Sunriver Thanksgiving Activities in 2022
If you plan to spend Thanksgiving in Sunriver, you are in for a treat —and we don’t just mean tasty food. The city and surrounding areas offer numerous activities to ring in Turkey Day that the whole family will love. You can also still enjoy many of the regular activities that Sunriver is famous for.
Here are a few of the top events that you can expect here during Thanksgiving. Remember, Thanksgiving is a draw in Sunriver, so if any of these activities look appealing, make reservations early to ensure that you can experience them all!
Attend the Great Hall Thanksgiving Dinner
The Thanksgiving dinner at Great Hall at Sunriver Resort is an experience that local and seasonal visitors look forward to each year. You and the family can experience a full Thanksgiving buffet in an elegant setting, and children are invited too (and only half-priced!) As an added treat, the buffet includes Northwest-inspired food selections.
Reserve your tickets by calling 541-593-1000.
Other Thanksgiving Restaurants
If the Great Hall Thanksgiving Dinner is not for you, not to worry. There are many other restaurants that celebrate the big day:
Carson’s American Kitchen: It offers delicious food and spectacular views.
Sunriver Brewing: Check ahead of time, as some years, the brewery closes.
El Caporal
Marcello’s Cucina Italiana
Village Bar & Grill
South Bend Bistro
You can also take the 20-minute drive to Bend. Popular locations include:
Pine Tavern: It offers varying rates but reservations fill quickly!
Greg’s Grill: This upscale restaurant has delicious food and views.
The Pronghorn Resort
Thanksgiving at Your Home Away from Home
Last year, Sunriver Resort offered a Thanksgiving Dinner To-Go for parties of four, eight, or 12. It may happen this year too but word is still forthcoming. You will have to pick it up and heat it, as the food comes cold). If you still need to book your hotel or rental property, Cascara rental properties often include homes and condominiums with full kitchens. Click here to learn more.
The take-home dinner is a slightly less expensive option than the Great Hall dinner, though there doesn’t appear to be a lower price for the kids. The meal requires a 7-day advanced notice. To inquire, call 541-593-1000.
Shop Till You Drop During Black Friday
Once you have had your fill of turkey, get a good night’s rest so you can dive into Black Friday deals. This special day after Thanksgiving offers the best shopping sales of the year. Shop local malls in Sunriver at The Village to support the local economy. If you can’t find everything that you need, Bend is just 20 minutes away.
Go Trout Fishing
The local Deschutes River and Sunriver area are famous for trout fishing, and Thanksgiving is an ideal time to do it. Each year, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife offers fee-free fishing during Thanksgiving weekend (November 25 and 26 in 2022) at select locations. Click here to learn more about the Central Oregon areas covered by this deal. You and the family can also opt for free family fishing events, which will make it easier for newcomers to get started.
If a permit is required, you can obtain one at The Hook Fly Shop (aka Cascade Guides and Outfitters) or the Department of Fish and Wildlife Office in Bend.
Participate in Activities for Snow Lovers
There is a 50% chance of snow this time of year, so you may be able to indulge in many snow-related activities. Mt. Bachelor offers skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and dog sledding. To round out the holiday feel, The Village at Sunriver also offers ice skating at this time.
Even when you aren’t in the snow, you can enjoy views of snow-capped mountains right in the comfort of your vacation home. Sit next to a fire or inside your jacuzzi at any of the many rentals to make the experience complete.
Year-Round Activities May Still be Available
If the weather is still warm enough, you can indulge in a few famous Sunriver activities, such as golf. The city has some of the top golf courses in the country, and many are quite beautiful. To learn more about the local courses, click here.
If you aren’t a golfer or want to mix things up with other adventures, you can indulge in hiking, bicycle riding, kayaking in nature, or strolling the local museums and parks.
Watch the Colors Change
To spot the changing leaves, you may need to drive to designated spots. The climate in Sunriver doesn’t allow for a full show in town, though you can still spot a few spectacular local quaking aspen and western larch.
For a better experience, stop at Shelving Park, Benham Park, and Whychus Canyon Preserve. You can also try Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory and Smith Rock State Park.
View Overhead Attractions
Not all attractions are right in front of you — some are above your head! This time of year, you can get glimpses of constellations like Andromeda, Aries, Cassiopeia, and Taurus, just to name a few. Look up from an outdoor fire, or get an even better look at the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory.
Go to Smith Rock Ranch
Plymouth Rock is not the only famous rock this time of year. Smith Rock Ranch is a ranch/farm packed with activities for kids of all ages. It sits one hour from Sunriver in Terrebonne.
Here’s a look at just a few of the fun-filled activities! Note that some activities can be canceled due to weather, so be sure to check the ranch’s Facebook page. Also, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday are when you can do the maze and other activities, so it’s best to go then. See here for hours details.
The Amazing Maize
The ranch cuts its cornfield to create a maze, which the staff call “the maize,” and they ensure that it is fun for everyone. Children 5 years and younger are free, while people 6 years and older are just $10. Young children should be supervised.
Pumpkin Patch
If pumpkins are still available for picking after Halloween, you and the kids can pick their favorites and decorate them or take them home so you can make pumpkin pie. The patch is open Tuesday to Friday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Holiday Launch With Pumpkin Cannons
That’s right, you and the kids can watch your pumpkin soar in the air and smash on the ground to make a big mess! You can aim at select targets or see how far your pumpkin can travel. You’ll never forget this experience!
Before you go, be sure to ask if it is still available, just in case pumpkin stock is limited.
Harvest Market
The farm has a market filled with autumn veggies, treats, and decorations.
Even More Activities
Take a ride on the farm train, visit a petting zoo, indulge in face painting, dress up for old-timey photos, and enjoy horse rides and even hayrides on weekends. The farm also has a putting course and live music when the weather is good.
Visit DD Ranch
If Smith Rock Ranch isn’t an option, you can head to DD Ranch. It offers similar activities, including its own maze. Children are $13 if 2 years old and up, but younger kids and parents are free! Hayrides are $6.00 for each rider.
Attend Beer and Beer Festivals During Autumn
Another benefit of this time of year is that you are visiting during the hop-harvesting season. You can taste all the latest brews and a few seasonal options. You can go even further with the Bend Oregon Beer Trail throughout November. To learn more, click here!
Have a Family-Like Atmosphere Right at Home
Thanksgiving with the family is one of the warmest times of the year, even when the snow falls. To ensure maximum warmth, we offer cozy homes for rent throughout Sunriver. Sit next to the fire, enjoy tasty food, and even spend a relaxing evening in a jacuzzi. Whatever experience you are looking for, we may have the right rental home for you that has the intimate home-like feel that the whole family will appreciate. To learn more, click here!
