As Thanksgiving approaches, the Reno-Tahoe area offers an array of events to enjoy with family and friends, from festive feasts and outdoor activities to holiday parades and charity runs. Here’s your guide to the best Thanksgiving events in Reno-Tahoe for 2024, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season.
1. Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot in Reno
Kick off Thanksgiving morning with the Annual Reno Turkey Trot, a family-friendly run that brings the community together for a great cause. Hosted in Wingfield Park, participants can choose between a 5K or 10K route that winds through scenic trails. Costumes are encouraged, and it’s an event filled with energy and fun! Whether you walk, jog, or race, this Thanksgiving tradition is a great way to start the day and work up an appetite before the big meal.
Where: Wingfield Park, Reno
When: Thanksgiving morning
Best For: Families, fitness enthusiasts, and groups of friends
Registration Link: Reno Turkey Trot
2. Community Thanksgiving Dinner at The Nugget
For those who want to enjoy a warm Thanksgiving meal without the hassle of cooking, the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks hosts its traditional Community Thanksgiving Dinner. Open to all, this event offers a classic Thanksgiving meal featuring turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and more. The Nugget has been serving this meal for years as a way of giving back to the community and creating a space for everyone to come together.
Where: Nugget Casino Resort, Sparks
When: Thanksgiving Day, early afternoon
Best For: Those seeking a festive meal and community atmosphere
3. Holiday Craft Fairs
Thanksgiving weekend marks the start of holiday shopping, and Reno-Tahoe has several craft fairs where you can find unique, handmade gifts. The Reno-Sparks Convention Center hosts the Annual Holiday Craft Fair, featuring a wide variety of artisans showcasing jewelry, decor, art, and more. Another popular option is the Made in Tahoe Festival at Palisades Tahoe, where you’ll find locally made crafts and goods from talented Tahoe artisans. Both fairs are perfect for discovering one-of-a-kind gifts and supporting local businesses.
Where: Reno-Sparks Convention Center, Reno; Palisades Tahoe, Tahoe City
When: Thanksgiving weekend
Best For: Shopping enthusiasts, gift hunters, and art lovers
4. Thanksgiving Day Dining at Local Restaurants
For a more upscale Thanksgiving experience, several Reno-Tahoe restaurants offer special Thanksgiving menus, allowing you to savor a gourmet meal in a relaxed setting. Restaurants like The Twisted Fork, Atlantis Steakhouse, and The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe host Thanksgiving feasts with options ranging from traditional turkey to unique culinary twists. Be sure to make a reservation early, as these popular spots fill up fast!
Where: Various locations across Reno-Tahoe
When: Thanksgiving Day
Best For: Foodies, couples, and families wanting a dining-out experience
5. Incline Village Holiday Tree Lighting
In Incline Village, Thanksgiving weekend is capped with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, a festive event that brings together residents and visitors to kick off the holiday season. The event features caroling, hot cocoa, and the lighting of the town tree, creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. The tree lighting is a great way to shift from Thanksgiving celebrations to the spirit of the winter holidays.
Where: Incline Village, NV
When: Saturday after Thanksgiving
Best For: Families, holiday lovers, and those wanting to enjoy a cozy community event
Thanksgiving in Reno-Tahoe offers plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday and the community, from turkey trots and community dinners to holiday fairs and tree lightings. Whether you’re local or visiting, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, making this season a memorable time to gather with loved ones.
Photography Credit Via: Google
