Mammoth Lakes Thanksgiving | Dinner & Events

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 22—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

The Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot, organized by the Mammoth Track Club, is the perfect way to spend some time outside before Thanksgiving dinner. Costumes and fun are encouraged! This family-friendly fun run through the Trails community is a 2K (1.24 miles) loop 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. Winning female and male will receive a pumpkin cheesecake; a perfect addition to any post-run Thanksgiving festivities.

Ice Skating at the NEW Rink

The NEW LA Kings Ice at Mammoth Lakes opens the Friday after Thanksgiving. Come celebrate the first public skate session with the Town of Mammoth Lakes, and maybe even Santa, at 4 pm on Friday, November 24! Free admission and skate rentals (while supplies last).

Holiday Tree Lighting in the Village

Kick-off the Christmas season with the annual Holiday Tree Lighting in the Village on November 24 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm. Join Woolly and Santa for photos, kids' activities and live music outdoors in a festive holiday atmosphere.

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.

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.

Smokeyard BBQ & Chop Shop is hosting a sit-down Thanksgiving meal. Reservations are available from 4 pm to 8:30 pm with seatings every 15 minutes. Time slots are available every 15 minutes. Book online to reserve a table. They will also have a limited amount of take-out meals available.

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. For reservations, call 760-914-7157.

The Brasserie at Mammoth Rock N Bowl offers an upscale, non-traditional menu for Thanksgiving Dinner. Reserve a table by calling the Brasserie at 760-934-4200.

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 required; call 760-934-0460 for reservations.

Dos Alas CubaRican Cafe & Lounge is offering a prix fixe tropical Caribbean and Spanish influenced Thanksgiving dinner. Reservations are strongly encouraged, but walks-ins are welcome dependent on available space. Please call 760-965-0345 to reserve.

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

Order a Diestel turkey from the Mammoth Butcher and Seafood for your Thanksgiving Dinner. Pair with Prime Rib or any kind of seafood for an extra special holiday. They will have a special shipment of seafood for the week of Thanksgiving. Pre-order by visiting the shop or call 760-709-2120.

Outbound Mammoth is hosting a special Thanksgiving dinner at Bar Sierra. Enjoy a night of classic holiday eats with a California twist, plus craft cocktails, free video games for the kids in our arcade, and live music from Roland Ruby.

Austria Hof is serving a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, with some additional regular menu items. Call ahead for reservations at 760-934-2764.

Toomey’s in the Village is hosting a sit-down dinner. Call 760-924-4408 for details about the menu and to reserve a table.

Petra’s Bistro & Wine Bar will be offering an upscale traditional Thanksgiving dinner, which will pair perfectly with your favorite wine from the restaurant's diverse wine list. Call Petra’s at 760-934-3500 for more information.

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 9:30 am on. 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.

Carry Out & Delivery Thanksgiving Options

Staying in? For a truly hassle-free experience, Doorstep Deliveries can arrange everything you need, from decorations to holiday prep, shopping to meal delivery.

Shea Schat’s Bakery is offering a pre-made Thanksgiving meal in addition to all the store's usual, delicious baked goods. For more information or to reserve, please call 760-934-6055, or stop into the bakery to order.