If you plan on celebrating Thanksgiving in Colorado, there are a number of great events that occur during Thanksgiving weekend. Burn off your Thanksgiving dinner with a turkey trot or kick off the holiday season with a lighting ceremony. No matter where you are in the Centennial State, there is sure to be a Thanksgiving weekend event near you.
Mile High United Way Turkey Trot, Denver
One of the biggest events in Colorado during the Thanksgiving holiday is the Mile High Turkey Trot. This four-mile run typically has over 10,000 participants and offers an affordable entry fee. This fun run occurs on Thanksgiving Day, so it’s a great way to burn some calories before consuming your delicious Thanksgiving dinner. Your entry fee will help raise funds for United Way, an organization that assists families and individuals in poverty. Running or simply walking this turkey trot is a great way to give back to the community here in Denver.
Dates: November 23rd, 2023
Official Website
Grand Illumination, Denver
After Thanksgiving, most people start thinking about the holidays in December. Therefore, get into the holiday spirit this Thanksgiving weekend by attending the Grand Illumination the Friday after Thanksgiving at Denver Union Station. Downtown Denver’s Grand Illumination lights up downtown in holiday lights. Not only can you catch the glow of holiday lights, but you can also meet Santa and enjoy live carolers, too. Even if you don’t catch the Grand Illumination ceremony, you can still view the lights, which stay on until the end of December.
Date; TBA
Official Website
Catch the Glow Parade & Celebration, Estes Park
Embrace the holiday season in the mountain town of Estes Park. A 90-minute drive from Denver, Estes Park is a popular travel destination because Rocky Mountain National Park is in its backyard. Every Thanksgiving weekend, the town hosts the Catch the Glow Parade and Celebration. The evening glow parade features parade floats that light up, making it a bright and colorful event. During the day, you can enjoy hayrides, Christmas shopping and even chat with Santa at Bond Park.
Dates: November 24th, 2023
Official Website
Pueblo Parade of Lights, Pueblo
For more than 30 years, Pueblo, Colorado, has played host to the Pueblo Parade of Lights every Thanksgiving weekend. This annual parade features over 100 lighted floats, along with dancers, marching bands, and antique cars. Don’t miss a chance to tell Santa your wish list after the Pueblo Parade of Lights ends.
Dates: November 25th, 2023
Official Website
Greeley Lights the Night Parade, Greeley
Greeley, Colorado, also hosts an evening parade of more than 50 lighted floats. East of Fort Collins, this family-friendly Thanksgiving weekend event in Greeley is sure to be an unforgettable experience. The Greeley Lights the Night Parade isn’t the only attraction. After the parade, you can find Santa and carolers in Lincoln Park, along with all the park’s trees illuminated for the holiday season.
Switch on the Holidays, Boulder
Head to Boulder’s bustling downtown area known as Pearl Street to catch holiday lights this Thanksgiving weekend. Boulder’s Switch on the Holidays is a popular affair in the eclectic city. During this event, you’ll find live music, Santa, and the illumination of holiday lights. It’s also a great time to start holiday shopping in the shops on Pearl Street.
Dates: Kick-off Event on November 19th, 2023
Official Website
Colorado Springs Festival of Lights Parade, Colorado Springs
This Colorado Springs event has kicked off the holiday season in the city for decades. The Festival of Lights parade and lighting ceremony features marching bands, lighted floats, and, of course, Santa Claus himself. This Colorado Springs event will definitely put you in the holiday spirit.
Dates: December 9th, 2023
Official Website
Denver Parade of Lights, Denver
The 9NEWS Denver Parade of Lights is another Mile High City event you shouldn’t miss this Thanksgiving weekend. This two-mile parade is a free holiday event that has everything you would want in a holiday parade. From incredible floats to an appearance from Santa, the Denver Parade of Lights is an exciting holiday event for Denverites. Make sure to arrive early to get a great view of the parade. If you don’t feel like standing, tickets for the Grandstand are available for purchase, and the parade is actually telecasted, so you can even watch from the warmth of your own home.
Dates: December 2nd, 2023
Official Website
