Whether spending time with friends and family or solo adventuring, we have the complete guide to spending a memorable time in Fort Collins this Thanksgiving week. The activities scheduled in and around Fort Collins cater to diverse interests, from live entertainment, maker’s markets, to a family-friendly run and so much more! Find out why Fort Collins is the Choice City for spending an extended Thanksgiving weekend:
Where To Have Thanksgiving Dinner
In case you don't want to do any of the cooking...or cleaning, then check out these local options!
Sonny Lubick Steakhouse Thanksgiving Dinner
If you'd like an elevated dining experience, head to Sonny Lubick Steakhouse and order off their special Thanksgiving menu. Open from 11am to 8pm, the restaurant has all the classics along with a special vegan dinner option, and slow roasted prime rib. If you're looking for surf along with your turf, their menu also features oysters and a seafood tower!
The Emporium Thanksgiving Buffet
Open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., The Emporium, attached to The Elizabeth Hotel, has a mix of starters, salads, sides, and main courses from classics to unique delights!
Ginger and Baker: Did someone say pie?
If you’re looking to take the stress out of Thanksgiving meal preparation while indulging in chef-prepared gourmet baked goods, Ginger and Baker makes it “as easy as pie” to do so with their online bakery. While Ginger and Baker will not be open Thanksgiving day, their special pies, including Pumpkin Pie and Quadruple Coconut Cream Pie, can be ordered online for local pick up. Elevate your dinner with other baked goods, like their Sourdough Bread and Parker House Rolls.
11th Anniversary Thanksgiving Lunch Service at FoCo Cafe
In celebration of our 11th anniversary, FoCo Cafe will be serving a traditional Thanksgiving meal to our community on Thursday, November 27th, 2025. This has become one of their most cherished traditions—a chance to gather together, share a delicious meal, and celebrate the spirit of gratitude and community that defines FoCo Cafe. Pre-Order Meals are just $15 each, and our Walk-In Lunch Service will be Pay-What-You-Can!
First Annual Chef curated Thanksgiving meal at Maida Tattoria
The new hit restaurant on the corner of Mountain Ave. and College. Ave. in Old Town is trotting out a four-course meal for the holiday!
Get in the Holiday Spirit
Visit Santa Claus in Old Town Square
Santa arrives in Old Town Square Friday Nov. 28th at 11:30 a.m. Come see Santa and his reindeer! The skating rink and Santa Workshop is also all set up at the square!
Selfies with Santa at Ginger and Baker
From 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28th, Santa will be sitting on his favorite bench out in front of the restaurant, ready to hear what your little ones (or your pup, or you!) might want for Christmas and check is list to see if you’ve been naughty or nice 😉 Be sure and bring a camera or your phone to snap a few photos!
Holidays at Foothills Mall
Whether you want to meet Santa, write a postcard, sip hot chocolate on a complimentary carriage ride, show off your holiday spirit at the Ugly Sweater Hall of Fame, shop for gifts, or share memories over meals with your family, there’s something for everyone this holiday season at Foothills.
See all of the Lights
NoCo Winter Wonderland is a one-mile, drive-through holiday light show at Colorado Youth Outdoors. This fun drive features 19 giant moving light features and over 200,000 tree lights (that's 400,000 when they reflect into the 12 surrounding ponds!). The NoCo Winter Wonderland has its opening day on Thanksgiving with other times available throughout the weekend.
Additionally, the lights in Old Town are starting to click on around 4:30 p.m. as the sun sets early!
Experience the Snow Dome
Snow Dome: A Holiday Music Experience at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery starts this weekend! Catch a musical medley of holiday merriment in the Otterbox Digital Dome Theater. The first show is Friday, Nov. 28th at 2:45 p.m. with shows also on Saturday on Sunday at 3:30 p.m.
Live Music, Theatre & Comedy
(Image of Face Vocal Band)
Shows at The Lincoln Center
Warren Miller’s SNO-CIETY is a celebration of the spirit of winter—wherever you ride and however you connect to the snow and the community around it. Go see Wednesday's showing at 7:30 p.m.!
Face Vocal Band is back on Friday, at 7:30 p.m. to Rock The Halls, delivering powerhouse vocals, holiday classics with a twist, and energy that will have you on your feet. This isn’t your average holiday concert – it’s a full-on, a cappella rock party. Bring your friends and come sing, laugh, and celebrate with us!
Other Options around Town
On Wednesday, there are a few choices to get out of the house before the holiday! The Odell Wine Project will have Sasha Stone as a part of the OBC Winery Series presented by Mishawaka. If you are looking to bowl and see music, then check out the FoCo Funk Jam at 830 North.
In case you didn't experience your own family or friend drama, you can go see Dinner with Friends at Bas Bleu Theatre Company. There are shows Saturday, Nov. 29th and Sunday, Nov. 30th, but will also run through Dec. 21st on Friday, Saturdays, and Sundays.
A true mix of theatre and comedy is The WASTED Wizard of Oz, preforming at 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28th and 4 p.m., Nov. 30th at The Lyric. Other chances to burn off those mashed potatoes with belly laughs can be had at the Comedy Fort. There are still seats for Saturday night's Robby Hoffman or check out Comedy Brewers on Sunday.
Sports and Outdoors
The The 32nd Annual Fort Collins Thanksgiving Day Run is Northern Colorado's Largest 4 Mile Event for runners, walkers and kids! Bring your family, friends and out of town guests and experience the community spirit of Fort Collins! The four-mile run/walk and kids’ fun run are staged in downtown Fort Collins, with the kids’ race starting off the festivities at approximately 8:45 a.m., followed immediately by the main event at approximately 9:00 a.m. Race start times may be delayed due to train schedule.
If spectating is more the speed, the CSU football team will be hosting Air Force for their final game of the season on Friday, Nov. 29th at 1 p.m.
Shop Local Markets
There are several markets to choose from across town! The Holiday Artisan Market will be underway on Friday, November 28th and Saturday, November 29th from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., join 100+ small business vendors who will be selling their handmade, high-quality, and original goods. Also the Winter Farmers Market continues its residency at the Foothills Mall on Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
This November and December, locally owned and operated businesses in Downtown Fort Collins invite shoppers and diners to enter to win thousands of dollars in Downtown Fort Collins Gift Card* prizes! For more info on the Old Town Spree contest, click here.
