Thanksgiving in Coeur d'Alene: Events & Things to Do
Thanksgiving week in Coeur d'Alene is quieter than summer, but that's part of the appeal. The lake is glassy, the crowds are gone, and the town has a rhythm that's easy to settle into. Here's what's worth knowing if you're spending the holiday here.
The Holiday Parade
The Coeur d'Alene Holiday Parade typically kicks off the season the Friday or Saturday after Thanksgiving, winding through downtown Sherman Avenue. It's a genuine small-city parade: marching bands, floats, local businesses, and a crowd that actually knows each other. Arrive early to grab a spot along the route and grab a coffee from one of the cafés on Sherman before it starts.
Shop Small Saturday on Sherman Avenue
Downtown CDA goes all-in on Small Business Saturday. The shops along Sherman Avenue stay open late, many with deals and in-store events. It's a good excuse to walk the strip, pick up something local, and duck into a warm restaurant when you need a break. Parking is easy compared to any summer weekend.
The Coeur d'Alene Resort Tree Lighting
The Resort lights its famous floating Christmas tree on Lake Coeur d'Alene around Thanksgiving weekend. The ceremony draws a crowd to the boardwalk, and the tree stays lit through the holidays. It's worth walking down to the waterfront in the evening just to see it reflected on the water.
Tubbs Hill & the Lake Trails
If the weather cooperates, Thanksgiving morning is a great time to hike Tubbs Hill. The 2.2-mile loop around the hill is free, takes about an hour, and gives you views of the lake and the mountains to the east. Most of the summer visitors are gone, so you'll likely have the trail mostly to yourself.
Turkey Trot
Coeur d'Alene hosts a Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot most years, a 5K run and walk that starts in the morning downtown. It's a low-key community event, open to all fitness levels, and a good way to earn your meal before the day gets going. Check local event listings closer to the date for registration details.
Dining on Thanksgiving Day
A handful of restaurants in CDA serve Thanksgiving dinner, including the dining room at the Coeur d'Alene Resort. If you'd rather cook, the vacation rental gives you a full kitchen and a table big enough for the whole group. The Yoke's Fresh Market and other local grocers stock everything you need, and they're well-stocked through the week.
Day Trips Worth the Drive
Spokane is 30 miles west and has a full slate of Thanksgiving weekend events, including the Spokane Holiday Parade and the Macy's-style shopping at River Park Square. Sandpoint, about an hour north, is another good day trip: the town is charming in the off-season and Schweitzer Mountain sometimes has early-season snow by late November.
When to Book
Thanksgiving week fills up faster than you'd expect, especially for larger homes that can fit the whole family. If you're planning a group trip, booking a month or two out gives you the best selection. Most of our properties sleep 6 to 16 guests, so there's usually a good fit for whatever size your group is.
