Mammoth Lakes Thanksgiving 2024

If you’re budget-conscious, Thanksgiving is a very affordable time to visit Mammoth Lakes.

Thanksgiving is a special time and Mammoth Lakes is the perfect place to kick off the holiday season with your loved ones. From holiday activities to outdoor adventures (plus, delicious food, of course) here's a rundown of everything happening for Thanksgiving in Mammoth Lakes.

Plus, if you're joining Thanksgiving celebrations at the last minute, flights from Southern California to Mammoth Lakes on Advanced Air begin on November 27—perfect for a quick trip to a beautiful location.

Thanksgiving Events

Thanksgiving Activities

Thanksgiving Dinner

You won't want to miss out on these

Thanksgiving Events in Mammoth Lakes

Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot

On November 28th, Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot, organized by the Mammoth Track Club, is the perfect way to spend your morning outside before Thanksgiving dinner. Costumes and fun are encouraged! This family-friendly fun run through the Mammoth Lakes Community Bike Path (out and back course) is a 3Km (1.86-mile) that will take place snow or shine. Registrants will receive a commemorative shirt before the race, and a medal and cider/hot cocoa after the race. Start and finish will be at the Community Recreation Center at Mammoth Creek Park. Register here.

Ice Skating at the NEW Rink

The NEW LA Kings Ice at Mammoth Lakes will be open for the season.

Holiday Tree Lightings

Kick-off the Christmas season with the annual Holiday Tree Lighting in the Village on Friday, November 29th from 5-7:30 pm.

And if you stick around for December 6th, there will be another special community Tree Lighting Ceremony at LA Kings Ice at Mammoth Lakes followed by FREE ice skating.

Get more information on both of these tree lightings here.

Mammoth High School Boosters Christmas Tree Lot

Holiday decor is not complete without a tree. Support Mammoth High School and deck the halls! Stop by Outbound Mammoth from November 30-December 24. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday 4:00-7:30pm and Saturday-Sunday from 1:00-7:00pm. Trees are available in a range of sizes, from small tabletop versions to 9-foot tall trees. They will also be selling wreaths, tree stands and lights. All proceeds will benefit Mammoth High School.

Close up of a Christmas tree decorated with colorful ornaments covered in snow in front of a sign for The Village in Mammoth

Activities to Enjoy During Thanksgiving Week

Explore the Trails

Trails in and around Mammoth Lakes are open to hiking year-round, weather and snow permitting. The Thanksgiving holiday is generally the perfect time to explore on foot before the big snows of the season hit. Take the Town Loop for a low-key walk in town, or head down to lower elevations for a walk around Convict Lake.

The paved path and bike-friendly trails are also great for a bike ride after a day of eating and drinking.

Hit the Slopes

Mammoth Mountain will be open for skiing and snowboarding throughout the holiday week. Check Mammoth Mountain's website for details on what lifts and trails are open.

Mountain Coaster at Woolly's Adventure Summit

Woolly's Adventure Summit is gearing up for the winter season with exciting new updates, just in time for the holidays! Get ready for a thrilling ride on the Mountain Coaster as you zoom through the scenic mountain terrain at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour. The Mountain Coaster will be open from November 15-17, and then daily November 22-30. Plus, the Tube Park is scheduled to open on November 29, 2024.

Check Mammoth Mountain's website for details on what features of Woolly's Adventure Summit will be open.

A person skiing down a snow covered mountain

Go Sightseeing

Nothing beats having a scenic spot all to yourself. During this time of year, sightseeing locations, including Inyo Craters, Earthquake Fault, Mono Lake or Bodie State Historic Park, are much quieter than in the summertime. Depending on conditions, please check with the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center to see if access roads are passable.

Go Out on the Town

This time of year is great for getting out to explore Mammoth Lakes in all its holiday splendor.

Two cocktails on a table in a restaurant with food in the background

Plan Family-Friendly Indoor Activities

No matter the weather, indoor activities are a great way to wind down after a day of adventuring. Mammoth Rock 'N' Bowl is a one-stop shop for indoor fun. Reserve a lane for bowling or check out the golf simulator, ping pong and video games.

Axe throwing is another fun indoor option in Mammoth Lakes. Book an hour in a private throwing lane at Yosemite Axe Throwing for up to two people, or if you have the whole family in tow, check the rates and availability for groups of six or more.

When the Mammoth Mountain scenic gondola is running, the Eleven 53 Interpretive Center offers family-friendly interpretive exhibits and amazing views.

Black Friday Shopping in Mammoth Lakes

Black Friday in Mammoth Lakes is pretty mellow compared to other places, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t deals! It’s a great time to update your winter gear or find a unique, locally-made gift.

Mammoth Lakes is also a terrific place to support Small Business Saturday and many Mammoth-made products. Local merchants offer customized, friendly, small-town service and really appreciate your business.

Rows of brimmed hats hang on the wall and racks of clothing in a Mammoth shop

Thanksgiving Dinner in Mammoth Lakes

Dine-In Thanksgiving Dinner

If you’d prefer to take the family out, the Mountainside Bar & Grill at the Mammoth Mountain Inn across from the mountain's Main Lodge serves up a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixin's. Seating times are available at 2:30 pm, 5 pm and 7:30 pm. Call 800.MAMMOTH for reservations.

If you’re looking for fine dining, the intimate Lakefront Restaurant at historic Tamarack Lodge offers a four-course holiday menu with available seating times at 3 pm, 5 pm and 7:30 pm. Reservations will be available starting on November 4, 2024 and are required; call 760-914-7157.

The Westin's Whitebark Restaurant & Lounge is offering a delicious feast of all the Thanksgiving favorites. Dinner is offered at three convenient seating times: 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM, and 7:30 PM. Reservations will be available starting on November 4, 2024 and are required; call 760-934-0460 for reservations.

Austria Hof is serving a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, regular menu will not be available. Reservations will be required, call today at 760-934-2764.

Dos Alas CubaRican Cafe & Lounge is offering a prix fixe Thanksgiving dinner with unique Dos Alas infusion options. Reservations are strongly encouraged, but walks-ins are welcome dependent on available space. Please call 760-965-0345 to reserve.

Smokeyard BBQ & Chop Shop is hosting a sit-down Thanksgiving meal. Reservations are available from 4 pm. Whole turkeys and Thanksgiving fixings will be available for pre-order to take home. Book online to reserve a table or pre-order take out.

Four friends enjoying a meal and each others company at a restaurant in Mammoth Lakes

Outbound Mammoth is hosting a special Thanksgiving dinner at Bar Sierra. Enjoy a night of classic holiday eats, plus craft cocktails and free video games for the kids in our arcade. No reservations required, walk in seating welcome. Contact Bar Sierra for their take out and catering options.

Toomey’s in the Village is hosting a sit-down traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Call 760-924-4408 for details about the menu and to reserve a table. Walk-ins are welcome and they will also be offering take out.

If you’re on the hunt for something more casual, head to Liberty Sports Bar & Grill. Grab a turkey plate with all the fixings and watch some football from 10 am on. No reservation needed for dine-in or take-out. For more information call 760-965-0514.

Thanksgiving Dessert

No holiday dinner is complete without a piece (or two) of pie. Dessert’D Organic Bake Shop has been baking organic desserts from scratch in Mammoth Lakes for over seven years. Treat yourself to a famous pie in a jar, cookies, pies, cakes, cupcakes, ice cream, old-fashioned hot cocoa and more. And browse their unique kitchen accessories while you enjoy a sweet indulgence. If you want a pie for Thanksgiving you need to order early, because their treats are so sweet they sell out.

There are many other options for sweet treats in town as well.