Last updated:
Quick answer: Thanksgiving 2026 falls on Thursday, November 26. At Lake Tahoe you can book a turkey dinner with a lake view at Riva Grill or Zephyr Cove Restaurant, sail on the three-hour M.S. Dixie II Thanksgiving cruise, or eat at a resort buffet such as Granlibakken or Everline. Heavenly, Northstar and Palisades Tahoe all plan to open for skiing before the holiday, conditions permitting, and Heavenly Village lights its holiday tree at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, November 27. Reserve dinner early, because Thanksgiving is one of the busiest weeks of the fall.
Spending Thanksgiving at Lake Tahoe gives you mountain views, crisp air and a holiday meal with the lake as your backdrop.
You can spend your days skiing, hiking or exploring, then finish with a festive dinner and a local holiday event.
Thanksgiving Dinner at Lake Tahoe: 2026 Options
These restaurants and resorts had posted 2026 Thanksgiving details when we checked on October 10, 2026. Rows marked “check for 2026 details” are popular choices that had not published a 2026 menu yet.
| Restaurant | Area | 2026 price and hours | Reservations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riva Grill on the Lake | South Lake Tahoe (Ski Run Marina) | $79 adults, $37 kids 12 and under (three courses), noon to 8 p.m. | rivagrill.com or (530) 542-2600 |
| Zephyr Cove Restaurant | Zephyr Cove, NV | $55 per person; reservations recommended | zephyrcove.com |
| M.S. Dixie II Thanksgiving cruise | Zephyr Cove, NV | $175 adults, $85 children, 4 to 7 p.m. | visitlaketahoe.com and zephyrcove.com |
| Chart House | Stateline, NV (Kingsbury Grade) | Traditional turkey dinner $65, three-course dinner $75 (chain-wide menu; confirm with the Lake Tahoe location) | chart-house.com |
| Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe | South Lake Tahoe | Price not published; 4 to 9 p.m., with a prix fixe menu at JWB and a buffet at Come Monday (reservations required for both) | margaritavilleresorts.com |
| Granlibakken Tahoe | Tahoe City | Buffet at 4 or 6 p.m.: $98.42 adults, $49.21 ages 5 to 12 (tax and fees included), 4 and under free; resort guests save 15% | granlibakken.com |
| Christy Hill | Tahoe City | Five-course menu for $125, 4 to 9 p.m., per a local event listing. Check for 2026 details with the restaurant. | laketahoethisweek.com |
| Everline Resort & Spa | Olympic Valley | Cascades buffet 2 to 8 p.m., $120 adults and $75 kids under 12; Six Peaks Grille 4 to 9 p.m., $100 (plus tax and gratuity) | everlineresort.com or (530) 581-6619 |
| The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe | Northstar, Truckee | Price not published; prix fixe at Manzanita 4 to 9 p.m. and the Dine Amid the Pines buffet 3:30 to 8:45 p.m. | ritzcarlton.com or (530) 562-3050 |
| Jimmy’s at The Landing | South Lake Tahoe | Check for 2026 details | thelandingtahoe.com |
| Edgewood Tahoe | Stateline, NV | Check for 2026 details | edgewoodtahoe.com |
| Big Water Grille | Incline Village | Check for 2026 details | bigwatergrille.com |
| Le Bistro | Incline Village | Check for 2026 details | lebistrotahoe.com |
Our guide to Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe and our review of Everline Resort & Spa have more on those two resorts.
More Thanksgiving Dinner Spots by Area
Want a short list for the part of the lake you are staying in? These picks also appear in the table above.
South Lake Tahoe and Stateline
For a dressy dinner near the water, look at Jimmy’s at The Landing Resort & Spa on the lakeshore in South Lake Tahoe. It had not posted a 2026 Thanksgiving menu when we checked, so call ahead.
Families who want a buffet can book Come Monday at Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe, one of the resort’s two Thanksgiving dinners this year. Reservations are required.
Chart House sits on a hill near Kingsbury Grade in Stateline and looks out over the lake, and its regular menu is known for prime rib and seafood. Book an early table if you want to see the view before dark.
Incline Village
Big Water Grille serves Californian cuisine with global influences and has lake views from its dining room. The restaurant recommends reservations, including for the bar, deck and lounge.
Le Bistro serves classic French cooking with Pan-Asian flair, which makes it a good pick for couples or a small group. You can book on OpenTable or call (775) 831-0800.
Neither Incline Village restaurant had posted a 2026 Thanksgiving menu when we checked on October 10, 2026, so confirm holiday hours before you plan around them.
Thanksgiving Events and Activities in Lake Tahoe
Thanksgiving week at Tahoe mixes outdoor time with the start of the holiday season, so there’s something for everyone.
Outdoor Adventures
Enjoy the crisp November air with outdoor activities around Lake Tahoe.
Ride the gondola from Heavenly Village up to Heavenly or head to Northstar California Resort for skiing and snowboarding. Both plan to open on November 20, 2026, and Palisades Tahoe plans to open November 25, all conditions permitting. See our 2026-27 ski resort opening dates for every resort.
For a holiday hike, try trails like Eagle Lake or the Tahoe Rim Trail, where fall colors can meet the first snow. Forest Service facilities at the Eagle Falls trailhead close for the season on November 15, so bring what you need and expect snow on higher trails.
For a festive twist, go ice skating at an outdoor rink like the one at Heavenly Village. It’s a fun outing for families and couples.
Local Festivals and Holiday Events
The holiday season starts early at Tahoe. The free Valhalla Holiday Faire runs the weekend before Thanksgiving, November 20 to 22, 2026, with handmade gifts and seasonal treats at the Valhalla Grand Hall in South Lake Tahoe.
The day after Thanksgiving, Heavenly Village hosts its free holiday tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. on November 27, and the 65-foot tree lights up again every evening at 5:30 p.m. through Christmas.
The Tahoe City Holiday Hop is a shop-and-stroll holiday evening in Tahoe City. Check the event’s 2026 date before you plan around it.
For a bit of exercise, look for the Tahoe Turkey Trot, a family-friendly fun run in South Lake Tahoe. The City of South Lake Tahoe had not posted a 2026 date when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Restaurants to Know Before You Book
Lone Eagle Grille in Incline Village, closed in 2025
Many local restaurants serve special Thanksgiving menus with traditional dishes and regional flavors. A few longtime favorites have changed, so check before you plan around them.
The Lone Eagle Grille in Incline Village closed in 2025 while the Hyatt Regency redevelops its lakeside property, so it is not an option this year. For a luxurious meal, book The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, which serves a prix fixe dinner at Manzanita and a holiday buffet.
Many visitors have enjoyed a casual lakeside meal at Gar Woods Grill & Pier. This year its website says the restaurant is closed for a break and plans to reopen in mid-December.
For a lakeside Thanksgiving meal, Riva Grill at Ski Run Marina serves a three-course feast from noon to 8 p.m.
Each of these places fills up for the holiday, so make your reservation as soon as you know your plans.
Thanksgiving Cruises and Scenic Tours
A Thanksgiving dinner cruise is a memorable way to spend the holiday.
The M.S. Dixie II sails a Thanksgiving Day cruise from Zephyr Cove from 4 to 7 p.m. on November 26, 2026. Tickets are $175 for adults and $85 for children.
Tahoe Bleu Wave runs sunset and Emerald Bay cruises, but its website did not list a Thanksgiving cruise for 2026, so the Dixie II is the holiday option to book.
A holiday dinner on the water, with the lake and mountains all around you, makes for a memorable Thanksgiving with your family.
Enjoying the Scenery
Lake Tahoe’s scenery is at its best around Thanksgiving.
Take a walk along the shore, soak in the views or find a cozy spot to enjoy the fresh air.
The last fall colors and snow-dusted peaks make great backdrops for holiday photos.
If you’re up for a drive, explore the roads around the lake. Each stop gives you a new view of Lake Tahoe. Check Caltrans QuickMap first, because Highway 89 at Emerald Bay can close during storms.
Tips for a Memorable Thanksgiving at Lake Tahoe
These tips will help you make the most of your Thanksgiving at Lake Tahoe.
Weather Considerations: November is cold at night. NOAA 1991-2020 normals put the average November high at 50.9°F and the average low at 23.3°F at the South Lake Tahoe Airport. Pack layers, a warm hat and gloves, especially if you plan to ski or hike.
Packing Essentials: Bring warm sweaters, waterproof boots and a winter jacket. Don’t forget your camera, and pack a nice outfit for Thanksgiving dinner.
Driving: Carry chains, even with all-wheel drive, and check road conditions before you leave. Our winter driving tips cover what to expect.
Plan Ahead: Book lodging, activities and dinner reservations early, because Thanksgiving is a popular week at Tahoe. Our guide to where to stay in Lake Tahoe can help you pick an area, and our November guide shows what’s open.
Eating In: If you would rather eat at your rental, ask restaurants whether they offer Thanksgiving meals to go, and order early.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving at Lake Tahoe combines mountain scenery with the start of the holiday season.
Whether you spend the day on the slopes, on a dinner cruise or at a table by the fire, Tahoe makes a beautiful setting for a holiday with the people you love. For the weeks that follow, see our guide to Lake Tahoe December events.
FAQs
Q: When is Thanksgiving 2026?
A: Thanksgiving 2026 is Thursday, November 26.
Q: Where can I eat Thanksgiving dinner at Lake Tahoe in 2026?
A: Options with published 2026 details include Riva Grill in South Lake Tahoe ($79 adults), Zephyr Cove Restaurant ($55), the Granlibakken buffet in Tahoe City ($98.42 adults), Everline Resort and Spa in Olympic Valley, Chart House in Stateline, Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe and The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe. Reserve early.
Q: Is there a Thanksgiving dinner cruise on Lake Tahoe?
A: Yes. The M.S. Dixie II sails a Thanksgiving Day cruise from Zephyr Cove from 4 to 7 p.m. on November 26, 2026. Tickets are $175 for adults and $85 for children.
Q: Can I ski at Lake Tahoe over Thanksgiving 2026?
A: Most likely, if there is enough snow. Heavenly and Northstar plan to open on November 20, 2026, Palisades Tahoe on November 25 and Sugar Bowl on November 27, all conditions permitting.
Q: What is there to do at Lake Tahoe the day after Thanksgiving?
A: Heavenly Village holds its free holiday tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, November 27, 2026, and the tree lights up again every evening at 5:30 p.m. through Christmas. You can also ski, take a lake cruise or go ice skating.
About the author: Sherry Boyer
Sherry Boyer has lived in the Reno/Tahoe region for seven years, and she and her husband spent decades visiting Lake Tahoe several times a year before they moved here. With extended family around the lake, they spend their free time hiking the trails, boating on Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake, and fishing all over the area. Sherry writes Lake Tahoe Travel Tips to share the places they love with visitors.
