With the holidays quickly approaching, it's time to start making plans. Thanksgiving is coming, and beyond expressing thanks and feasting, there is plenty more for families to do in the great state of Nevada. Here are a few options we hope you feel are worth considering.
CARSON CITY
The Polar Express
As the holidays approach, what could be more fun that riding on the Polar Express? You can do so courtesy of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. You can board in Carson City. The railroad's website says, "All Aboard! Experience the magic of the famed holiday story come to life. Riders are encouraged to wear their favorite pajamas and partake in caroling and a reading of the classic story on their way to the North Pole. All riders will receive hot chocolate and a holiday treat before Santa and his helpers board the train to give each rider the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell."
The Polar Express will run from November 15 - December 23. You can get cheaper tickets if you go in November. The Polar Express Train Ride runs Thursday through Sunday, with some exceptions. Trains depart at 5:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. For more information, visit: https://vtrailway.com/train rides/polar-express/.
RENO
Thanksgiving Weekend at Animal Ark
Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary in Reno is having a special Thanksgiving weekend event, and it will be the last chance to see the animals before their regular winter closure. You'll be able to see big cats like tigers, jaguars, cheetahs and mountain lions, as well as a snake-catching serval. There are also bears, wolves, foxes, coyotes, and raccoons. In the reptile category, you can see tortoises and iguanas, and there are also some impressive birds. You can even meet a porcupine!
Animal Ark is a permanent home for injured or otherwise non-releasable wildlife, and it's a great chance for the family to enjoy some wonderful animals. Check it out November 29 - December 1 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information, visit: https://www.animalark.org/what-we-do.
The Fleischmann Planetarium
The Fleischmann Planetarium in Reno is a great place to take the family to experience impressive visuals. On Fridays, there are shows called, "Constellations and Habitat Earth," "Exploring Space and Time," and "Living Worlds." On Saturdays, there's also "Accidental Astronauts," "Planets Program," "Dream to Fly," and "Constellations and Habitat Earth." Throughout November, there are also shows on Polynesian music and dance, as well as a "Making Star Maps" workshop and an "Indigenous Culture" star tour presentation.
Public shows are held on Fridays from 2:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Check the website for scheduling to catch the ones you're most interested in.
LAKE TAHOE
Skiing and Snowboarding
Weather permitting, you might be able to partake in some great skiing and snowboarding at Lake Tahoe and other ski resorts over the holiday weekend.
As NewToReno.com explains, "Lake Tahoe area ski resorts like to open for the big Thanksgiving holiday weekend, but snowfall generated by Mother Nature has a lot to do with it. Avid skiers and snowboarders will know if conditions are good. Everyone else can get the latest information from the websites of those resorts they are interested in visiting."
The list of ski resorts can be found here: https://www.newtoreno.com/wintersports.htm
LAS VEGAS
O by Cirque du Soleil
Of course, there are many shows to attend in Las Vegas, and that includes some during Thanksgiving weekend. There are a number of performances of O by Cirque du Soleil taking place throughout November, including Thanksgiving Day and weekend. This is suitable from ages five and up. Vegas.com describes the show: "This aquatic-themed Cirque du Soleil show immerses audiences into a dream world of acrobats, synchronized swimmers, divers and other marine characters in, on and above a 1.5-million-gallon pool."
Other shows worth looking into include Blue Man Group, V - The Ultimate Variety Show, and Awakening.
Once your family finishes turkey, pumpkin pie and watching football, check out some of the other great activities Nevada has to offer. The holiday season is just getting started, but it's never too soon to start making memories!