Thanksgiving Colorado Springs 2026 Guide: Dining, Turkey Trots & Cozy Rentals

Thanksgiving Colorado Springs 2026 brings together crisp mountain air, scenic walks, festive meals, and time to reconnect with family. Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026, making it a natural centerpiece for a long weekend near Pikes Peak. With Renjoy’s collection of cozy Colorado Springs vacation rentals, you can build your holiday around a restaurant dinner, a home-cooked feast, or a little of both.

The key is to plan early. Holiday restaurant reservations, larger homes, and popular activity times can fill quickly, especially when several generations are traveling together.

Planning Thanksgiving Colorado Springs 2026

A comfortable Thanksgiving itinerary should leave room for both organized activities and unhurried family time. Arriving on Tuesday or Wednesday gives you time to buy groceries, settle into your rental, and explore before the holiday.

A simple four-day plan could look like this:

• Wednesday: Check in, pick up groceries, and take an easy afternoon walk.
• Thursday: Join a morning run or walk, enjoy Thanksgiving dinner, and relax at your rental.
• Friday: Visit an outdoor attraction or browse local shopping districts.
• Saturday: Plan a family brunch, scenic drive, or second outdoor adventure before departure.

Late November weather in Colorado Springs can vary considerably. Sunshine, cold wind, and snow are all possible, so pack layers, warm socks, gloves, sturdy shoes, and a waterproof outer layer. If you are driving, monitor the forecast and road conditions throughout your stay.

For more seasonal inspiration, explore this guide to autumn colors and cozy nights in Colorado Springs. Although peak foliage is usually earlier in fall, the ideas can help you plan relaxed outdoor time and comfortable evenings.

Restaurants Open Thanksgiving in Colorado Springs

Searching for restaurants open Thanksgiving Colorado Springs can save you hours of cooking and cleanup. Holiday service often looks different from a restaurant’s regular schedule, however, and many establishments do not publish final menus until closer to November.

Start checking options in early October, then confirm the following directly with the restaurant before making plans:

• Whether it will be open on Thursday, November 26
• Whether reservations are required
• If the meal is buffet-style, prix fixe, or ordered from a regular menu
• Whether children’s pricing or menus are available
• If dietary accommodations must be requested in advance
• Whether takeout packages require preordering
• The cancellation policy for holiday reservations

Downtown Colorado Springs is a practical area to consider if you want to pair dinner with a walk or drinks afterward. Old Colorado City is another appealing district for a slower-paced outing, while hotel restaurants can be worth checking for traditional holiday service. Exact openings and hours can change, so do not rely on normal Thursday schedules.

If your group prefers privacy, look for Thanksgiving takeout rather than a full dine-in meal. You can order turkey and side dishes, then add homemade appetizers, desserts, or family recipes at your rental. This approach offers the atmosphere of a private holiday meal without asking one person to spend the entire day cooking.

When making a reservation, allow more time than you would for a regular dinner. Holiday kitchens are busy, parking may take longer, and large groups often need extra time to get seated.

How to Approach the Colorado Springs Turkey Trot 2026

A Thanksgiving morning run or walk is a cheerful way to begin the day before a large meal. For the Colorado Springs Turkey Trot 2026, consult the event organizer’s official registration information for confirmed routes, start times, packet pickup instructions, parking details, and weather policies.

Schedules can change, and registration may close once capacity is reached. If your group wants to participate, sign up early and avoid assuming that same-day registration will be available.

Keep these high-altitude running tips in mind:

1. Start conservatively. Colorado Springs sits at a higher elevation than many visitors are accustomed to.
2. Hydrate before race morning. Begin drinking water regularly after arrival rather than waiting until the event.
3. Dress in removable layers. A cold start can feel much warmer once you begin moving.
4. Allow extra travel time. Road closures and holiday traffic may affect your route.
5. Choose the right pace. A relaxed walk can be just as festive as a timed run.

If organized race details do not suit your schedule, create your own family turkey trot. Garden of the Gods offers dramatic scenery, while Red Rock Canyon Open Space provides trails for different ability levels. Confirm seasonal access, trail conditions, and holiday hours before leaving your rental.

Choose a Cozy Rental for Your Thanksgiving Feast

A vacation rental gives you flexibility that a traditional hotel room cannot. You can serve breakfast in pajamas, refrigerate leftovers, gather around a shared table, and keep younger travelers close to their normal routines.

When comparing rentals, prioritize a kitchen, enough seating, comfortable sleeping arrangements, and parking suitable for your group. Renjoy offers Colorado Springs stays ranging from apartments to entire homes, including cozy entire-home rentals in Colorado Springs. Check each listing carefully to confirm the amenities and capacity you need.

For a large Thanksgiving gathering, consider:

Pikes Estate! Holiday Home w Game Room! Sleeps 24! is located in Colorado Springs and accommodates up to 24 guests. Its game room gives family members another way to spend time together before or after Thanksgiving dinner.

A home-cooked holiday meal requires more coordination than an ordinary dinner. Ask relatives to claim dishes in advance, order groceries before arrival when possible, and confirm what cookware is available at the property. Bring any specialty tools that are essential to your recipe, such as a roasting thermometer or specific baking pan.

You can also simplify the menu. Choose two or three favorite sides rather than preparing every traditional dish, purchase dessert from a local bakery, or serve appetizers that require little cooking. Disposable storage containers are useful for dividing leftovers among relatives.

For a smaller group seeking relaxation after dinner, another option is:

Vibrant Watermelon! Hot Tub & King Bed & BBQ! is a Colorado Springs property with a hot tub, king bed, and BBQ. The hot tub offers a cozy way to unwind on a cold evening after your holiday activities.

Traveling with a dog adds another layer of planning. Review property rules, bring cold-weather walking gear, and use this 2026 guide to pet-friendly Colorado Springs vacation rentals to prepare.

Family Activities for Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving weekend does not need to revolve entirely around food. Colorado Springs has plenty of outdoor spaces where your group can enjoy fresh air without committing to a long or strenuous excursion.

Garden of the Gods is a classic choice for scenic drives, photographs, and walks among red rock formations. Red Rock Canyon Open Space is another option for hiking, while Palmer Park offers city and mountain views from several areas. Confirm trail conditions before visiting, particularly after snow or freezing temperatures.

For a lower-key afternoon, explore downtown Colorado Springs or Old Colorado City. A café stop, leisurely meal, or browsing session can be easier for a multigenerational group than a tightly scheduled attraction.

Keep a backup plan for cold or snowy weather. Bring board games, cards, movies, and a few simple activities for children. A hot chocolate bar, family recipe exchange, or leftover sandwich competition can turn an unscheduled afternoon into one of the weekend’s best memories.

Book Your Thanksgiving Getaway in Colorado

The best Thanksgiving getaway Colorado Springs offers is one that matches your group’s pace. Reserve dinner early if you plan to eat out, verify Colorado Springs Turkey Trot 2026 information with the organizer, and choose a rental with the space and amenities your family needs.

For Thanksgiving Colorado Springs 2026, book before the most suitable large homes and cozy retreats are claimed. Explore Renjoy’s Colorado Springs properties and reserve a welcoming home base for your holiday meal, mountain adventures, and time together.