Thanksgiving travel in the Sierra Nevada often requires adjusting plans for winter weather. Before driving to dinner reservations or holiday events, check the current status of mountain passes.
Thanksgiving Dinner in Reno and Sparks
Several venues in Reno and Sparks offer Thanksgiving dining options. Reservations are recommended, as walk-in availability is often limited.
- Café Whitney (Whitney Peak Hotel): Three-course prix fixe menu including mushroom ravioli, roasted rack of pork, or oven-roasted turkey. Full regular menu also available.
- Grand Sierra Resort: Three restaurants are open. The Grand Café serves a traditional turkey dinner. The Grand Buffet offers all-you-can-eat options. Charlie Palmer Steak Reno serves a three-course prix fixe dinner.
- Atlantis Casino Resort Spa: Toucan Charlie’s Buffet & Grille features a carving station. Atlantis Steakhouse and Bistro Napa offer four-course dinners. The Grand Ballroom hosts a holiday brunch. Additional menus are available at Manhattan Deli and the Purple Parrot.
- Eldorado Resort Casino (THE ROW): Roxy serves a three-course meal. La Strada offers a Thanksgiving menu featuring traditional turkey or charred short ribs. The Brew Brothers serves a three-course meal with roasted turkey.
- J Resort: The Buffet features crab legs, ham, and turkey. J Paul's Italian Steakhouse offers a pre-set three-course meal.
- Silver Legacy Resort Casino (THE ROW): Ramsay's Kitchen serves a roasted turkey plate or leg of lamb. Café Central offers a pre-fixed meal.
- Sparks Water Bar: Serves a traditional feast including slow-roasted tom turkey or honey pineapple glazed ham, with butternut squash bisque or holiday raspberry pear salad.
Lake Tahoe Dining and Events
Dining options in the mountains require travel over high-elevation roads. Check US-50 road conditions and SR-89 road conditions before departing.
- Palisades Tahoe (Olympic House): Dinner service runs 2:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Reservations are required and close on 11/26. The menu includes a grand buffet with carving stations. Pricing is $95+ for adults (13+) and $29+ for children (5-12). Children 4 and under are free but require a booked seat. Guests receive a complimentary glass of champagne upon arrival.
- Granlibakken Tahoe: Located at 725 Granlibakken Road, Tahoe City. Dinner is served in the Main Lodge. The buffet includes herb-brined roast turkey, cedar plank roasted salmon, and potato dumplings. Cost is $72 per adult, 50% discount for children 6-12, and no charge for ages 5 and under. An 18% service fee and taxes apply. Advance booking is required.
Major routes to Tahoe dining locations.
Holiday Activities
Palisades Tahoe offers yoga classes on Thanksgiving Day at the Palisades Tahoe Yoga Studio:
- 7:30 a.m.: Space for Gratitude (75 mins)
- 9:00 a.m.: Thanksgiving Day Yoga & Meditation (75 mins)
- 11:00 a.m.: Gratitude Flow (60 mins)
Classes are available for drop-in or via membership. Ikon Pass holders receive a $20 drop-in rate for classes from November 27 through November 30.
Winter Travel Precautions
Thanksgiving falls during the period when chain controls are frequently implemented on I-80 and US-50. If you are driving from Reno to Tahoe, monitor SR-431 Mt Rose road conditions and SR-267 road conditions for potential closures or restrictions due to snow. Always carry tire chains, even if your vehicle is 4WD or AWD, as Caltrans may mandate their use during storm events.