Inspiration & Stories
Top Reasons to Spend Thanksgiving in Truckee
Thinking about celebrating Thanksgiving in Truckee-Tahoe? You’re in for a treat! From Thanksgiving feasts to an array of outdoor and indoor activities, Truckee offers the perfect blend of holiday togetherness and adventure. Whether you’re carving into a delicious meal or carving down early-season slopes, Truckee has it all. Here’s why Thanksgiving in Truckee is simply unbeatable!
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Dive into Fun: Enjoy Fall & Early Winter Adventures
Thanksgiving in Truckee often marks the opening of local ski resorts, allowing you to hit the slopes before indulging in your holiday feast! Palisades Tahoe, Northstar, and Boreal usually offer early-season skiing and snowboarding, along with exciting snow tubing options. Not into skiing? No problem! You can take a scenic stroll along the Truckee River Legacy Trail to walk off that turkey dinner or explore the mountain biking and hiking trails before winter fully sets in.
Here are the resorts scheduled to be open by Thanksgiving weekend 2025 (updated Nov 21, 2025):
- Mt. Rose – November 21
- Palisades Tahoe – November 26
- Boreal Mountain – November 28
- Northstar California – November 28
- Sugar Bowl – November 28
- Tahoe Donner Cross Country – November 28
- Royal Gorge Cross Country – November 28
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Let’s Talk Turkey — and Where to Eat It
Forget the kitchen stress and let Truckee’s top culinary spots take care of your holiday meal. With grab-and-go feasts and elegant sit-down options, local chefs are serving up Thanksgiving meals that feature fresh, local ingredients with an upscale twist.
The Lodge Restaurant & Pub – Tahoe Donner
The ultimate mountain Thanksgiving: think turkey, prime rib, or butternut squash ravioli, with all the sides that make your heart (and stomach) happy.
2–6 PM | 💲 Adults $85 | Kids $39
Restaurant Trokay
For the foodie in your family, Trokay’s Holiday Tasting Menu or 4-Course Prix Fixe delivers artful, seasonal bites that taste like Tahoe’s wild side — elegant, surprising, and unforgettable.
Truckee Food Shop
Want gourmet without the kitchen chaos? Pre-order a beautifully curated feast with dishes like roasted turkey enchiladas, squash & persimmon mole, or olive oil lemon cake. Pick up, plate up, and take all the credit.
Bar of America
Head to the heart of downtown Truckee for a classic Thanksgiving Dinner at Bar of America. “Thanksgiving On the Tracks” brings small-town warmth and big flavor — slow-roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and a slice (or two) of warm apple pie à la mode. Their regular dinner and lunch menus will also be available on Thanksgiving day.
Palisades Tahoe – Olympic House
Go big with a grand buffet and carving stations galore. Sip your welcome champagne, load your plate, and call it a day well feasted.
Adults $85 | Kids $29
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
Two elevated ways to feast: the four-course Thanksgiving Dinner at Manzanita or the stunning Feast Among the Pines buffet — both are pure alpine indulgence.
Jax at the Tracks
Sometimes simple wins. Jax serves a classic diner-style turkey dinner with mashed potatoes, gravy, and a side of nostalgia — the kind of comfort food that earned them a spotlight on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Gather Together: Your Perfect Mountain Retreat Awaits
Looking for the perfect place to gather your family or friends for the holiday? Truckee’s wide range of vacation rentals offers the space you need for everyone to feel at home. Imagine cozying up in a spacious mountain retreat, cooking a feast together, and enjoying quality time in front of a roaring fire. Many homes are fully equipped with large kitchens, making it easy to prepare your Thanksgiving favorites.
✨ Special Offer: Book 3+ nights by November 30, 2025, for stays through April 30, 2026, and get a $150 gift card to enjoy Truckee’s shops, dining, and adventures.
