Thanksgiving in Denver: Brunch, Dinner, & Activities in 2024

Thanksgiving is November 28th, 2024, 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.

Join a Thanksgiving Arrangement Workshop

Tuesday, November 26th

Create a floral centerpiece for your holiday celebration at Project Floral Studios’s Thanksgiving Arrangement Workshop.

During the class, you’ll get step-by-step instructions and helpful tips for arranging a beautiful centerpiece. The class includes personalized instruction, flowers and greenery, and tools and supplies for your arrangement.

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

Race the Mile High Turkey Trot

Thursday, November 28th

Get active this Thanksgiving in Denver at the 51st 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

There are several delicious options for enjoying a prepared Thanksgiving brunch or dinner in Denver, including the restaurants below. Note that these restaurants do recommend reservations.

• Ellyngton’s at The Brown Palace Hotel - An upscale Thanksgiving brunch buffet with various dishes, including Philly cheesesteak soup, ravioli, and salmon, from 10 AM to 2 PM.
• FIRE Restaurant -  A delicious feast of seasonal dishes, including fall salads, classic sides, a carving station with ham and turkey, and live music, from 9 AM to 3 PM
• Woodie Fisher - A large selection of festive food, including turkey, potatoes, stuffing, and pie, from 11 AM to 4 PM (takeout also available)
• Urban Farmer - A 3-course Thanksgiving day dinner, including sweet potato gnocchi, roast prime rib, and pumpkin pie, from 10 AM to 9 PM (takeout also available)

If you or anyone you know needs a free Thanksgiving meal, Denver Rescue Mission is providing cooked meals to those in need. Meal pick-up is on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving at Empower Field at Mile High, but you must register beforehand, as there are a limited number of meals.

Watch Grand Illumination

Friday, November 29th 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 20th through January 12th. Although you can’t go 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. Although 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 21st 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 Vegas Golden Knights on November 27th and the Edmonton Oilers on November 30th.

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.