North Lake Tahoe is a magical place to spend Thanksgiving! It’s a time when crisp fall weather meets the first dusting of snow on the Sierra peaks and whether you’re looking to kick off the ski season, explore scenic hiking trails, or indulge in a gourmet dinner, North Lake Tahoe is the perfect destination for a holiday getaway!
Find Thanksgiving Getaways in North Lake Tahoe
Looking to stay in the heart of it all? Tahoe Signature Properties offers an exceptional range of vacation rentals that perfectly suit your needs! Whether you’re seeking a cozy Lake Tahoe cabin nestled in the forest or a luxurious lakeside home with all the amenities, you’ll find the perfect spot to celebrate the holiday! Book your stay early so you don’t miss out!
Weather and Packing Tips for Thanksgiving in North Lake Tahoe
Thanksgiving in North Lake Tahoe is a delightful mix of crisp air and stunning scenery, with weather that can vary widely. Late November often brings daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to mid-50s°F (1-12°C). While it’s common for the weather to get chilly during this time, there’s also a good chance that you’ll see some snow! Depending on the snowfall, many ski resorts schedule their opening days around Thanksgiving. However, it’s also possible to have a snow-free Thanksgiving, featuring clear skies and chilly temperatures. For more tips check our What to Wear in North Lake Tahoe guide!
Packing Recommendations
Layered Clothing: Prepare for varying temperatures by packing layers. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add a warm fleece or sweater, and finish with a waterproof jacket to stay comfortable in both cold and wet conditions.
Warm Accessories: Essential items like hats, gloves, and scarves will keep you warm, regardless of whether snow is in the forecast or it’s just a chilly day.
Footwear: Waterproof boots are advisable for snowy conditions, but comfortable insulated shoes can also work well if you plan to explore the area without venturing into deep snow.
Outdoor Gear: If you’re interested in skiing or snowboarding, check ahead for opening dates at the resorts. If you prefer hiking or other outdoor activities, be sure to pack appropriate gear to stay warm and dry.
Before you leave for North Lake Tahoe, check the weather forecast and get updated information on temperature, snow reports, and road conditions, so you can focus on having a smooth and enjoyable Thanksgiving getaway!
Where to Stay in North Lake Tahoe Over Thanksgiving Weekend
It can be tough to choose the perfect Lake Tahoe vacation rental so we’ve made it easy! We’ve rounded up our top five vacation rentals that are perfect for a Thanksgiving getaway in North Lake Tahoe!
Exquisite Alpine Chalet
Exquisite Alpine ChaletSleeps: 10
Features: Hot tub, pet-friendly, and spacious living areas, making it ideal for families or large groups. The recently renovated interior boasts a cozy, modern aesthetic with plenty of room to relax.
Perfect for: Thanksgiving dinners with its fully equipped kitchen and outdoor hot tub for relaxation after a day on the slopes.
Location: Truckee, CA
Alpine Greenside Estate
Alpine Greenside EstateSleeps: 12
Features: Five bedrooms, a hot tub, and large gathering spaces, perfect for Thanksgiving get-togethers. This estate is nestled near the Northstar Resort, making it easy to enjoy both skiing and holiday dining in the same trip.
Perfect for: Large groups and families looking for a luxurious, spacious stay with easy access to Northstar.
Location: Near Northstar Resort, Truckee, CA
Camp Howdy in Tahoe Donner
Camp Howdy in Tahoe DonnerSleeps: 8
Features: This family-friendly home offers spacious living areas and a well-stocked kitchen, perfect for cooking a Thanksgiving meal. The house is close to Donner Lake and includes access to the Tahoe Donner Clubhouse with 3 hot tubs, 2 saunas, 2 pools and more!
Perfect for: Families wanting a cozy, homey vibe for Thanksgiving.
Location: Tahoe Donner, Truckee, CA
Mountain Relaxation Haven
Mountain Relaxation HavenSleeps: 6
Features: A luxurious, pet-friendly vacation home with a hot tub, high-speed Wi-Fi, and great living spaces. It’s ideal for smaller groups or families looking to stay in style over the holiday.
Perfect for: Families who want to enjoy the hot tub and outdoor spaces after Thanksgiving dinner.
Location: Truckee, CA
Snowbird Tahoe Getaway at Northstar
Snowbird Tahoe Getaway at NorthstarSleeps: 5
Features: This two-bedroom home is perfect for couples seeking a romantic Thanksgiving retreat. With easy access to Northstar Resort, a hot tub, and cozy furnishings, it’s perfect for an intimate holiday getaway.
Perfect for: Couples looking for a romantic Thanksgiving weekend in a quiet, serene setting.
Location: Northstar Resort, Truckee, CA
These homes offer the perfect balance of comfort, luxury, and amenities for your holiday! Whether you’re hosting a large family or looking for a romantic escape, Tahoe Signature Properties has a range of options to suit your needs. Book early to secure your stay!
Holiday Shopping in North Lake Tahoe
Thanksgiving is the official kickoff of the holiday shopping season and inNorth Lake Tahoe you can find some incredible gifts for everyone on your list! Whether you’re looking to support small businesses, for great Black Friday deals, to give back or to opt out of the hustle altogether, you can do all of it and more in the region!
Black Friday Shopping
One of the most anticipated parts of the Thanksgiving weekend for shoppers is Black Friday! From Truckee to Tahoe City, in North Lake Tahoe, you’ll find many shops participating with deals and discounts of their own to kick off the Christmas shopping season. Whether you’re looking for great prices on unique, locally made art or gifts, or epic deals on high quality clothing, outerwear and sporting goods, this is a great time to scoop them up!
Opt Outside
North Lake Tahoe wouldn’t be the same without a contingent of its residents bucking the Black Friday trend and using the weekend to get outside instead! Every year, there are some businesses who, instead of opening their doors to customers looking for deeply discounted items, they shutter the business for the weekend and spend time doing the thing they love the most: playing outside. Whether it’s fishing, hiking, biking or skiing (if the weather is right) #optoutside is a growing trend to fight out-of-control consumerism of the holiday season and replace it with some good, old fashioned, fresh air.
Giving Tuesday
Last year, North Lake Tahoe celebrated Giving Tuesday – a day dedicated to giving back and supporting the business and communities that we love, live and work. This holiday season, consider supporting one of the Giving Tuesday initiatives around North Lake Tahoe to keep this region beautiful and vibrant for years to come! For more information on Giving Tuesday 2024 go to North Lake Tahoe Community Alliance.
Small Business Saturday
Is there any better way to show someone you care than with a thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gift? This holiday, skip the big box store and join Small Business Saturday! On the first Saturday after Thanksgiving, head out and pursue the incredible array of small shops and boutiques in North Lake Tahoe for some truly unique treasures and support the locally owned and operated businesses that make this region so incredible!
Best North Lake Tahoe Thanksgiving Hikes
No snow? No problem! If the snow season hasn’t started in earnest by the end of November, Thanksgiving can be an incredible time for some scenic hikes! North Lake Tahoe has an array of stunning hiking trails that provide breathtaking lake and mountain views!
Pro Tip: Before heading out, check trail conditions, as some paths may be icy or snow-covered.
Picnic Rock View Loop
Rating: Moderate
Trailhead location: Brockway Summit Trailhead, CA-267, Kings Beach
This section of the iconic Tahoe Rim Trail offers panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains. A moderate trail, it’s great for a crisp autumn hike.
Eagle Rock Trail
Rating: Easy
Trailhead location: 3370 W Lake Blvd, Homewood, CA
Located near Homewood, this short, family-friendly trail rewards hikers with sweeping views of Lake Tahoe. It’s perfect for an early-morning Thanksgiving walk.
Stateline Lookout
Rating: Easy
Trailhead location: Stateline Lookout Trailhead, Lookout Rd, Kings Beach
This short trail, located at the California-Nevada border, offers stunning views of Crystal Bay. It’s a great option for families or those seeking a leisurely hike.
Mount Rose Summit Trail
Rating: Hard
Trailhead location: Mt. Rose Summit Parking Lot Reno, NV
For more adventurous hikers, the Mount Rose Summit Trail offers a challenge with its elevation gain and breathtaking summit views. Be aware that snow might cover the higher elevations in late November.
Five Lakes Trail
Rating: Moderate
Trailhead location: Alpine Meadows Trailhead
This moderate hike near Alpine Meadows leads to five beautiful alpine lakes, offering serenity and stunning scenery, even during Thanksgiving weekend.
North Lake Tahoe Skiing and Snowboarding
If it turns out to be a snowy Thanksgiving, there’s one thing at the top
of everyone’s list: hitting the slopes! Make sure to check the resort’s website to see opening dates and early-season details!
Northstar California Resort
Location: 5001 Northstar Dr, Truckee
Phone: 530-562-1010
Opening Date: November 22nd, 2024
Opening weekend in Northstar is an awesome place to be! With cozy village vibes and some great early-season runs and events in Northstar Village, this is one of our favorite places to be when the snow starts to fall!
Palisades Tahoe
Location: 1960 Squaw Valley Rd, Olympic Valley
Phone: 1-800-403-0206
Opening Date: November 27th, 2024
With legendary runs and incredible views, it’s no wonder that Palisades Tahoe is a top destination for skiing and snowboarding! If you’re looking for a Thanksgiving on the mountain, the Village often hosts Thanksgiving-themed après-ski events, making it a festive start to the season!
Tahoe Donner Ski Resort
Location: 11603 Snowpeak Way, Truckee
Phone: 530-587-9444
Opening Date: TBD
While Tahoe Donner’s renovations might put a damper on your skiing plans, if you’re staying nearby with kids, this is a great place to go! Tahoe Donner has gentle slopes that are perfect for beginners and young families, making it an ideal spot for post-Thanksgiving fun!
Restaurants in North Lake Tahoe
Looking to skip all the cooking this holiday? You’ll find many incredible restaurants in North Lake Tahoe! Whether you’re looking for fine dining, or a casual meal with family and friends these places are our top picks this holiday!
Manzanita at The Ritz-Carlton
Location: 13031 Ritz-Carlton Highlands Ct, Truckee
Phone: 530-562-3000
Vibe: Casual elegance meets contemporary mountain chic perfect for a special holiday meal.
Cuisine: Californian, featuring local and seasonal ingredients
Price Range: $$$$$
Expect a truly elevated dining experience at Manzanita! The menu, inspired by the Pacific Northwest, combines Mexican influences with the local, seasonal products to create something really magnificent.
Gar Woods Grill & Pier
Location: 5000 N Lake Blvd, Carnelian Bay
Phone: 530-546-3366
Vibe: Upscale casual, known for its large windows, scenic deck, and lively, fun atmosphere.
Cuisine: California-inspired with fresh Pacific seafood and hand-cut steaks.
Price Range: $$$
Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Tahoe, Gar Woods offers an inviting, festive ambiance for Thanksgiving! The restaurant’s cozy fireplace makes it the perfect place to unwind after a day of outdoor activities, enjoying the chef’s inspired creations.
River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant
Location: 2285 River Rd, Tahoe City
Phone: 530-583-4264
Vibe: Rustic charm with a cozy, lodge-style setting right by the Truckee River.
Cuisine: Traditional American
Price Range: $$
Ideal for those looking for a more relaxed dinner experience, River Ranch Lodge offers a quaint, homey atmosphere where you can enjoy a hearty meal surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Jake’s on the Lake
Location: 780 N Lake Blvd, Tahoe City
Phone: 530-583-0188
Vibe: A relaxing, scenic spot that offers breathtaking lake views alongside its seasonal menus.
Cuisine: Seafood-centric with a focus on fresh, local ingredients
Price Range: $$$
Locally loved, Jake’s on the Lake offers a diverse menu that pairs Hawaiian and Southern Californian influences to this stunning mountain town. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a casual-upscale meal while taking in beautiful lake views.
More Thanksgiving Activities in North Lake Tahoe!
Aside from skiing and dining, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy in North Lake Tahoe over Thanksgiving weekend.
Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park
Location: Tahoe City & Tahoe Vista
Phone: 530-807-1004
Activities: Ropes courses, zip lines, and aerial obstacle courses.
Perfect for: Adventure seekers and families looking for an outdoor challenge rain, snow or shine!
Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park offers a unique outdoor adventure experience with various ropes courses and zip lines that weave through the forest. It’s the perfect pre-snow season activity, allowing visitors to explore the treetops while testing their balance and agility on the aerial obstacle courses. With multiple difficulty levels, it’s a great outing for both kids and adults.
Clearly Tahoe Clear Kayak Tour
Location: Lake Tahoe, departure points may vary
Phone: Provided upon booking
Activities: Guided kayak tours in fully transparent kayaks, allowing participants to enjoy a unique view of the lake and its surroundings.
Perfect for: Anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind experience on a mild November day
Clearly Tahoe offers an unforgettable adventure with its guided tours in transparent kayaks, providing a surreal view of the lake’s crystal-clear waters. Paddle through some of Tahoe’s most scenic spots while marveling at the underwater world below. This activity is perfect for both individuals and families looking to make the most of their time on the water, with tour durations typically around 30 minutes.
KidZone Museum
Location: 11711 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161
Phone: (530) 587-5437
Activities: Interactive exhibits designed for children 7 and younger, promoting cognitive and motor skill development.
Perfect for: Families traveling with young children.
With a fun and educational environment, KidZone Museum in Truckee is a must for guests traveling with toddlers and younger kids! The museum’s interactive exhibits are designed to encourage open-ended play encouraging development in a variety of areas. Perfect for a rainy day or a break from the outdoors, this small but thoughtfully curated space is ideal for young families!
Tips for Planning Your Thanksgiving in North Lake Tahoe
To make the most of your Thanksgiving trip to North Lake Tahoe, keep these tips in mind:
Book Early: Thanksgiving is a popular time to visit, so be sure to book your vacation rental well in advance. Properties managed by Tahoe Signature Properties offer great proximity to skiing, hiking, and dining.
Prepare for All Weather: North Lake Tahoe’s November weather can range from sunny and mild to snowy and cold. Pack layers and come prepared for any conditions.
Reserve Ski Tickets and Rentals: If you’re planning to ski, book your lift tickets and gear rentals early and avoid any shortages during the busy holiday weekend.
An Unforgettable Thanksgiving in North Lake Tahoe
Whether you’re skiing, hiking, or simply relaxing by the fire, there’s no shortage of things to do over the Thanksgiving weekend in North Lake Tahoe!
Ready to plan your trip? Make sure to choose one of Tahoe Signature Properties’ beautiful vacation rentals to make your holiday extra special.
