poached prawns, roasted salmon, and a tempting dessert selection.
3. Bernardus Lodge & Spa Thanksgiving Celebration
Image via Bernadus Lodge FB Page
Date & Time: Thursday, November 27, 2025, seatings at 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Location: Bernardus Lodge & Spa, 415 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA
Tickets: Reservations required; pricing starts around $175 per adult and $65 per child.
Website: Bernadus Lodge FB Page
Parking: Complimentary valet and self-parking available for guests.
Each Thanksgiving, Bernardus Lodge & Spa offers an elegant four-course feast featuring local ingredients, from free-range turkey to decadent desserts. Live acoustic music and vineyard views create a sophisticated setting, perfect for families and food lovers seeking a refined holiday experience.
2. Carmel Valley Ranch Thanksgiving Feast
Image via Carmel Valley Ranch
Date & Time: Thursday, November 27, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Carmel Valley Ranch, One Old Ranch Road, Carmel, CA
Tickets: Reservations required; adults $150, children $65.
Website: carmelvalleyranch.com
Parking: Complimentary self and valet parking available on-site.
Carmel Valley Ranch hosts an expansive Thanksgiving buffet that celebrates the flavors of the season in a relaxed yet luxurious setting. The menu includes locally sourced produce, seafood, carving stations, and an array of holiday desserts. Guests can dine on the terrace overlooking the valley or inside the lodge’s elegant ballroom. Families especially love the Ranch’s seasonal activities—horseback riding, golf, and kids’ crafts—which make the day more than just a meal. It’s a complete Thanksgiving experience, blending nature, relaxation, and gourmet indulgence.
3. Quail Lodge & Golf Club Thanksgiving Brunch
Image via The Quail
Date & Time: Thursday, November 27, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Quail Lodge & Golf Club, 8205 Valley Greens Drive, Carmel, CA
Tickets: Adults $110, children $45; reservations strongly encouraged.
Website: The Quail
Parking: Complimentary parking on-site.
Quail Lodge is known for its refined yet approachable charm, and its Thanksgiving brunch has become a local tradition. The event features stations of artisan cheeses, carved meats, seafood, and seasonal sides—perfectly paired with the lodge’s curated wine list. Guests can enjoy live jazz performances while taking in panoramic views of the golf course and oak-dotted hills. It’s an ideal choice for those who appreciate understated luxury and the timeless beauty of Carmel Valley
4. Mission Ranch Thanksgiving Dinner
Image via Mission Ranch
Date & Time: Thursday, November 27, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Mission Ranch, 26270 Dolores Street, Carmel, CA
Tickets: Adults $120, children $55; reservations required.
Website: Mission Ranch
Parking: Complimentary valet and self-parking.
Owned by Clint Eastwood, Mission Ranch is one of Carmel’s most charming dining spots, and its Thanksgiving dinner remains a local favorite. Guests enjoy a classic holiday feast with a California twist—heritage turkey, seafood bisque, and seasonal vegetable sides—all overlooking the iconic pastures where sheep graze beneath the Santa Lucia Mountains. The restaurant’s piano bar adds a touch of old-world sophistication, making it a timeless choice for couples and families alike.
5. CVAC Turkey Trot 2025
Image viaSee Monterey
Date & Time: Thursday, November 27, 2025, race begins at 8:00 a.m.
Location: Carmel Valley Community Park, 12335 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA
Tickets: Registration required; $45 per participant, proceeds benefit local youth and community fitness programs.
Website: See Monterey
Parking: Free on-site parking; carpooling encouraged.
The CVAC Turkey Trot 2025 offers a fun, family-friendly way to start Thanksgiving in Carmel Valley. Participants can join a scenic 5K run or one-mile walk, with proceeds supporting local youth and athletic programs. Enjoy crisp autumn air, rolling hills, and a festive community atmosphere while giving back.
6. Monterey Bay Aquarium’s “Feed the Ocean” Charity Gala
Image via Monterey Bay Aquarium
Date & Time: Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Location: Monterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA
Tickets: $250 per person; proceeds support marine conservation.
Website: Monterey Bay Aquarium
Parking: Paid parking available nearby; valet service for gala guests.
Just a short drive from Carmel Valley, this black-tie charity gala features a sustainable seafood dinner, fine wines, and live entertainment amid the aquarium’s stunning marine exhibits. Proceeds support ocean conservation, making it an elegant and inspiring way to end Thanksgiving weekend.
Conclusion
November is such a special time in Carmel Valley, and as someone who loves discovering everything this community has to offer, I enjoy seeing people come together. From festive Thanksgiving dinners and charity runs to family-friendly holiday gatherings, there’s always something to enjoy and celebrate.
Whether you’re savoring a gourmet meal, participating in a charitable event, or enjoying a festive local tradition, Carmel Valley provides a charming and elevated backdrop for the season. Celebrate the community spirit, create lasting memories, and take in everything this picturesque town has to offer.
For personalized tips on local events, lifestyle, or real estate in Carmel Valley, feel free to reach out to me at 858.784.1674 or email me at kelli.miller@compass.com. I’d be delighted to help you make the most of your November in Carmel Valley.
