Why Thanksgiving in Breckenridge, CO is the Perfect Family Getaway
Colorado holds a special place in my heart. I have countless memories from family vacations, and it is also where my husband and I spent our first Thanksgiving together after marriage. We knew we eventually wanted to make celebrating Thanksgiving in Breckenridge a family tradition. Thankfully, now that our children are grown, we have made this an annual event for our children and grandchildren.
Breckenridge is an excellent place to celebrate the holidays because there is plenty to keep all ages happy.
There’s skiing, hiking, unique shops, and restaurants. As a bonus, there is snow; for us Texans, snow just helps put us into the holiday spirit.
And let me tell you, once you’ve experienced Thanksgiving in a charming mountain town, it’s hard to return to regular turkey dinners at home!
Here’s everything you need to know about spending Thanksgiving in Breckenridge and why you should consider starting your tradition there.
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Why Breckenridge is Perfect for Thanksgiving
Breckenridge opens back up just in time for Thanksgiving, making it ideal for kicking off the holiday season.
By late November, the muddy fall season is behind them, and snow typically covers the mountains, turning the town into a winter wonderland. For a family looking to combine holiday traditions with some snowy fun, it’s hard to beat.
Thanksgiving in Breckenridge is a fantastic way to experience the start of ski season, and the timing couldn’t be better.
The Breckenridge Ski Resort typically opens in early November, so it’s up and running for the year by Thanksgiving.
This timing lets you sneak in early-season skiing or snowboarding before the holiday rush. Plus, fewer crowds mean more time on the slopes!
Even non-skiers get to enjoy the slopes a bit.
The free BreckConnect Gondola is open for everyone, taking you from town straight up to the ski resort.
So, even if you don’t strap on skis, you can grab a hot chocolate, enjoy the snowy scenery from the gondola, and feel like you’re part of the action.
Aside from skiing, the town itself is incredibly family-friendly.
Main Street is walkable and full of fun shops, boutiques, and restaurants where everyone—from little kids to grandparents—will find something they love.
Breckenridge at Thanksgiving has the cozy, small-town vibe but with plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.
Thanksgiving Day in Breckenridge: From Feasts to Fun
Surprisingly, almost all the stores and restaurants are open on Thanksgiving Day in Breckenridge.
We like to walk around Main Street with our hot drinks while we pop into Clint’s Bakery for a pie and La Française French Bakery for fresh-baked bread for our Thanksgiving dinner.
For your Thanksgiving Day feast, you have many options for Thanksgiving dinner.
You can either book a table at one of Breckenridge’s great restaurants or cozy up at your rental home.
Let’s break down a few options:
- Thanksgiving Dinner Out: Restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Breckenridge offer various dining styles. Cabin Juice, Hearthstone, Briar Rose Chophouse, Blue Stag Restaurant, and Legends Steaks & Seafood serve traditional Thanksgiving menus. They fill up fast, so make your reservation early!
- Buffet-Style Feasts: If your family prefers buffets, head to the Lodge at Breckenridge’s Traverse Restaurant or Spencer’s Restaurant, which offers generous Thanksgiving buffets.
- Hire a Private Chef: Feeling fancy? You can even hire a private chef to whip up a gourmet Thanksgiving feast right in your rental. This is a great option if you want a memorable, stress-free meal without leaving your cozy mountain cabin.
- DIY Thanksgiving: More of a DIY family? The City Market grocery store partners with Instacart to deliver straight to your rental. You can order a full Thanksgiving meal to cook at home or pick up a to-go meal from one of Breckenridge’s restaurants.
Thanksgiving Activities in Breckenridge
Thanksgiving in Breckenridge isn’t just about eating. There are so many fun things to do around town and nearby that it’s easy to turn your holiday into an epic winter getaway. I have a full post about things to do in Breckenridge that you can check out next, but here are some of the highlights.
Breckenridge Ski Resort and Nordic Center
Skiers and snowboarders in the family will love that Breckenridge Ski Resort opens in early November, just in time for Thanksgiving. Early-season skiing means fewer crowds and plenty of runs for everyone from beginners to experts.
The Breckenridge Nordic Center opens in mid-November for those who prefer cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. It’s a peaceful way to explore the snowy trails; even the less adventurous family members can enjoy a mellow stroll through the woods.
Family-Friendly Hikes and Parks
Not into skiing? No problem.
Breckenridge has plenty of other outdoor activities to enjoy.
One of my favorites is visiting the Highline Railroad Park near the trailhead for the famous Breckenridge Troll. The hike is short, flat, and easy enough for little ones or anyone who just wants to stretch their legs without too much effort.
The park is also fun for kids, with an old locomotive and other cool train-themed things to check out.
Family-Friendly Fun in Breckenridge
Breckenridge really shines when it comes to activities that families can enjoy together. In addition to skiing and hiking, there are plenty of indoor options.
- Ice Skating: Head to the local ice rink for classic winter fun. Kids and adults of all ages love it.
- Creative Fun: Check out Breck Create and Ready, Paint, Fire for hands-on art activities. These studios offer pottery painting, canvas art, and other creative projects for the whole family.
- Snow Fun: For the best fun, go sledding at one of Breck’s free tubing hills, like Carter Park, or build a snowman in the backyard.
As Thanksgiving approaches, more activities and events pop up. Check the Summit Daily News and Breckenridge Community Calendar to stay up-to-date on holiday happenings.
Family Photos
Spending Thanksgiving in Colorado gives you that extra scenic view for your Christmas card photos, even if you’re just in it for the pumpkin pie afterward!
Turkey Day 5K in Frisco
If your family loves a good Thanksgiving tradition, consider attending the Turkey Day 5K in Frisco, just a short drive or free bus ride from Breckenridge.
The race is a festive, low-pressure 5K that’s perfect for runners, walkers, and anyone who wants to burn off a few Thanksgiving calories before the big feast.
Things to Know About Breckenridge
Breckenridge sits at a high altitude of over 9,000 feet above sea level.
If you’re not used to the altitude, spending a day in Denver to acclimate before heading up to the mountains is a good idea. Trust me, your lungs and your head will thank you.
Hydrate, take it easy and be prepared for the altitude adjustment. There’s no better excuse to slow down and relax before jumping into the fun.
Breckenridge is Budget-Friendly
Let’s talk affordability. Compared to other Colorado mountain towns, Breckenridge offers a great range of lodging and dining options to fit every budget.
Flying into Denver International Airport is surprisingly affordable during Thanksgiving week. We have booked flights for less than $200 roundtrip from Texas each year we have visited.
You’ll also find many family-friendly restaurants in Breckenridge. We often eat a late breakfast in town, enjoying some of the best breakfasts in Breckenridge, and then either eat an early dinner at the rental home or pick up a family meal from one of the restaurants to save money.
Plus, with free public transportation throughout town and Summit County, day trips to Frisco, Copper Mountain, and Keystone are a bonus.
Where to Stay in Breckenridge
When it comes to picking a place to stay for Thanksgiving, Breckenridge has lots of great options, whether you’re traveling as a couple or with a big family.
- Rental Homes: If you plan on cooking Thanksgiving dinner or hiring that private chef, look for a rental home with a large kitchen and plenty of dining space. Luckily, you should have no trouble finding rentals of all sizes in Breckenridge through Vrbo.
- Condos: Condos are a fantastic alternative to renting a huge home. Many are at the base of the ski resort and offer fabulous amenities. We’ve always booked a home, but if I needed a condo, I would book One Ski Hill Place, Grand Colorado on Peak 8, or Water House on Main Street.
Tips for Choosing Where to Stay in Breckenridge
- Look for rentals on or near the shuttle stops.
- Make sure you know how to access the property.
- Know your check-in and check-out times.
- The homes in the Shock Hill neighborhood are easily accessible to the gondola for both skiers and non-skiers in your group.
Getting to Breckenridge
Breckenridge is about a two-hour drive from Denver, so renting a car is always an option.
For large families or anyone who doesn’t want to drive, plenty of Denver airport shuttles will take you straight to your accommodations in Breckenridge.
Once in town, there’s no need to rely on a car. Breckenridge’s free shuttle and the Summit bus make it super easy to get around, even with a big family in tow.
When heading to the slopes, a restaurant, or a nearby town, you can leave the car behind and enjoy scenic rides.
How to Get Around Breckenridge at Thanksgiving
One of the best things about Breckenridge is how easy it is to get around.
The town is walkable, but the free Summit Stage Bus is a game-changer for exploring nearby spots like Frisco, Keystone, and Copper Mountain.
It’s a great way to explore more of the area without renting a car or worrying about parking.
Want to spend a day at Keystone for more skiing or snowboarding? Or do you feel like checking out Copper Mountain for its mountain coaster and tubing?
The Summit Bus makes it easy to hop around the area while keeping your carbon footprint small. Plus, it’s a great way to embrace Breckenridge’s sustainable tourism efforts through the B Like Breckenridge initiative.
Want to make the most of your time in Breckenridge? My Breckenridge itinerary has a detailed breakdown of activities and tips for exploring nearby spots like Frisco and Keystone.
Why Breckenridge is Perfect for Thanksgiving
There’s just something about Thanksgiving in Breckenridge, CO, that feels like a warm, snowy hug.
As a town that fully embraces the winter season, Breckenridge is truly a perfect destination for both skiers and non-skiers.
This balance of snow, affordability, holiday spirit, and various activities means everyone, whether skiing down the mountain or exploring the town with a warm drink in hand, has something to enjoy.
Spending Thanksgiving in Breckenridge is all about finding that perfect mix of fun and relaxation, surrounded by the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
And Thanksgiving is just the start. Breckenridge has something special every season. For a full trip itinerary, see my guide to spending the best days in Breckenridge!
Don’t let the fun end with Thanksgiving! Make sure to head over to my Travel Tuesday Deals post to start planning your next adventure.
