Four Colorado Thanksgiving Getaways for Relaxation

Thanksgiving marks the start of ski season in Colorado. With recent snowmaking investments by resorts like Vail Mountain, there’s a better guarantee of having more runs open by this early in ski season. It is a slower time for ski resorts making it less crowded and less expensive. And, what better opportunity to escape the cooking and cleaning? Thanksgiving dinner made easy is the icing on the cake. A ski vacation can make for a fun Colorado Thanksgiving.

But don’t forget about other Colorado areas that aren’t known for skiing. They all can provide an easy Thanksgiving with or without extended family. Most have some really fun value add-ons as a part of their Colorado Thanksgiving package.

Thanksgiving in Vail, Colorado

Vail is truly an alpine winter wonderland. Lights twinkle in the snow covered pine trees all winter long. Antlers at Vail hotel’s Early Bird Gets the Bird provides a perfect holiday getaway. The package includes a chef-prepared traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings for four people. Also included is a complimentary “Thanksgiving Survival Kit.”

Antlers at Vail offers condominiums ranging from studios all the way up to four bedrooms ideal for all sizes of families. Our family loves the one-bedroom with bunk alcove option. The Antlers location on the river, facing Vail Mountain and 150 yards to the lifts, can’t be beat.

Insider Tip: If you choose Vail for your Colorado Thanksgiving, be sure to read our guide on Vail in Colorado!

Thanksgiving at Gateway Canyons Resort

One of the best kept secrets in Colorado, Gateway Canyons Resort, is a luxury oasis in the middle-of-nowhere, Colorado. Surrounded by canyons on all sides this resort is an interesting blend of New Mexican design stye and enchanting vistas. Stay in a spacious Gateway Canyons Kayenta Suite. Or splurge on a oversized Casita for your family for Thanksgiving.

Where else in Colorado can you see a one-of-a-kind one-of-a-kind 1954 Oldsmobile F-88 concept car? Or, see the canyons from a helicopter? Play outdoor laser tag. Take a horseback ride among spectacular scenery. Relax at the spa, or learn the history of the area from a Curator of Curiosity.

Guests can indulge in a no-fuss, traditional Thanksgiving Ranch Table Buffet. This features world class Colorado style cuisine by Chef James Warnock. Also on Thanksgiving Day, Paradox Grille will be featuring Thanksgiving Day football alongside food specials from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Guests can join a free stargazing session. This is led by Curator of Curiosity, Zebulon Miracle. Hot chocolate, Colorado apple cider and chocolate chip cookies are a bonus.

Thanksgiving at Broadmoor Resort & Spa, Colorado Springs

The Broadmoor also has more fun family activities than you could imagine. There’s hiking through scenic trails, horseback riding and mountain biking. Or even archery or canoeing on Cheyenne Lake.

Thanksgiving dining options include two Thanksgiving champagne brunch options and a traditional lunch menu with Thanksgiving specials. There’s an elegant Thanksgiving Champagne Buffet at the Penrose Room. And there’s a traditional dinner menu with Thanksgiving specials at Ristorante Del Lago. To top it off, the Broadmoor is offering 25% off during Thanksgiving.

But they do seem to sell out, so be sure to book early.

Thanksgiving in Downtown Denver

The holidays are a fun time to visit downtown Denver. Thanksgiving week kicks off the holiday season in downtown. The Grand Illumination turns on holiday lights coming on as a part of Downtown Denver’s Winter in the City program.

Also, there’s a preview of the Zoo Lights, Turkey Trot and lots of other fun activities. One of our favorite family hotels, The Maven, is still offering their Meow Wolf Package. If you haven’t been to Convergence Station yet, this could be the perfect opportunity. The Crawford Hotel in Union Station kicks off the holiday season with the Grand Illumination on the Plaza on Friday, Nov. 25th. This annual event features an appearance by Santa, a performance of classic holiday hits by the Denver Dolls. Plus, it is the official holiday lighting of the landmark train station’s tree!

Header Photo: Jack Affleck / Vail Local Marketing District