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Thanksgiving is almost here, and is the unofficial kickoff of the holiday season here in Tahoe-Truckee. It serves as a reminder to slow down, say thanks and savor the small moments and traditions with the people you love most. It’s a day to reflect on everything we’re grateful for here: fresh alpine air, stunning landscapes, endless opportunities for adventure and a vibrant community that truly supports one another.
Spending Thanksgiving in the Tahoe-Truckee region is truly special. Here, you can go for an early morning hike, spend time by the sparkling lakeshore and head home for a delicious feast with your loved ones, all in the same day. There’s nothing better than laughing over a hearty feast after being in the fresh air, making timeless traditions with the people you love most.
Celebrate the holidays in Heavenly. Photo Credit: The Shops at Heavenly Village and Visit Lake Tahoe
Below, I have outlined some of the region’s most beloved Thanksgiving events. From catered meals to community tree lightings to welcoming winter festivals, there’s an event for you and your loved ones to enjoy and savor the holiday season.
Head to Downtown Truckee for a night of lights and holiday cheer. Photo Credit: Visit Truckee Tahoe
Downtown Truckee Holiday Festival & Bud Fish Tree Lighting
November 20
Historic Downtown Truckee celebrates the holiday season with this community-favorite tradition. For more than 50 years, this festival has been celebrated by locals and visitors alike to ring in the holidays, mingle with the community, drink hot cocoa, take photos with Santa and watch Downtown Truckee transform with lights and a strong holiday spirit.
Hosted by Truckee Downtown Merchants Association and Truckee Rotary, this event will begin at 4:15 p.m. with local elementary school students decorating small trees that line the downtown streets. At 5:15, the official Bud Fish Tree Lighting Ceremony will commence, brightening up the area and bringing joy to the community.
Date: Friday, November 20
Time: 4:15 to 6 p.m.
Location: Downtown Truckee
Thanksgiving Dinner at Olympic House, Palisades Tahoe
November 26
This Thanksgiving, Palisades Tahoe wants to take on cooking and cleaning so you can enjoy your meal to the fullest. Gather around the table with your loved ones at Olympic House for a very special catered Thanksgiving dinner, complete with a delicious buffet, carving stations, side dishes, desserts and holiday cheer.
You also have the choice to elevate your Thanksgiving experience to VIP at the Apex Lounge. This option is limited to only 60 attendees and includes a wider variety of menu items.
Date: Thursday, November 26
Time: 2:30 to 8 p.m.
Location: Olympic House, Palisades Tahoe
Thanksgiving Buffet Dinner at Granlibakken Tahoe
November 26
Head to Granlibakken Tahoe’s Main Lodge to celebrate Thanksgiving buffet dinner with your loved ones. This West Shore tradition is sure to become one of yours.
Granlibakken serves up a full-course feast from scratch and includes beloved favorites such as the Herb Roast Turkey, Maple Dijon Roasted Salmon, Roasted Stuffed Acorn Squash, delicious sides and pies for dessert.
Make your reservation early to ensure you get a spot. There are seating options for 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Guests staying at the resort get 15% off their meal.
Date: Thursday, November 26
Time: 4 or 6 p.m.
Location: Granlibakken Tahoe, Tahoe City
Thanksgiving Dinner at Tahoe Donner
November 26
Tahoe Donner is hosting a very special three-course Thanksgiving Dinner at The Lodge Restaurant and Pub. This delicious holiday feast includes roasted turkey, prime rib, scallops and traditional sides like mashed potatoes, green beans and sausage sage stuffing. Leave room for pie or mousse dessert.
Reservations are recommended to ensure your spot. Wine pairings are included for an extra $40.
Date: Thursday, November 26
Time: 2 to 6 p.m.
Location: The Lodge Restaurant and Pub, Tahoe Donner
Head to Heavenly Village to celebrate the holidays. Photo Credit: The Shops at Heavenly Village and Visit Lake Tahoe
Holiday Tree Lighting at Heavenly Village
November 27
Heavenly Village transforms into a winter wonderland on November 27, celebrating the start of the holiday season in South Lake Tahoe. Grab your loved ones, put on some warm layers and head to The Shops at Heavenly Village to watch the 65-foot Christmas tree lighting, listen to live music by Mark Mackay and ring in holiday cheer.
Voted one of the best tree-lighting events in the nation, this free, family-friendly event encourages all participants to support the local community by visiting storefronts, galleries and restaurants.
Date: Friday, September 7
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe
Welcome to Winter at Palisades Tahoe
November 28
The Village at Palisades Tahoe is welcoming the winter season and inviting you to join in the celebrations. This free, family-friendly event features live music entertainment, games, giveaways and a very special unveiling of FORGED, an art installation honoring the alpine sports community.
Make sure to stay for the traditional Alpenhorn Performance at 4:50 p.m.
Date: Saturday, November 28
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Location: The Village at Palisades Tahoe
Light Up the Night at Tahoe Donner
November 28
Welcome winter and the holiday season with your family and friends at The Lodge Pavilion for Light Up the Night, a fun local tradition featuring a tree-lighting, celebrations, crafts, cozy drinks and mingling with community members. There will be special appearances by Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Murphy the Reindeer.
Date: Saturday, November 28
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: The Lodge Pavilion at Tahoe Donner
For a complete rundown of upcoming events, from Black Friday sales and holiday celebrations to family story times to live music, trivia nights and so much more, visit our Lake Tahoe This Week Daytime and Nightlife listings.
About the Author Kirsten Alexis
Kirsten is an outdoor adventure enthusiast, writer and photographer. You can typically find her hiking, paddleboarding, cross-country skiing and checking out new spots to share in the Tahoe Donner region. She has been lucky to call Tahoe her second home since she was a child and aims to inspire people to experience Tahoe and fall in love with the beauty and adventurous spirit of the region through her blogs and content. 
