Thanksgiving Week Events and Activities 2025
Make Plans for a Great Thanksgiving Week in Colorado’s Mountain Towns
Thanksgiving Week Events and Activities in 2025 range from Ski Area Openings to Sporting Events, Turkey Trots and Activities Indoors and Out. Use our Event listings to help you plans for the Holiday this week and the year ahead.
November 25, 2025
Rise N’ Shine Rando Series #2, Arapahoe Basin
Join us for a four-part series of uphill challenges on Tuesday mornings in November, December. Register for all four and save, or pick and choose which morning works best for you. The early morning Rise and Shine Rando Races are a fun and challenging way to start your day!
Pre-registration is mandatory.
Race start: 7:00 a.m. in Mountain Goat Plaza
Check-in begins at 6:00 a.m. in Guest Services
https://www.arapahoebasin.com/event/rise-n-shine-rando-2/
November 26 – 30, 2025
Thanksgiving Weekend, Aspen
Thanksgiving weekend in Aspen kicks off the winter ski season.
https://aspenchamber.org/events/thanksgiving-weekend
November 26, 2025
Opening Day. Beaver Creek Ski Resort
We are excited to welcome you back for another season on November 26th, weather and conditions permitting. Cookies, Centennial, corduroy and more! Experience more together with us as we welcome the 2025 /26 winter season!
https://www.beavercreek.com/explore-the-resort/activities/signature-events.aspx
November 26, 2025
Beaver Creek Cookie Competition, Beaver Creek Ski Resort
Beaver Creek’s Annual Cookie Competition celebrates our world-famous chocolate chip cookie tradition with an Opening Day cookie extravaganza. Five finalists will have their cookies available for tasting and guests will vote on their favorite. Awards presented at 5:00pm.
https://www.beavercreek.com/explore-the-resort/activities/event-detail.aspx?id={4ef84954-480a-41cc-80dc-5212bc4539a9}&sd=11%2F01%2F2025&ed=01%2F31%2F2026
November 26, 2025
Opening Day 2025-2026. Crested Butte
Start the season right at Opening Day at Crested Butte Mountain Resort! Be among the Early Riders and take home an exclusive Opening Day poster. Join the fun in the afternoon with our costume contest.
https://www.skicb.com/explore-the-resort/activities-and-events/event-detail.aspx?id={a69c8c26-4400-4574-8f7f-519ec1bcbec3}&sd=10%2F01%2F2025&ed=12%2F31%2F2025
November 26, 2025
Opening Day, Granby
Granby Ranch will be opening for the Winter 25/26 ski season on Wednesday, November 26th. Kick off the holiday season with a weekend full of delicious dining, discounted holiday shopping, and, if Mother Nature allows, plenty of skiing!
Bluebird Bistro will open for the season on Wednesday, November 26th, serving lunch and dinner. And on Thanksgiving Day, Granby Ranch is offering a full Thanksgiving Buffet with all the trimmings, expertly crafted by our culinary team. Reservations are required to ensure your spot at this festive celebration.
For those who can’t miss Thanksgiving football, head up to the 8350 Lounge to catch all the games.
https://granbyranch.com/events-activities/opening-day/
November 27, 2025
Opening Day, Aspen/Snowmass
The “town mountain” offers quad-burning groomers and steep, gladed runs all leading to the heart of Aspen—where local and global culture merge in unexpected ways and the après scene is always on.
https://www.aspensnowmass.com/four-mountains/aspen-mountain
November 27, 2025
Avon Turkey Trot, Avon
The annual YouthPower365 Turkey Trot is back, and the Town of Avon is excited to host this fun and healthy community event in Harry A. Nottingham Park on Thanksgiving! Choose between a 2K or 5K Run/Walk, with costumes highly encouraged to add to the festive spirit!
The 2k race will cost $10 per person and the 5k race will cost $20 per person. Children 5 years old and under race for free! Prices will increase by $5 for day of registration. Participants can pre-register at AvonRec.org through the SmartRec software online registration portal. All participants will be required to sign a liability waiver which can be completed prior to race day.
A percentage of the proceeds benefit YouthPower365.
https://www.avon.org/2514/Avon-Turkey-Trot
November 27, 2025
BVSC Turkey Trot 5K & Family Fun Run, Buena Vista
https://www.colorfulcolorado.com/events/?_evDiscoveryPath=/event/120840r-bvsc-turkey-trot-5k-family-fun-run
November 27, 2025
Turkey Trot, Carbondale Turkey trot takes place Thanksgiving Day with a 1 mile and 5k option! This is a walk or run event. All ages are welcome to participate!
The race starts and ends at the Carbondale Recreation Center. All participants will receive a medal. Pumpkin pie and after race festivities available!
Top finishers and average joe prizes available!
https://www.carbondale.com/events/
November 27 – 30, 2025
The Stifel Copper Cup, Audi FIS Ski World Cup, Copper Mountain
The Stifel Copper Cup presented by United Airlines is an Audi FIS Ski World Cup event showcasing the world’s top alpine skiers at Copper Mountain, the Athlete’s Mountain. Held over Thanksgiving weekend, the event features men’s and women’s races and marks a key milestone on the road to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
https://www.coppercolorado.com/events-activities/events-calendar/stifel-copper-cup/
November 27, 2025
Turkey Trot, Durango
One of Durango’s most popular running races for close to 30 years has become a holiday tradition for so many families. The Turkey Trot, presented by Animas Surgical Hospital, features a 5-mile race and a 1-mile fun-run. All of the proceeds go to great local charities.
Come burn off some calories and work up an appetite before your big meal!
https://www.durango.com/event/turkey-trot/
November 27, 2025
2nd Annual Estes Park Holiday Wine Festival, Estes Park
The 2nd Annual Estes Park Holiday Wine Festival will be Saturday, November 27th. Hours Sat 11AM-5PM.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-estes-park-holiday-wine-festival-tickets-92389147427
November 27, 2025
12th Annual Frisco Turkey Day 5k, Frisco
Join us for the 12th Annual Frisco Turkey Day 5k, presented by The Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute on Thursday, November 27, 2025. This event will take place in Frisco, Colorado, on Thanksgiving Day. We encourage you to come out to have fun in the morning, while burning a few calories, before celebrating among family and friends later in the day. This event is open to all ages and will take place on the Summit County Recreation Path and Town of Frisco side streets.
We invite all walkers/runners to make a non-perishable food donation at the event which will benefit the Family & Intercultural Resource Center (FIRC) of Summit County.
https://www.townoffrisco.com/event/athletic-events/turkey-day-5k/
November 27 2025
Pagosa Turkey Trot 5k Walk/Run @ Yamaguchi Park, Pagosa Springs
The Pagosa Turkey Trot is a 5k Walk/Run starting at Yamaguchi Park at 10am on November 27th. Come run and burn off some calories before you head to your Thanksgiving feast. This is a fun event for all fitness levels. Whether you are a competitive runner, a beginner, or just want something fun to do with the family before you eat, this is a great event for you. $25 Online Registration – Closes Wednesday Nov. 26th 8pm, $35 Day Of Registration – CASH OR CHECK ONLY.
https://visitpagosasprings.com/index.php?section=events&evtid=8924
November 27, 2025
Telluride Ski Resort Opening Day 2025, Telluride
Telluride Ski Resort is scheduled to open on Thursday, November 27. Join us for opening weekend with plenty to do on and off the mountain. We look forward to seeing you this coming ski season!
https://www.telluride.com/event/telluride-ski-resort-opening-day/
November 28, 2025
Thanksjibbing, Aspen/Snowmass
Thanksjibbing is back to kick off the winter at Snowmass!
Come kick off the winter season at Snowmass as local freeskiers and snowboarders throw down for prizes and season long bragging rights.
https://www.aspensnowmass.com/visit/events/thanksjibbing
November 28, 2025
Singing With Santa & Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting, Durango
Kick off your holiday season with Singing with Santa in Downtown Durango! Join us the day after Thanksgiving for this cherished annual tradition.
https://www.durango.com/event/singing-with-santa/
November 28, 2025
Holly Jolly Gift Card Drawing, Durango
Shop & Dine locally on Friday, November 28 & Saturday, November 29 in Downtown Durango & the North main District for your chance to win a local gift card!
Save your receipts from November 28 and November 29, and enter them into the Holly Jolly Gift Card Drawing. We will give away $1,000 in gift cards!
The more you spend the more chances you have to win!
https://whatshappeningdurango.com/view-event.php?EventID=45524
November 28, 2025
Catch the Glow Parade, Estes Park
Experience the magic of the Annual Catch the Glow Parade as it lights up Estes Park on Friday, November 28, 2025, at 5:30 PM—the day after Thanksgiving!
Each year, up to 30,000 spectators gather along Elkhorn Avenue to soak in the festive spirit, enjoy an afternoon with Santa, and explore the charm of downtown Estes Park. The enchanting parade showcases over 40 dazzling entries, including handcrafted floats from the Town of Estes Park and local nonprofits, lively marching bands, gleaming fire trucks, and specialty vehicles. Don’t miss this beloved holiday tradition that brings joy and wonder to all!
https://eventsinestes.com/catch-the-glow-parade/
November 28, 2025
Tree Lighting Ceremony, Grand Lake
Grand Lake’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is a beloved holiday tradition that brings the community together to celebrate the start of the festive season. Held in the heart of town, the event features the lighting of Grand Lake’s twin trees, planted in honor of longtime residents Louis and Gladys Heckert. Visitors can enjoy a Christmas carol singalong, free hot cocoa, and delicious cookies and of course a visit with Santa and his Reindeers! The ceremony embodies the warmth and charm of Grand Lake, creating a truly unforgettable experience that kicks off the holiday season.
https://gograndlake.com/tree-lighting-ceremony/
November 28 – 29, 2025
Basement Boutique Craft Show, Montrose
The Basement Boutique Craft Show is celebrating its 50th anniversary!
We have special events this year, including live music, yummy homemade baked goods for sale in the lobby, and the Grinch and an Elf will be visiting. And of course, our vendors will be presenting their hand-crafted wares – everything from ornaments and other Christmas decor, beautiful pottery, fantastic wood carvings, wonderful resin art, tasty honey, jams, jellies, and many, many more items you’ll want to see.
And of course, to support our community, we welcome your donation of canned goods, which will be delivered to Sharing Ministries.
https://montroselifestyle.com/event/basement-boutique-craft-show/2025-11-28/
November 28, 2025
Tree Lighting Ceremony, Montrose
The City kicks off the holiday season each year with the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, held on Friday, November 28th at 5:30 p.m.
Participants enjoy hot cocoa & cookies provided by Rosemont Church, caroling, and the exciting countdown by Santa to light Montrose’s festive Christmas Tree at the Montrose County Courthouse, 320 S 1st St, Montrose, CO 81401.
https://montroselifestyle.com/event/tree-lighting-ceremony/
November 28, 2025
Lighting of Christmas Mountain USA, Salida
Friday, November 28, 2025, at 6:00 PM! This cherished annual event features a dazzling parade of illuminated floats winding through Salida’s historic downtown, spreading holiday cheer to all.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of holiday magic and community celebration in Salida, Colorado!
https://www.colorfulcolorado.com/events/?_evDiscoveryPath=/event/2791533-lighting-of-christmas-mountain-usa
November 28, 2025
Sno-ciety, Telluride
The Sheridan Arts Foundation presents Warren Miller’s film, Sno-ciety, on Friday, November 28th. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. The first showing begins promptly at 6:00 PM and the second showtime begins promptly at 8:30 PM.
https://www.telluride.com/event/sno-ciety/
November 28, 2025
Vail Après | Stoke Sessions, Vail
Live Music every Friday for the first month of the ski season in Vail! Each week offers a unique soundtrack to your mountain nights, so bundle up, sip something warm, and celebrate the season with community, culture, and the joy of live music—set against a breathtaking winter backdrop. Select Vail Restaurants around Checkpoint Charlie will be offering tasty food and beverages! Participating Restaurants | El Segundo, Root & Flower, Two Arrows, Yama Sushi and more…
https://discovervail.com/event/vail-apres-stoke-sessions/
November 29, 2025
Holiday Sip and Shop, Crested Butte
Sip craft cocktails, nibble on small plates and shop local artisans for unique handcrafted gifts perfect for everyone on your holiday shopping list!
https://gunnisoncrestedbutte.com/event/holiday-sip-and-shop-2/
November 29 – December 7, 2025
Wassail Days, Frisco
Wassail Days is Frisco’s super fun celebration of all things winter and the holidays, celebrated by local businesses offering unique wassail recipes to sample. Wassail Days is also a competition among businesses serving Wassail.
Wassail Days Schedule:November 29:
Small Business Saturday: Start your Wassail days celebration on Small Business Saturday and shop local at businesses on Main Street and in the Summit Boulevard area,
5:45pm – 7:00pm: Carolers on Main Street – Carolers will begin at Frisco Historic Park for the tree lighting.
6:00pm – Tree Lighting followed immediately by Fireworks at the Frisco Historic Park.
6:30pm – 8:00pm: Santa Visits at the Frisco Historic Park in the Gazebo.
November 30:
11:00am – 1:00pm: Santa Visits at the Frisco Historic Park in the Schoolhouse Museum.
December 1 – Friday, December 5
50% off trail passes for Nordic skiing & snowshoeing at the Frisco Nordic Center – Mention Wassail Days to staff at the Frisco Nordic Center for 50% off trail passes
December 2, 2025
6:00pm – 8:00pm: Santa’s Calling – Sign up online for Santa’s Calling between November 1 and December 1 for a call from Santa. On the evening of Tuesday, December 2, 2025, Santa will be calling all the kids on his list.
December 6, 2025
8:30am – 10:30am: Breakfast with Santa presented by the Summit County Preschool. This breakfast with the holiday’s favorite big guy will take place at the Summit County Community & Senior Center in Frisco. Santa will arrive at 9:00am.
10:30am – 11:00am: Storytime with Reindeer at the Frisco Historic Park & Museum– Join us for our fifth annual free story time with reindeer. Come pet Santa’s reindeer and listen to a winter-themed story.
11:00am – 1:00pm: Santa Visits at the Historic Park in the Schoolhouse Museum – Santa will visit with children to find out their fondest wishes. Bring your camera for photos.
3:00pm – 4:00pm: Carolers on Main Street – Carolers will sing in Frisco Historic Park in the gazebo as well as stroll areas around Frisco Visitor Information Center at 1st Avenue and Main Street with good cheer and holiday music.
December 7, 2025
All Day: The final day of wassailing- Stroll local businesses for the last day of wassailing and turn in your “12 Sips of Wassail Card” at the Frisco/Copper Visitor Information Center for the 2025 Frisco Wassail Days commemorative mug, while supplies last.
https://www.townoffrisco.com/event/festival-events/wassail-days/
November 29 – 30, 2025
Holiday Ramble Weekend, Georgetown
Join Us for the Holiday Ramble Weekend in Idaho Springs!
Kick off the holiday season with a weekend full of festive cheer, local shopping, and magical moments! The Holiday Ramble is your chance to celebrate the season with family, friends, and our amazing community.
https://visitclearcreek.com/featured-events/
November 29, 2025
Santa Visit, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
Stop by and see Santa at the North Pole! Get into the holiday spirit with a visit from Santa Claus, featuring a special appearance by the Grinch. Join us from 4–7 p.m. on five magical evenings: November 22 & 29 | December 6, 13 & 20 Children under 12 receive free admission with a paid adult ticket. Experience Winter on the Mountain and enjoy festive lights, live music, and holiday cheer throughout the park. Bring the whole family and make unforgettable memories this holiday season at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.
https://business.glenwoodchamber.com/community-calendar/Details/santa-visit-1524562?sourceTypeId=Website
November 29, 2025
Keystone’s Winter Carnival & the Lighting of River Run, Keystone Resort
The spirit of the holidays are back, as Warren Station and River Run Village come together to welcome the 2025/2026 winter season with a joyful celebration! Friends and family gather and welcome the magic of winter. Kiddos can write their letter to Santa at Warren Station in preparation for an enchanting encounter with Santa himself in the heart of River Run Village—don’t forget to grab a fresh-baked cookie! They will want to drop their letters into the North Pole mailbox by the Warren Station Christmas tree. Warm up in Warren Station with live music, drink specials, and free hot cocoa (while supplies last) while kids have fun at the craft tables. Sunday Bankers will be playing in Warren Station until 5:00pm. Don’t forget to grab your photo at the free photo booth! Witness the village come to life with the lighting of the River Run Tree, marking the official start of the holiday season at Keystone.
https://warrenstation.com/event/winter-carnival-2/
November 29, 2025
Shop Small Leadville, Leadville
Stay tuned for details of Leadville Main Street’s annual Shop Small Leadville Event
https://www.leadvilletwinlakes.com/event/shop-small-leadville/
November 29 – 30. 2025
Smile with Santa, Vail
As part of Vail Après, embrace this cherished tradition of meeting with the jolly man himself. Families and children will have the chance to enjoy the spirit of Christmas for the holiday festivities! Free photos will be available and can be shared with you digitally or printed onsite.
https://discovervail.com/event/smile-with-santa/
November 29, 2025
Ice Skating Show, Vail
Welcome to Winter!
As part of Vail Après, enjoy a free, 15 minute outdoor exhibition of Elite Skating. The show is high energy ice entertainment with great popular and holiday themed music. Featuring World, International, Team USA Skaters, and Seasoned Professionals. There are two performances each night. | 4:45 pm – 5:30 pm
https://discovervail.com/event/ice-skating-shows/
November 29, 2025
Lionshead Tree Lighting, Vail
As part of Vail Après, join us to light up the village with the Lionshead Holiday Tree Lighting! Enjoy a free 15 minute exhibition of Champion Figure Skaters on the Arrabelle Ice Rink, live music and special appearance of a special red clad, jovial, bearded guest.
A New location in Lionshead for this year! Located by the Lionshead welcome arch, across from the welcome center and next to the main bus stop.
https://discovervail.com/event/lionshead-tree-lighting/
November 29, 2025
Holiday Tree Lighting, Winter Park Resort
Join us Thanksgiving weekend and enjoy our Holiday Tree Lighting in the Winter Park Village! Enjoy holiday songs while you watch the holiday tree light up the Winter Park Village, followed by photos with Santa.
https://www.winterparkresort.com/things-to-do/events/holiday-lights-show-and-tree-lighting
November 29 – 31, 2025
Deck The Slopes, Winter Park Resort
Join us in Winter Park for Deck the Slopes, where the holiday spirit meets alpine adventure. From November 29 to December 24, the resort will transform into a winter wonderland with sparkling lights, festive cheer, and unforgettable memories.
FEATURE IMAGE COURTESY OF COPPER MOUNTAIN – The Stifel Copper Cup, Audi FIS Ski World Cup, Copper Mountain
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