Your Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving Fun in Colorado (Events & Activities!)
Got family in town for Thanksgiving, or just looking to make the most of the long weekend? Colorado is packed with festive events and fun activities to get you out of the house.
Whether you want to earn your turkey, hit the slopes, or jump straight into the holiday spirit, there’s something happening. Forget cabin fever—here are some of the best things to do in Colorado for Thanksgiving.
This guide is inspired by a great roundup of activities from ColoradoInfo.com.
1. Work Up an Appetite: Colorado Turkey Trots
Start your Thanksgiving morning with a fun run! It's a fantastic way to get some fresh air (and feel a little less guilty about that second piece of pie). Dozens of communities host their own, but here are a few of the most popular:
Denver Turkey Trot: A massive and fun event that draws thousands, all supporting a good cause.
Colorado Springs Turkey Trot 5K: A holiday staple in the Springs.
Frisco Turkey Day 5K: A high-elevation run for our mountain-town folks.
Durango Turkey Trot: The perfect way to kick off the day in Southwest Colorado.
(Most of these happen on Thanksgiving morning, but check local listings for exact times!)
2. Hit the Slopes: Ski Resort Openings
For many in Colorado, "Thanksgiving" is just another word for "the real start of ski season." This weekend is traditionally when most major resorts are open and running. If you'd rather trade the turkey coma for fresh powder, here are some of the resorts that are typically open for Thanksgiving:
Arapahoe Basin
Breckenridge
Copper Mountain
Keystone
Loveland
Vail
Winter Park
Aspen Mountain
Beaver Creek
Steamboat
...and many more!
3. Jump-Start the Holidays: Lights & Parades
As soon as the last turkey plate is cleared, Colorado flips the switch to holiday mode. Thanksgiving weekend is the official kickoff for some of the state's most magical events:
Blossoms of Light (Denver): Walk through the stunning, light-filled paths of the Denver Botanic Gardens with a hot cocoa in hand.
Catch the Glow Holiday Celebration (Estes Park): This mountain town goes all out with hay rides, holiday shopping, and a grand parade.
Santa's Lighted Forest (Georgetown): An absolute must for families. Ride the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad through a forest of lights and meet Santa.
Parade of Lights (Pueblo): A huge celebration featuring over a hundred lighted parade floats and performers.
4. #OptOutside: Hit the Trails
If the Black Friday crowds aren't your thing, join the movement to #OptOutside. Instead of shopping, use the day to explore the outdoors. Thanksgiving weekend is a beautiful time to:
Go for a family hike or snowshoeing excursion.
Take a scenic drive to one of Colorado's national parks.
Build a snowman in a local park.
Go sledding or tubing.
It’s the perfect way to spend time with loved ones and appreciate the amazing place we get to call home.
