By Alicia Doyle
Sunday Signal Writer
Santa Clarita area residents facing Thanksgiving alone — or simply seeking a warm gathering — will find a bounty of welcoming meals and community tables waiting for them this holiday. From festive church potlucks to traditional dinners at local restaurants and the lively camaraderie of community centers, this year’s options offer connection and comfort for anyone craving company and good food on Thanksgiving Day and beyond.
Santa Clarita United Methodist Church
The Santa Clarita United Methodist Church is opening its doors to the community for a festive FriendsGiving Celebration on Sunday, November 23, beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the church’s Fellowship Hall.
The annual gathering, hosted by the church’s Youth and Family Ministries, will feature a potluck-style meal filled with holiday favorites. Attendees can expect turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and plenty of desserts.
“Our meal will be potluck style, but attendees can expect traditional Thanksgiving dishes, including turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and a number of other dishes and plenty of desserts,” said Jessica Welsh, Director of Youth and Family Ministries. “All are welcome, regardless if they are able to bring a dish to share or not.”
The event reflects the church’s ongoing effort to bring neighbors together in gratitude and community spirit. “Santa Clarita United Methodist Church is happy to welcome all to our FriendsGiving Celebration,” Welsh said. “Whether it is your first time joining us, or your 50th, we greet everyone as friend, and provide a warm, friendly and welcoming space for all.”
In addition to the holiday meal, the church invites guests to explore opportunities for involvement beyond FriendsGiving. “For those who are looking to find even more ways to connect, we have ministry groups for all ages and interests,” Welsh said.
To rsvp, visit bit.ly/4oHMPD9.
Santa Clarita United Methodist Church is located at 26640 Bouquet Canyon Road in Santa Clarita. For more information, call (661) 297-3783; or visit www.scumc.org.
SCV Senior Center at Bella Vida
The Castaic/SCV Lions Club and the SCV Senior Center have a long established tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving on the actual day.
On Thursday, Nov. 27, a special Thanksgiving meal will be served for seniors 60 and up from 10:45 to 12:30 p.m. at the SCV Senior Center at Bella Vida, 27180 Golden Valley Road in Santa Clarita. Cost is $5 per person. Reservations are required by Friday, November 21and can be made at the reception desk, or online at bit.ly/3LBuxoo.
For more information, visit www.scvseniorcenter.org or call (661) 259-9444.
Canyon Country Community Center
The City of Santa Clarita will present a Thanksgiving Community Dinner on Tuesday, Nov. 25 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Canyon Country Community Center, 18410 Sierra Highway. This event is first come, first served, with no registration required.
For more information, call (661) 290-2266 or email [email protected].
Le Chene French Restaurant
In addition to serving items on its regular menu, Le Chene French Restaurant will offer a turkey dinner with all the trimmings — as well as roasted goose and roast prime rib au jus — on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27 from 3 to 7 p.m. They will take reservations from 3 to 7 p.m., “but we won’t close until the last customer leaves.”
Le Chene French Restaurant is located at 12625 Sierra Highway. For more information, call (661) 251-4315; or visit bit.ly/4nXIZEC.
Wild Fork Valencia
Wild Fork Valencia will host a Thanksgiving BBQ on Saturday, Nov. 15 from noon to 2 p.m. Guests will enjoy a free BBQ with holiday favorites, and watch chefs as they cook.
Wild Fork Valencia is located at 24175 Magic Mountain Parkway in Santa Clarita. To reserve a spot, visit bit.ly/3JAW7S9. For more information, call (661) 760-7131.
Larsen’s Steakhouse Valencia
Open for evening reservations on Thanksgiving Day, Larsen’s is an upscale steakhouse that offers the finest prime steaks and freshest seafood available, flown in daily, as well as more than 200 wines and 30 by the glass. With great ambiance, this restaurant features a warm dining room with dark wood ceilings and stone walls — and is especially known for its “impeccable” service.
Larsen’s is located at 24320 Town Center Drive, #130, in Valencia. For more information or to make a reservation, call (661) 288-1002; or visit //bit.ly/4oJFmDu.
Solita Tacos and Margaritas
Solita Valencia, located in Westfield Town Center, offers patio seating with a cozy fireplace, perfect for relaxing on the evening of Thanksgiving. Solita specializes in wood-grilled tacos, handcrafted margaritas and their “soul-warming” Queso Al Forno.
Solita Valencia is located at 4201 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 3470. To book a table for Thursday, Nov. 27, call (661) 291-1399; or visit solitatacos.com/locations/valencia.
