Thanksgiving in Denver: Brunch, Dinner, & Activities in 2025

Thanksgiving is November 27th, 2025, and Denver has many ways to celebrate and enjoy the holiday. It’s also the kickoff to many Christmas events in Denver.

Below, we’ll share the best things to do for Thanksgiving in Denver throughout the week, including festive events, Thanksgiving brunch and dinner, and a relaxing spa day.

Arrange a Thanksgiving Centerpiece

Tuesday, November 25th

Get creative this Thanksgiving season at Erie Social's Thanksgiving Centerpiece Arranging Class. Fill a carved pumpkin with gorgeous fall blooms in seasonal colors during this fun, hands-on workshop.

You’ll get expert guidance as you experiment with different floral shapes and styles to create a centerpiece that perfectly fits your vision. Tickets also include a complimentary drink and a pair of floral shears to take home to use for future flower-arranging projects.

This is the perfect activity to do solo or with friends or family to relax and have fun before the holiday season.

Note: Ticket sales close one week before the event to allow time for materials. A limited number of walk-up spots (2) will be available at the door.

Race the Mile High Turkey Trot

Thursday, November 27th

Get active this Thanksgiving in Denver at the 52nd Annual Mile High Turkey Trot at Washington Park. The best part? The race directly helps local families and children.

There are two race courses, one four miles and the other one mile, which you can walk or run. Costumes and pets are allowed, too! 

At the finish line, you can enjoy games, face painting, and photos with a dressed-up turkey at the Lil Gobbler Family Fun Zone.

The race day registration begins at 7:30 AM, and there are four race groups, which start between 8:15 and 10:30 AM.

Enjoy Thanksgiving Brunch or Dinner

If you’d rather skip the cooking this year, enjoy a prepared Thanksgiving meal.

FIRE Restaurant will serve a festive holiday buffet featuring seasonal dishes, including fall salads, classic sides, and a carving station with ham and turkey, available from 10 AM to 3 PM.

If you prefer to eat at home, Urban Farmer is offering chef-prepared Thanksgiving meals to-go, complete with turkey, classic sides, and pumpkin pie. Orders can be picked up between 10 AM and 6 PM.

For those in need, the Denver Rescue Mission is providing free cooked Thanksgiving meals. Pickup takes place the Monday before Thanksgiving at Empower Field at Mile High. Registration is required in advance, as meal availability is limited.

Watch Grand Illumination

Friday, November 28th at 4 PM

The annual Grand Illumination at Union Station is one of the best things to do during Thanksgiving weekend in Denver. It’s a fun, family-friendly event with the special lighting of the 40-foot-tall Christmas tree with over 7,000 holiday lights. There’s also live entertainment, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, seasonal drinks, and more.

Explore Street Art

If you’re looking to explore Denver and enjoy a unique experience this Thanksgiving, we recommend going for a walk to see the street art.

There are many murals and other creative artworks throughout the city. You can park in some of the popular areas and go for a stroll or drive around to explore various parts of the city.

You can find some of the best street art in these areas:

• Confluence Park - A smaller part of Lower Downtown (LoDo) and a pet-friendly area
• River North Art District (RiNo) - A trendy district in Denver
• Five Points - A laid-back neighborhood in RiNo
• Sunnyside - A charming, quiet neighborhood away from the hustle
• Art District on Santa Fe - A nationally recognized art and cultural scene

Attend the Blossoms of Light

Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens is one of the best winter activities in Denver and runs from November 21st through January 11th. Although it's closed on Thanksgiving day, it’s a fun activity for the week of.

Stroll through a mile-long path of immersive light displays while appreciating winter blooms in the gardens. You can also enjoy holiday treats and drinks.

Create Art at Painting With a Twist

Get creative this Thanksgiving in Denver at Painting With a Twist. While there aren’t any classes on Thanksgiving day, there are several throughout the week.

Each painting class includes step-by-step instructions for creating seasonal art and your materials. There’s also a bar where you can purchase drinks to enjoy while painting.

Visit the Cherry Creek North Holiday Market

If you’re ready to start your holiday shopping, the Cherry Creek Holiday Market begins on November 20th and runs through December.

Fillmore Plaza will be lit up with lights, and you can enjoy shopping and listening to live music. There’s also a holiday pop-up bar, Mistletoe Lounge. 

Go to a Hockey Game

If you want to watch live sports during Thanksgiving week, the Colorado Avalanche hockey team has a couple of home games at Ball Arena. They play the San Jose Sharks on November 26th and the Montreal Canadiens on November 29th.

Relax at Oakwell Beer Spa

Remember to take time for yourself during the holidays, and Oakwell Beer Spa is the perfect place for it. We're open daily from 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM, except for Thanksgiving day.

Treat yourself to a relaxing spa day with your significant other, friends, family, or solo. Oakwell Beer Spa offers various spa services, including Beer Bath Hydrotherapy, an Infrared Sauna, and a Zero Gravity Massage experience. You can also enjoy local craft beer or other refreshing beverages, including wine, tea, cider, and kombucha.

Thanksgiving in Denver: Conclusion

We hope you found this article helpful and are excited to enjoy Thanksgiving week in Denver. From a Thanksgiving day brunch, dinner, and race to fun activities to celebrate and unwind during the holiday season, there’s something for everyone.

If you want to plan for relaxation, book a spa day at Oakwell Beer Spa, where you can enjoy a unique experience and a bit of self-care.