Thanksgiving in Steamboat Springs 2026: Family Events & Things to Do
Thanksgiving week in Steamboat Springs 2026 brings a Thanksgiving morning 5K, a free community dinner, and a downtown holiday kickoff, plus plenty of easy things to do with kids who are out of school. This guide covers family events and food options from Sat Nov 21st through the long weekend, Nov 29th. Browse the full Events Calendar for more.
The week before Thanksgiving: Nov 21–25
The days leading up to the holiday are full of low-key, kid-friendly options, from a sensory friendly movie to bumper cars on the ice.
- Sensory Friendly Movie at Wildhorse Cinema: The lights stay dim and the sound is turned down, and everyone is welcome to wiggle and giggle. Check the event page for the movie title. Sat Nov 21, 1–3pm. All Ages.
- Warren Miller’s Days Off: Warren Miller’s 77th ski film, hosted by the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club. Sat Nov 21 at 4pm and 7pm. (Ages 4+)
- Bumper Cars & Public Skate: Bumper cars on the ice at the Howelsen Ice Rink. Book tickets ahead of time. Tue Nov 24 and Wed Nov 25, 12–2pm. (Ages 4–18)
- Tread of Pioneers 32nd Annual Festival of Trees: Walk through the Steamboat Springs History Museum’s decorated holiday trees. Open Tue–Sat through Nov 28, 11am–5pm, and closed on Thanksgiving Day. (All ages.)
- Excel Gymnastics Open Gym: Free play for little ones. Mon, Tue and Wed mornings. (Ages 1–5)
Weekly programs for kids
- Lego Lab: Weekly build challenges. Tue Nov 24, 4–5pm. (Ages 6–12)
- Stuffie Stories: Bring a favorite stuffed animal for stories. Wed Nov 25, 9:30–10am. (Ages 2–7)
- Chess Club: Kids of any level can learn and play. Wed Nov 25, 4–5pm. (Ages 6–12)
Thanksgiving food options in Steamboat Springs
Whether you want to skip the cooking, share a meal with the community, or eat out, here are the best places to start.
Shreddies Suppers: Thanksgiving to go
Shreddies Suppers is cooking the sides so you only have to handle the turkey. Preorder items like roasted garlic mashed potatoes, turkey gravy, apple-sage stuffing muffins, sweet potato casserole and green bean casserole, plus charcuterie, cranberry brie bites, apple crisp, pumpkin cheesecake mousse and a breakfast strata.
- Delivery only: Wed Nov 25, 1–6pm. There is no pickup option.
- Preorder early: Items can sell out.
- See the full Thanksgiving 2026 menu and order
Community Thanksgiving Dinner
The Community Thanksgiving Dinner is free and open to everyone who calls the Yampa Valley home. Bring your family, a friend, or just yourself. There is a seat for you at the table.
- When: Thu Nov 26, 4:30–8:30pm
- Where: Steamboat Community Center, 1605 Lincoln Ave
- Who: All ages
More ways to eat out or order in
- Haymaker Patio Grill: Thanksgiving buffet, 1–5pm. Kids 5 and under eat free.
- Yampa Valley Kitchen: Thanksgiving dinner, 3–8pm, with the regular menu also available. Reservations are recommended.
- Johnny B. Good’s Diner: Family-style Thanksgiving dinners and homemade pies, with online pre-orders and pickup 2–4pm.
- E3 Chophouse: A complimentary Thanksgiving meal for first responders and anyone new to town who doesn’t have a place to celebrate, 11am–3pm.
Hours, menus and prices change, so confirm details with each restaurant. See Main Street Steamboat’s full Thanksgiving Restaurant Guide for more options.
Thanksgiving Day: Thu Nov 26
Start the morning with a community 5K and end the evening at a shared table.
Steamboat Springs Turkey Trot, 9:30–11am
The Steamboat Springs Turkey Trot is a beloved Thanksgiving tradition for friends, families and visitors. Proceeds benefit Steamboat Springs High School Track & Field and Cross Country.
- Course: A 5K out and back, starting and ending at Steamboat Springs High School and traveling to Strawberry Park.
- Who can join: Runners, walkers, strollers, and leashed dogs on the course. Costumes are welcome. (Ages 5+)
- Shorter distances: Because the course is out and back, distances can be shortened for children. Tell the race directors so results can be adjusted.
- Bib pickup: Dogs are not allowed inside the high school, so leave them outside.
- Registration: Sign up through RunSignup.
Community Thanksgiving Dinner, 4:30–8:30pm
The free Community Thanksgiving Dinner welcomes all ages at the Steamboat Community Center. See the food section above for details.
The Thanksgiving weekend: Nov 27–29
With school out on Friday, the long weekend has something for every age, topped off by the town’s holiday kickoff.
Friday, Nov 27
- Friday Fun Day at the Steamboat Climbing Collective: Kids climb at a special Friday rate. 10:30am–1pm. (Ages 4–18)
- Bumper Cars & Public Skate: Two sessions today, 12–2pm and 5:30–7pm. Book tickets ahead of time. (Ages 4–18)
- Excel Gymnastics Open Gym: Morning open gym for ages 1–5, plus extra Friday sessions for elementary-age kids at 1pm.
- Light Up the Night is Steamboat’s free holiday kickoff from 6pm – 6:30pm. Cocoa and a cookie, a countdown from 10 to light the lights, and Santa on hand for kids to visit.
Saturday, Nov 28
- Small Business Saturday: Start your holiday shopping at local shops downtown. Check Main Street Steamboat’s holiday events page for details.
- Festival of Trees: Last day to see the decorated trees at the Steamboat Springs History Museum, 11am–5pm.
Sunday, Nov 29
- The Timber Axe Throwing Sunday Family Funday: Family axe throwing with games, drinks and snacks. 2–10pm.
- Teen Sunday Hangout: Games, snacks and activities at the Bud Werner Memorial Library. 10am–5pm. (Ages 13–18)
Thanksgiving in Steamboat Springs: quick answers
What family events are happening on Thanksgiving Day in Steamboat Springs? The Steamboat Springs Turkey Trot 5K runs 9:30–11am, and the free Community Thanksgiving Dinner runs 4:30–8:30pm.
Is there a free Thanksgiving meal in Steamboat Springs? Yes. The Community Thanksgiving Dinner is free and open to everyone in the Yampa Valley. E3 Chophouse also hosts a complimentary meal for first responders and anyone new to town.
What is there to do with kids the day after Thanksgiving? Try Friday Fun Day at the Steamboat Climbing Collective, bumper cars at the Howelsen Ice Rink, and Light Up the Night at 6pm.
Where is Light Up the Night in 2026? Civic Plaza by City Hall on 10th Street, a new location this year.
Find more family fun in Steamboat
This guide covers Thanksgiving week highlights. For everything else happening for kids and families in Steamboat Springs, browse the Kids In Town Events Calendar and subscribe to our weekly newsletter for family events every Sunday.
