Thanksgiving Events in Las Vegas 2026: A Local’s Guide to Holiday Fun
By Gwen Lion | Updated November 3, 2026
Looking for local Thanksgiving events in Las Vegas? Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026, with turkey trots in Summerlin, northwest Las Vegas and Boulder City, plus holiday lights in Henderson and Thanksgiving weekend festivities at Opportunity Village.
After living in Las Vegas for about 20 years and raising my family here, I appreciate the traditions that bring our community together. Thanksgiving week is a chance to explore a different part of town, spend time outdoors and enjoy the places that make Southern Nevada feel like home.
Here are six events to consider for your Thanksgiving calendar.
1. Life Time Las Vegas Turkey Trot in Summerlin
Start Thanksgiving morning with a run or walk before gathering around the dinner table. The Life Time Las Vegas Turkey Trot offers a 5K and a Family Fun Run Mile, welcoming participants of different ages and paces.
The organizer lists the 5K start at Las Vegas Ballpark and the finish at Life Time Summerlin, followed by an after-party on the pool deck. Check the race instructions carefully—the starting location and finish are different.
- Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026
- Area: Summerlin, west Las Vegas
- Distances: 5K and Family Fun Run Mile
- Admission: Paid registration; check current availability and race instructions
View official event details and registration. Las Vegas Turkey Trot
2. Turkey Rock at Floyd Lamb Park
For a Thanksgiving morning outing in northwest Las Vegas, Turkey Rock offers three distances at Floyd Lamb Park. You can choose a longer run or keep things manageable with the one-mile option.
The event takes place at Group Area 5, and the organizer says the park parking fee is included in race registration.
- Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026
- Start times: 10K at 8 a.m.; 5K at 8:05 a.m.; one mile at 8:10 a.m.
- Location: Floyd Lamb Park, 9200 Tule Springs Road, Las Vegas, NV 89131
- Admission: Paid registration; prices vary by distance and registration phase
View Turkey Rock details and registration. Jusrun
3. Las Vegas Turkey Trot Near Boulder City and Lake Mead
Despite its name, this Las Vegas Turkey Trot takes place near Boulder City, along the Historic Railroad Trail in Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
The event offers a half marathon, 12K, 5K run/walk and one-mile stroll. The Lake Mead views make this an appealing choice if you want your Thanksgiving morning to include some Southern Nevada scenery.
- Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026
- Listed event time: 7:30 a.m.; confirm your distance’s starting instructions
- Location: Historic Railroad Trailhead, Boulder City area
- Admission: Paid registration, with separate pricing for each distance
View official race information and registration. Las Vegas Turkey Trot 2026
4. Thanksgiving Eve Tree Lighting at Tivoli Village
Begin the holiday weekend a day early at Tivoli Village’s Annual Tree Lighting.
The announced celebration includes holiday music, the Sugarplum Fairy and Nutcracker, the Reindeer Rockettes, and a special wish-granting celebration with Make-A-Wish. You can also make an evening of it with shopping or dining at Tivoli Village.
- Date: Wednesday, November 25, 2026
- Time: 5–8 p.m.
- Location: Tivoli Village, west Las Vegas near Summerlin
- Planning: Use the organizer’s RSVP link and check participation details
View the official Tivoli Village event page. tivolivillagelv.com
5. Ethel M Holiday Cactus Garden Lights in Henderson
Want something to do after Thanksgiving dinner? Ethel M’s Holiday Cactus Garden is scheduled to be open Thanksgiving evening, offering a distinctly desert version of holiday lights.
Walk through the illuminated garden, enjoy the seasonal atmosphere and consider stopping for chocolate or hot chocolate while you’re there.
- Season: November 5, 2026–January 3, 2027
- Thanksgiving week hours: 5–10 p.m.
- Location: 2 Cactus Garden Drive, Henderson, NV 89014
- Admission: $3 per person; children under two and adults 65 and older enter free
- Reservations: Not required for general garden admission
A portion of admission proceeds supports HELP of Southern Nevada and Three Square Food Bank.
Check official garden hours and visitor information. Ethel M Chocolates
6. Magical Forest at Opportunity Village
Thanksgiving weekend also marks the opening of Magical Forest at Opportunity Village, a local holiday outing with lights, decorated trees, the Forest Express train, mini golf and other attractions.
It is also an opportunity to support a local organization: ticket purchases help Opportunity Village serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Thanksgiving weekend dates: November 27–29, 2026
- Friday and Saturday hours: 5:30–9:30 p.m.
- Sunday hours: 5:30–9 p.m.
- Location: 6300 W. Oakey Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89146
- Admission: Ticketed; check current prices and attraction inclusions
View official Magical Forest information and tickets. opportunityvillage.org
Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving in Las Vegas
What is there to do in Las Vegas on Thanksgiving Day 2026?
Thanksgiving Day options include the Life Time Turkey Trot in Summerlin, Turkey Rock at Floyd Lamb Park, the Las Vegas Turkey Trot near Boulder City and an evening visit to Ethel M’s Holiday Cactus Garden in Henderson. Las Vegas Turkey Trot
What can families do in Las Vegas over Thanksgiving weekend?
Families can attend Tivoli Village’s tree lighting on Thanksgiving Eve, visit Ethel M’s illuminated cactus garden or explore Magical Forest when it opens November 27. Shorter turkey trot distances offer another option for an active holiday morning. tivolivillagelv.com
Is Magical Forest open on Thanksgiving Day?
The posted 2026 schedule begins Friday, November 27, the day after Thanksgiving. Its opening weekend runs November 27–29. opportunityvillage.org
Enjoy the Community You Call Home
Whether you live in Summerlin, Henderson, northwest Las Vegas or another part of the valley, Thanksgiving week offers a reason to explore your community and start a new tradition.
My advice: choose one outing that fits your family’s schedule, register early when needed and check the official event page before heading out. Dates, prices and availability can change.
Thinking about making Las Vegas home? I’m Gwen Lion with Love Las Vegas Realty. I help buyers, sellers and renters understand their options and make informed decisions about their next move.
GwenLion.com | Instagram: @lionessgwen
Gwen Lion, REALTOR® | Love Las Vegas Realty | S.0184265