☀️Good morning, Bucket Listers!
Thanksgiving week in Denver is filled with community meals, fun runs, and other festive ways to celebrate together! After Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Small Business Saturday provide chances to get ahead on holiday shopping. It’s a great week to connect with others, get outside, and enjoy the start of the holiday season. We are grateful for our readers and love sharing these moments with you! Thank you for being part of our community.
Thanksgiving Celebrations
Give Thanks with SAME Café
📍SAME Café | Wednesday, November 26, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
SAME Café invites the community to enjoy a warm and nourishing Thanksgiving meal offered on a pay-what-you-can basis. Guests are welcomed into an inclusive space where everyone has access to a delicious plate. The meal reflects the café’s mission of dignity, belonging, and good food for all.
Mile High United Way Turkey Trot
📍Washington Park | Thursday, November 27, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Washington Park’s annual Turkey Trot brings Denverites together for a 4 mile run and walk through the park! Each registration helps fund Mile High United Way’s work to expand early learning opportunities, strengthen family stability, and connect young adults to education and workforce pathways. Younger participants can take part in the fun during the Lil’ Gobbler 1 mile run.
Harvesting Hope 5K
📍Central Park | Thursday, November 27, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
The Harvesting Hope 5K brings the community together for a timed run that supports an important cause. Participants can join the main race or let little runners shine in a dedicated Kids Fun Run. Funds raised help advance PWS research and benefit local initiatives that support individuals and families impacted by the condition.
Denver Vegans “Thanksliving” Celebration
📍Washington Park United Methodist Church | Thursday, November 27, 1-4 p.m.
Experience a different kind of Thanksgiving meal surrounded by like-minded people! This all-vegan potluck gathers plant-based eaters and curious newcomers for a delicious feast. Guests are encouraged to bring a dish to share, creating a bountiful table full of creative and delicious vegan offerings.
Holiday Cheer
Mile High Holidays Nightly Drone Spectacular
📍Tivoli Quad | Friday, November 21-Wednesday, December 31, 7-7:15 p.m.
This nightly drone show is one of Denver’s most festive seasonal highlights! Featuring 600 synchronized drones by Brightflight Drone Shows, the display creates holiday-themed and Denver-specific animations. The best viewing spot is Tivoli Quad, though the show can also be seen from Sculpture Park, Ball Arena, and many downtown rooftops.
Grand Illumination at Denver Union Station
📍Denver Union Station | Friday, November 28, 4-8 p.m.
Enjoy one of Denver’s most cherished holiday traditions! This annual celebration lights up the city with the glow of a towering 40-foot Christmas tree. Families, friends, and visitors all come together to share in the moment the tree bursts into light.
Denver Northside Holiday Market
📍Elks Lodge #17 Saturday, November 29-Sunday, November 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
This neighborhood holiday market brings together local artisans, vendors, and creators for a festive shopping experience. Discover unique finds while supporting local makers! The market highlights small businesses and neighbors who pour passion into their craft.
“Dashing Thru LoDo” Holiday Fun Run
📍Denver Union Station | Saturday, November 29, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
This community dash brings together runners, walkers, kids, and even dogs for a fun and festive start to the holiday season. The route is perfect for all ages and experience levels. After crossing the finish line back at Union Station, attendees can celebrate Small Business Saturday by exploring a variety of specials on food, drinks, and local shopping.
The Grinch at The Orchard Town Center
📍Orchard Town Center | Saturday, November 29, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Families are invited to meet the Grinch and add a whimsical twist to traditional holiday celebrations. Kids can enjoy photos and fun with the iconic character. It’s a great way to add laughter and character magic to your holiday weekend!
Visit Santa & Mrs. Claus at Union Station
📍Denver Union Station | Sunday, November 30, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Santa and Mrs. Claus welcome families into the Great Hall of Union Station for a free visit. Guests are encouraged to bring their own cameras to capture photos with the cheerful duo. Santa’s helpers are on hand to make each visit smooth and fun.
Holiday Market at the Museum for Black Girls
📍Museum for Black Girls | Sunday, November 30, 12-4 p.m.
Support local creatives while celebrating culture and connection! This annual market spotlights Black-owned businesses, artists, and creative makers. Visitors can explore booths filled with unique gifts, handmade goods, and vibrant art.
For the Price of a Cup of Coffee
As you’ve probably seen, we are in our year end fundraiser with Colorado Media Project along with 40+ other news organizations. If we can get the most individual contributors in November, we have a chance to earn an additional $2500 from Colorado Media Project. Five dollars may not seem like it will make much of a difference but if enough of us join together and say community news matters as much to us as a cup of coffee, imagine what we can accomplish.
Free Yoga, Wellness, & Museum Days
Free Weekly Meditation and Tibetan Yoga
📍Clear Light Yoga | Wednesday, November 26, 6-7:15 p.m.
This guided session combines meditation with gentle Tibetan yoga practices to help calm the mind and restore balance. It’s accessible to all levels, whether you’re new to meditation or experienced. The class focuses on mindful movement, breath, and inner awareness.
SCFD Free Day at Denver Botanic Gardens
📍Denver Botanic Gardens | Friday, November 28, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Families, friends, and solo visitors are invited to enjoy a restorative outdoor experience for free! Visitors can explore the gardens and immerse themselves in peaceful natural beauty. The gardens provide a calming escape from the busy city.
SCFD Free Day at Forney Museum of Transportation
📍Forney Museum of Transportation | Friday, November 28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
This free museum day opens the door to a vast collection of historic vehicles and transportation artifacts. The museum offers something fascinating for visitors of all ages. Guests can explore everything from vintage cars to trains, bicycles, and rare mechanical treasures.
Free Community Stretch & Mobility Class
📍Feed Your Soul Fitness | Friday, November 28, 11-11:45 a.m.
This community class helps participants release tension, improve balance, and build functional strength. Attendees are encouraged to bring a mat and water for comfort. The instructor guides gentle stretches and mobility exercises suitable for all experience levels!
The Mile High City has plenty of ways to celebrate Thanksgiving and enjoy the season. After the rush of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday highlights the local businesses that make the city unique. It’s the perfect week to pause and feel grateful for the people and community that make this city great. Don’t forget to contribute to our #newsconeeds fundraiser before the end of this month to help us unlock an additional $2500 from Colorado Media Project!
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Natalie Montoya
Events Manager/ Bucket List Community News
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