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Thanksgiving Day Traditions in the Valley

Spending the Thanksgiving holiday in a world-class ski destination offers opportunities to create new traditions beyond the usual football game and food fest.

5 Traditions to Start This Thanksgiving: 

Volunteer 
Volunteering makes a difference in people’s lives, and it can also have a health benefit to the person volunteering, as research has shown it improves physical and mental health, provides a sense of purpose, and nurtures new and existing relationships. Leading up to Thanksgiving, The Community Market welcomes volunteers to help package their holiday meal bags, which are delivered to more than 500 families. 

Holiday Tree Hunting
Channel your inner Clark Griswold by heading out into the woods to carefully select and chop down your own holiday tree. The U.S. Forest Service offers $10 Christmas Tree Permits, making it a much more affordable option for a tree than purchasing at a store. 

Friendsgiving
There’s the family you’re born into, and then there’s the family you choose. Invite friends over for a ‘Friendsgiving’ and take some of the hosting burden off of yourself by turning it into a potluck-style dinner.

Get Active 
Both Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek Resort are scheduled to be open for Thanksgiving. Taking some laps with friends and family offers chairlift connection time. For those that don’t ski or snowboard, a scenic Gondola ride allows you to experience the beauty of the snowy mountains and fresh air. 

The annual YouthPower365 Turkey Trot is back! Hosted by the Town of Avon, the 2k or 5k run/walk event will take place on November 28, 2024 at Harry A. Nottingham Park on Thanksgiving. Costumes are highly encouraged, and a percentage of the proceeds benefit YouthPower365.

Be a Tourist
Take advantage of the free activities provided in our resort community for visitors. Beaver Creek offers family-focused activities in the Village the day before and after Thanksgiving Day.

The annual Beaver Creek World's Greatest Chocolate Chip Cookie Competition pits home bakers against each other for the title of the best chocolate chip cookie. Free samples of each cookie are offered to attendees on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, 1:00-5:00 PM.

The Beaver Creek Tree Lighting & Ice Spectacular includes free ice skating, a visit from Santa Claus, arts and crafts, live music, an ice skating performance and ends with the lighting of the Beaver Creek holiday tree and fireworks. Enjoy the festivities on Friday, November 29, 2024, 11:00 AM-6:30 PM.