Thanksgiving weekend in Nevada City runs on small town time. Run or walk the Turkey Trot on Thursday morning. Shop the Country Christmas Faire on Friday, then catch the first night of Cornish Christmas in Grass Valley. Shop small downtown on Saturday. Walk it all off on Sunday.
It is a good weekend to be here. Kin are in town. The leaves are mostly down. The first lights go up. Here is how we would lay out the four days. The dates come from each group that runs the event. Check them before you go.
What is there to do on Thanksgiving weekend in Nevada City?
Here is the whole weekend at a glance.
| Day | Plan | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Thu the 26th | Turkey Trot, early | The high school on Ridge Road |
| Thu | Big meal, short walk | Home, or a table you booked |
| Fri the 27th | Country Christmas Faire, 10 am to 5 pm | The fairgrounds |
| Fri night | Cornish Christmas, 6 to 9 pm | Downtown Grass Valley |
| Sat the 28th | Shop small | Downtown Nevada City |
| Sun the 29th | A walk in the woods | Trails near town |
How do you start Thursday?
With a run, if you are that kind of crew. The Nevada County Turkey Trot is on the morning of the big meal. It starts at Hooper Stadium, at Nevada Union High School on Ridge Road.
- Sign in: 7:30 am.
- Kids race: 8:15 am. No sign up needed.
- Main start: 8:30 am, for the 5K walk, the 5K run and the 10K.
- Course: Trail and street around the school and the Litton Hill Trail.
- Strollers: Fine on the walk course. Pets are not allowed on the course.
- Packet pick up: Wednesday the 25th, 2 to 4 pm, at the school's wrestling gym.
The site says the money raised goes to two local groups. One backs the Grass Valley police. The other, Anew Day, helps folks get low cost care for their mental health. That is a good reason to get out of bed. The pie can wait an hour.
What is open on Thanksgiving Day?
Less than on a normal Thursday. Plan for that. The grounds at Empire Mine State Historic Park close that day. They open again on Friday on winter hours, 10 am to 4 pm. Many shops and some places to eat close for the day. Call first before you build a plan around any one spot.
Where can you find Thanksgiving dinner?
Book early, and ask direct. Some places downtown serve a turkey meal. Some close. Some keep the menu they run all year. It changes from year to year. The only sure way is to call. Our guide to places to eat in town is a good list to start from.
What is on for Black Friday?
Skip the mall. Friday here has two good stops.
First, the Country Christmas Faire at the fairgrounds in Grass Valley. It runs Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm.
- What: More than 100 makers, with gifts made by hand.
- Santa: In the chapel, each day of the faire.
- Outside: Wagon rides and a big fire to stand by.
- Inside: A gingerbread house and other displays.
- Cost: A small fee at the gate. Kids 12 and under get in free. Parking is free.
Then, after dark, the first night of Cornish Christmas in downtown Grass Valley, 6 to 9 pm. Main Street closes to cars. Shops stay open late. There are singers in old dress, roast chestnuts and Santa. It is free. It runs again each Friday through the 18th of next month.
Where do you shop small on Saturday?
Downtown Nevada City. Many people call the day after Black Friday Small Business Saturday. This town runs on small shops. Walk Broad Street, then Main and Pine. You will find books, art, clothes, toys and gifts.
For a head start, see our guide to handmade shops. A few tips:
- Go early in the day, before the lots fill.
- Bring a big bag. Leave the car parked all day.
- Ask about shipping if the gift is heavy.
- Stop for a hot drink halfway, so the kids last.
- Keep a list. It is easy to buy for yourself first.
How do you spend a slow Sunday?
Get outside. The trails at Empire Mine open at sunrise and close at sunset. So does South Yuba River State Park. State Parks warns that its trails can turn to mud in the wet months. Wear boots. Call the park if you are not sure. Then go home, warm up, and eat the last of the pie.
Questions people ask
What is open on Thanksgiving Day in Nevada City?
Some places close and some do not. Empire Mine's grounds close that day. Call any shop or restaurant before you count on it.
When is the Nevada County Turkey Trot?
It runs on the morning of Thanksgiving, Nov. 26, at Hooper Stadium at Nevada Union High School. The site lists sign in at 7:30 am. The main races start at 8:30 am.
When is the Country Christmas Faire?
The fairgrounds list it for Nov. 27 to 29. Friday and Saturday run 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday runs 10 am to 4 pm.
When does Cornish Christmas start?
The first night is Friday, Nov. 27, from 6 to 9 pm in downtown Grass Valley. It runs on Friday nights through Dec. 18. It is free.
A word on our hours
A long weekend can change hours all over town. Before you plan a night out at Sherwood that weekend, check current hours on our visit page, then call (530) 265-9093 or send a note through our contact page to ask. We would rather you ask than guess.
