2023 THANKSGIVING WEEK
Monday, November 20th – Sunday, November 26th, 2023
Thanksgiving in Yosemite is filled with Fall color, spectacular scenery, and wide open spaces waiting to be explored.
Throughout Thanksgiving week we focus all of our efforts on creating memorable holiday experiences, so you can relax and have the time of your life with loved ones.
We provide dining experiences worthy of our gorgeous surroundings, a host of guided recreation excursions, campfires, evening programs and plenty of time and space for relaxation.
When you arrive for Thanksgiving at Rush Creek, you’ll receive a detailed calendar of activities to choose from. Until then, visit our Daily Activities page for a nice idea of what to expect this year.
Our talented executive chef, Chef Lemens, designs our menu to showcase the finest in seasonal, local and organic ingredients. Start tempting your palate now with our 2023 Thanksgiving Menu.
New Thanksgiving Bundle! (SOLD OUT)
This year we’re offering a new Thanksgiving Bundle that includes Thanksgiving Dinner and a holiday craft for each person in your party, plus some of our favorite sentimental gift items (Yosemite National Park journal, wood ornament, book of Easy Day Hikes and a decorative tea towel).
Adding the Thanksgiving Bundle to your stay is easy. When booking your stay over the November 23rd holiday, simply select your room type, then click the button to add the Thanksgiving Bundle to your reservation.
You can call 209-379-2373, email [email protected], or book online here:
NOTE: If you are staying with us over the Thanksgiving Holiday, you will hear from us directly to reserve your table for Thanksgiving Dinner. If you have questions about Thanksgiving Dinner, please email Rachel Tejeda directly at [email protected], and Happy Thanksgiving to you!
Range of Options
Given the grand nature of Rush Creek Lodge, guests are often surprised to find out that it was created by two Bay Area dads who continue to operate the lodge in a way that they like to share with their own family and friends (while using business as a force for good).
That’s why you’ll find that your room reservation has what you need for a spectacular Yosemite adventure, with no hidden Resort Fees. From basics such as free parking and free Wi-Fi, to Pool Area access and use of the Fitness Center, to more robust delights like the Daily Activities organized by our onsite Recreation Team throughout our indoor and outdoor play areas, including everyone’s favorite – nightly fireside s’mores roasting! Plus, miles of nature trails in the adjacent forest.
That said, we know sometimes you want a few options to make things a touch more convenient, or a just hint extra.
Bed & Breakfast
This popular package provides the perfect kickstart to your day with a hearty mountain breakfast in our Restaurant, complete with freshly home baked good courtesy of our resident baker. See details on our B&B page or choose the “Bed and Breakfast Package Rate” when booking your room on this site.
Guided Tours
In keeping with Rush Creek’s values, you are encouraged to visit the Recreation Desk in the Guest lounge for free planning advice from our team of local experts. We’ve got plenty of maps and ideas for parties of all abilities and interests.
Or, maybe you’d prefer to let someone else take the wheel so you can kick back and enjoy the ride? Yes, you can! We offer dozens of professionally guided excursions that will surprise and delight you. Visit our EXPLORE adventure planning page for ideas.
Upgrades & Fun Extras
From Spa Day Use passes to day hiker basics to kid favorites, you can add on all sorts of fun extras as you complete your room reservation on this website.
Your Thanksgiving Week Itinerary…
WEDNESDAY
Arrive early and enjoy a relaxing lunch, then join our recreation team to plan your holiday activities. Check out our 2023 Thanksgiving Activity Calendar to start getting excited about all the fun we’ve got planned!
We will have onsite activities such as talk in our lounge about Yosemite’s Wildlife, pumpkin marbling and kids crafts!
After dinner, enjoy making s’mores by the fireside or head over to the tavern for a little pre-Thanksgiving celebration. This will be a great start to a fun-filled mountain getaway!
THURSDAY – THANKSGIVING DAY
Sleep in and enjoy the holiday. After a hearty breakfast, gear up to hit the park with our naturalist guides for a memorable Yosemite Valley Sightseeing Tour! If you’re feeling more adventurous, join us for a hike (or Snowshoe!) through Yosemite Valley or to the Giant Sequoias and learn about the local flora & fauna, while working up an appetite on the trail.
If you’re feeling a little lazy, just hang out at the lodge and enjoy the Fall beauty in the hot tub or root for your favorite football team, as we turn our tavern into your Turkey Day living room, with ballgames and beverages available throughout the day.
In the afternoon, you can join us for a “Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt”. Explore our hillside property featuring creeks and a reflecting pond as you hunt for turkey day themed treasures. Or join us in the Guest Lounge to decorate seasonal treats with your family. Our Thanksgiving Cookie Decorating activity is $5 per person and sure to be a good time with a tasty take away for all.
Holiday Meal Extravaganza
While you’re enjoying your day, our team of chefs will be in the kitchen preparing a decadent holiday feast. Choose from a variety of savory options, and top off your meal with one of our delicious homemade desserts!
Click here to see the 2023 Thanksgiving Menu.
Time: 3PM – 9PM
Price: $60 Adults; $35 Kids (age 5-12)*
*price excludes tax and gratuity
After you’ve eaten, stick around and join us in the Tavern for some specialty holiday drinks. Or gather around our outdoor fireplace to roast s’mores and enjoy a relaxing evening full of fireside games in our cozy Guest Lounge.
FRIDAY
Begin your day with a delicious hot breakfast, then grab lunch to go and hit the trail with family and friends for the day. Join an interpretive hike or snowshoe (weather permitting) to see the world’s largest living specimens – Giant Sequoias. Or let our guides show you Yosemite’s hidden gem, the Hetch Hetchy Valley. You can also simply relax in the morning and join us for an afternoon hike. Check out all the guided recreation options available this holiday season here.
Arrive back at the lodge in time for your indulgent full-body massage (available throughout the weekend – reservations required), or join us for “Pet Rock Turkey!” Fireside s‘mores are available afterward, then join us for drinks in the Tavern!
SATURDAY
Indulge in a lazy morning and a delicious hot breakfast in our full-service Restaurant. Stick around for lunch or get out and enjoy a day in Yosemite. Once again you can choose from one of our guided hikes or sightseeing tours. Whichever trip you choose, you will learn more about the history, folklore, plants, and animals of Yosemite while taking in the breathtaking vistas of the postcard-perfect scenery.
Return to the lodge in time for another memorable night of dining and activities. Head to the Recreation Desk to purchase your very own logoed shirt for our Fall Tie Dye Craft. Or sign up for Stargazing, where you get to experience the night sky like never before. Follow up with dinner and a bit of relaxation fireside or in the Tavern with a tasty holiday cocktail.
SUNDAY
Wake up revived and refreshed. Enjoy a hearty breakfast, then sneak in one last great hike or bike trip before heading back to the real world.
Keep in mind that the Spa at Rush Creek is family-friendly every morning from 8am to 11am, and Day Use passes are all you need to access all the amazing Yosemite-inspired amenities.
Join us for lunch, relaxation, and football games in the tavern.
Then hit the road, smiling all the way home as you revel in the memory of a new-found holiday tradition in the mountains.