Nov 16 2009
Reno Thanksgiving Day has numerous options for participating in a variety of family friendly events and diversions. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because it's a time when activities revolve around lots of good food and visiting with family and friends.
Thanksgiving Family Events & Things To Do
Nov. 3 through Dec. 29 - Holiday Ice Spectacular at the Eldorado - Billed as "Reno's only holiday ice show extravaganza," the Holiday Ice Spectacular will be playing in the Eldorado Hotel Casino Showroom, 345 N. Virginia St., Reno, NV 89501. This is a show suitable for families, but children under 5 are not allowed in the showroom.Admission is $29.95 for adults, $19.95 for children, and $24.95 for seniors. Dinner and show packages are available from $39.95. Tickets can be purchased online. For more information, call (800) 879-8879.
Nov. 24 - Rink on the River Opening Day - Rink on the River opens on Wednesday, November 24 for the 2009 - 2010 winter season. Skating begins immediately after the Holiday Tree lighting ceremony. Bring the whole family to downtown Reno and enjoy ice skating by the Truckee River. Not knowing how to skate is no excuse - lessons and skate rentals are available.
Rink on the River is at the corner of First and Virginia Streets. Note that ATM and credit cards are not accepted - bring cash or a check. For additional information, call Noah at (775) 334-2262.
Nov. 24 - Reno Holiday Tree Lighting -Reno's 2009 Holiday Tree will be ceremonially lit this evening in the City Plaza, across from the City Hall in downtown Reno. The tree is at the corner of S. Virginia and First Streets, next to the skating rink. The lighting ceremony is at 5 p.m. and will include holiday carols sung by the Billinghurst Middle School Choir.
Nov. 25 - 24th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Eve Service - The 24th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Eve Service will be at the Sparks United Methodist Church, 1231 Pyramid Way in Sparks. The service starts at 7:30 p.m. and will include music, readings, prayers, and blessings. Many religious faiths will be participating - various Christian denominations, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Baha'i, Native American. The theme of this 24th annual event is "For what do we give thanks?" For more information, contact Rev. Savoy at (775) 786-7827 or Rajan Zed at rajanzed@hotmail.com.
Nov. 26 - Sparks Turkey Trot - Bring the whole family to the Sparks Turkey Trot and work up an appetite for that big meal later in the day. Participants can choose from a fun 2 mile walk or run, or a timed 10K run. Races start at Sparks Marina Park. The course follows the path around the lake and onto nearby streets.
You can register by mail, online, or at 98 Richards Way in Sparks. It's $25 per person until November 19. After that, it's $30 on race day, between 6:30 and 7:45 a.m. For more information, call (775) 353-7898.
Nov. 28 - Holidazzle Parade - Reno's first ever Holidazzle Parade is a people and pets event that will include mini-floats, marching bands, the Wells Fargo stagecoach, live entertainment, and more. Reno City Councilman Dan Gustin is scheduled to be the Holidazzle Santa. The parade route will wind along portions of Sierra Street, First Street, Arlington Avenue and California Avenue in downtown Reno. This free family event starts at 11 a.m. For information, call (775) 333-1026 x301. The annual CalAve Holiday Stroll will start after the parade at 1 p.m.
Nov. 28 - Sundance Bookstore - Tales of the Biggest Little City in the World is a collection of Patty Cafferata's Columns on Reno. At 11 a.m., Patty will sign her books and reminisce with special guest Barbara Vucanovich.
At 2 p.m., Elgen Long will be on hand to sign his book Amelia Earhart: The Mystery Solved. Long and his wife Marie spent over 25 years researching the disappearance of the famous flyer. They were involved with the making of the movie Amelia starring Hilary Swank.
Sundance Bookstore is at 1155 W. Fourth St., Suite 106, Reno, NV 89503. Call (775) 786-1188 for more information.
Nov. 27, 28, 29 - Ride the Historic V&T Railroad - There are several excursions on the V&T during Thanksgiving weekend. Get advance tickets online or you probably won't be going. For information, call (775) 687-7410.
Early Bird Shopping Special - Friday, November 27, one way
$29 adults, $25 ages 65 and older, $20 ages 12 and under
Departs Virginia City 8 a.m., arrives Carson City 9:30 a.m.
Friends and Family Train - Friday and Saturday, November 27 and 28, roundtrip
$48 adults, $40 ages 65 and older, $30 ages 12 and under
Includes slice of apple or pumpkin pie, hot cider, family photo with train
Departs Carson City 10 a.m., return departs Virginia City 3:30 p.m.
Locals Special - Sunday, November 29, roundtrip
$39 adults, $30 ages 65 and older, $19 ages 12 and under
Departs Carson City 10 a.m., return departs Virginia City 3:30 p.m.
Comstock Night Train - Sunday, November 29, one way
$17 adults, $15 ages 65 and older, $12 ages 12 and under
Departs Carson City 5:30 p.m., arrives Virginia City 7 p.m.
