For such a small county, we sure do celebrate big! From Big Trees to big hearts, Calaveras loves the holidays! Read on for some of the special and unique ways to celebrate the holidays with us in Calaveras.

Thanksgiving Day,  Thursday, November 27th

Klassen Klassic Turkey Trot – 2.5 and 5 mile community race to benefit local charities

Murphys Community Park – Murphys, CA

Celebrate Thanksgiving in Murphys, California at the Annual Klassen Klassic Turkey Trot!

Kick off your holiday with fun, family, and fitness at Murphys Community Park, one of the most charming spots in Calaveras County. Every Thanksgiving morning, locals and visitors come together for the beloved Klassen Klassic Turkey Trot, a free, family-friendly event that captures small-town holiday spirit straight out of a Hallmark movie.

Arrive at 8:00 AM to register if you’re aiming for a top 10 finish, or simply show up ready to run (or walk!) at 9:00 AM. Instead of a registration fee, participants are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations to support the Murphys Senior Center Food Pantry. Proceeds from T-shirt sales benefit local food banks and other community nonprofits.

Whether you’re visiting Calaveras County for the holidays or spending the day in Murphys, CA, the Klassen Klassic Turkey Trot is the perfect way to start your Thanksgiving with community, good cheer, and a little exercise before the feast!

Kids and adults all race in non-sanctioned, zany, wonderful, small-town 2.6 and 5 mile events.  Award categories are:
2.5 mile
Top Female, Top Male over 12 years
Top Girl, Top Boy 12 years and under

5 mile
Top Female, Top Male over 12 years
Top Girl, Top Boy 12 years and under

Come join the fun and be a part of a very, very good cause.

Calaveras Big Trees – Highway 4, just east of Arnold

Experience a Thanksgiving Weekend Among the Giants at Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Plan your Thanksgiving adventure at Calaveras Big Trees State Park where ancient sequoias, fresh mountain air, and the warmth of small-town Calaveras hospitality await. Spend the day surrounded by nature’s awe-inspiring beauty at Calaveras Big Trees State Park in Arnold, California. Located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, this iconic Calaveras County destination offers visitors a peaceful, family-friendly escape filled with crisp mountain air, towering sequoias, and unforgettable photo opportunities.

Families love the easy, scenic trails that wind through the park, ideal for all ages. In the fall, Calaveras Big Trees State Park offers opportunities like wildlife viewing & gorgeous photography or snowshoeing on the North Grove Trail and simply soaking in the peaceful quiet of the forest. Plus, autumn means fewer crowds, breathtaking seasonal scenery, and the chance to see the park in a peaceful, reflective mood. Whether you’re visiting from the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Sacramento, or nearby Murphys, Calaveras Big Trees offers a tranquil and memorable way to celebrate the season of gratitude.

Tips for Your Thanksgiving Visit

• Dress warmly: Temperatures in Arnold can drop below freezing at night.
• Pack a thermos: A cup of hot cocoa tastes even better beneath the redwoods!
• Bring snacks or a picnic: While some local cafés may be closed for the holiday, the park’s picnic areas make a perfect lunch spot.
• Check road conditions: Depending on the weather, Highway 4 may require chains or AWD vehicles.

Thanksgiving Day Meals

Verona 18 (209-783-9500, Camps @ Greenhorn Creek Resort (209-729-8181), and Murphys Historic Hotel (209-728-3444) all have some sort of Thanksgiving Day meal planned, so be sure to call and get reservations now. Just need help with dessert? Call Mo’s Bakery (209-584-4106) or The Red Apple (209-728-8906) – you will not be disappointed!

Thanksgiving Weekend Events in Calaveras

Bear Valley Opening Day – Friday, November 28th

Thanksgiving weekend marks the highly anticipated Opening Day at Bear Valley Resort, one of Northern California’s most beloved ski and snowboard destinations. Located along scenic Highway 4 in Calaveras County, Bear Valley welcomes winter adventurers with fresh powder, stunning Sierra views, and a laid-back mountain vibe perfect for families and friends. Early-season conditions often mean well-groomed beginner and intermediate runs, plus a lively base area atmosphere complete with gear rentals, hot cocoa, and après-ski fun. Whether you’re carving your first turns of the season or simply soaking in the alpine beauty, Bear Valley is the ultimate Thanksgiving weekend getaway for snow lovers.

Anderson’s Christmas Tree Farm Opening Day – Friday, November 28th

Do you love absolutely love an old fashioned Christmas? Should your name be Holly or Merry or Nick? Then you will be SURE to get into the holiday spirit at Anderson Christmas Tree Farm just a mile and a half down Pennsylvania Gulch Road off of Highway 4 in Murphys. Cut your own tree, or choose from hundreds of beautiful pre-cut Douglas Fir, Scotch Pine, Cedars, Noble Fir, and Silver Tip. Shop their country rustic gift shop and revel in your love of all things red and green!

Dorrington Christmas Tree Lighting – Saturday, November 29th

Kick off the holiday season at the Dorrington Christmas Tree Lighting at the Dorrington Hotel & The Lube Room Saloon! Bring a toy for the local toy drive, say hello to Santa, and enjoy cookies and warm drinks starting at 5:00 PM. Then, gather together to watch the tree sparkle to life at 6:00 PM – a perfect way to welcome Christmas in the mountains!

Attend live theatre with the whole family! – November 28th – November 30th

MURPHYS CREEK THEATRE in Murphys presents – “Over the River and Through the Woods” -When Nick announces he is being promoted and moving to Seattle, his grandparents are devastated and quickly concoct a series of hilarious schemes to keep Nick from leaving, including introducing him to the woman of his dreams. Disclosure: Themes of family and loss, but served with a heaping side of comedy and carbs. Bring tissues and an appetite. Buy Tickets HERE

FOURTH WALL ENTERTAINMENT TROUPE in San Andreas presents – “Predicament of Peril, A Potter Parody” – This holiday season, prepare to immerse yourself in a magical parody event crafted by Fourth Wall Entertainment. The enchanting experience unfolds throughout the entire Metropolitan, inviting audiences to step into a world of wonder and whimsy.

After entering Kings Cross and making their way through Platform 93/4 , participants will be sorted into four distinct houses, each guided by prefects who will lead them on a fantastical journey. If guests do not want to risk being sorted into the “wrong” house, they may pre-purchase tickets online, assuring a place in the house of their choice.

Here’s a glimpse of the magical activities awaiting you:
· Shopping on Diagon Alley: Add to your adventure by exploring the bustling shops of Diagon Alley, where magical items and curiosities await.
· Classes with Witches and Wizards: Attend spellbinding classes taught by experienced witches and wizards, where you’ll learn the secrets of magic at both Potions and Divination classes.
· Escape Room of Requirement: Test your wits and teamwork as you navigate the mysterious Escape Room of Requirement.
· Feast in the Great Hall: Join another house while on your journey with a grand feast in the Great Hall, where delicious magical delicacies are served.

Tickets and more information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-predicament-of-peril-tickets-1545655680749

Check our Calaveras Calendar of Events for Christmas and New Year celebrations! Or, give us a call at 209-736-0049 to help making plans in Calaveras!