Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Have you made plans to spend the holiday in Winter Park, Colorado? If so, then you're in luck! Thanksgiving in Winter Park offers a truly unique experience. Imagine waking up to a snowy mountain landscape, indulging in a delicious Thanksgiving feast, and then spending the rest of the day skiing the legendary terrain or exploring the backcountry. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends!
Why You Should Spend Thanksgiving in Winter Park
Winter Park, Colorado offers the perfect blend of winter wonder and holiday cheer. Of course, there are numerous reasons to spend the holidays here! Here are a few of the many reasons you should spend your Thanksgiving in this charming ski town.
First, Winter Park's scenery is stunning. This Thanksgiving, you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Winter Park's snowy peaks provide the ideal backdrop for a memorable Thanksgiving! If you get cold while taking in the views, then you can warm up by exploring the cozy mountain town! Winter Park is historic and adorable. You'll find homey cafes, interesting shops, and a festive atmosphere around every corner! There's also delicious dinning in town. You can indulge in a variety of dining options, from hearty comfort food to gourmet cuisine. Many local restaurants offer special Thanksgiving menus featuring fresh, local ingredients.
The world-class skiing in Winter Park is obviously another huge draw. The resort is known for its diverse terrain- and the legendary Mary Jane! Fresh powder and excellent conditions will make it hard for you to tear yourself away from the incredible runs. The ski season kicked off on November 8, 2024, so you’ll be able to ski all Thanksgiving long!
What to Do in Winter Park During Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving in Winter Park is more than just eating and skiing! You’ll have no shortage of stuff to do while you're here.
Don't get us wrong- you should definitely take advantage of Winter Park's awesome world-class skiing and snowboarding this Thanksgiving. Don't miss out on other snow-based activities like snowshoeing, ice skating, and sleigh rides, though!
After a day outside, enjoy some Après-Ski fun! Unwind with a hot drink, live music, and good company at a local bar or restaurant. Doc's Roadhouse and Sunspot are two beloved Après-Ski spots, but there are many to chose from.
You'll also want to allow yourself time to browse the shops in Downtown Winter Park. Wander through the historic town of Winter Park, discovering unique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes. While you're there, relax and recharge at a local spa!
Thanksgiving Dining
By this point, you've likely already made your Thanksgiving travel plans. Often, the last thing to be done is the booking of dinner reservations! Many places around Winter Park offer traditional Thanksgiving buffets with all the fixings, Thanksgiving specials, or takeout dinners. Great options include...
Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet at Sunspot: Come to Sunspot for an elevated Thanksgiving dinner buffet. Ride the gondola up and enjoy a delicious meal with an unbeatable view!
Deno’s Mountain Bistro: Deno's, a local favorite, is offering an epic mountain dining experience this Thanksgiving. Come by to enjoy at the restaurant or order a to-go Thanksgiving dinner for two.
Granby Ranch: For the first time ever, Granby Ranch Resort will be opening its doors to guests for Thanksgiving dinner. They'll be offering a full Thanksgiving menu with all the trimmings!
How to Prepare for Next Year
Planning to visit next Thanksgiving? Follow these tips to prepare.
Book flights and accommodations as far in advance as possible. Booking in advance will give you more options to pick from while also saving you money.
There are lots of rental properties where you can stay in Winter Park. If slope access is your priority, then you'll want to stay in the base village. If you're interested in dining and local culture, then you might want to stay in Downtown Winter Park. For a quaint backcountry experience, rent a cabin!
If you’re planning on indulging in a Thanksgiving feast, then you’ll also want to make reservations or place an order for a takeout meal as early as possible. Reservations fill up fast!
Additionally, if you’re planning on skiing, then you’ll want to purchase your ski pass in advance. Winter Park Resort is on Epic Pass.
Make the most of your Thanksgiving in Winter Park!
