There is no shortage of events in Grand County on turkey day. Whether folks are ready to fill their stomachs alongside family and friends, or strap on skis for a cross-country excursion, there are plenty of ways for people to find a way to feel thankful.

Winter Park hosts Turkey Trot to support Grand Foundation

Instead of stuffing yourself on Thanksgiving day like, well, a Thanksgiving turkey, get some exercise for a good cause. The Winter Park & Fraser Chamber is hosting the first annual Winter Park Turkey Trot. 

The Turkey Trot will be held on Thanksgiving day beginning at 9:30 a.m. The race will begin at 47 Cooper Creek Square Way and end at Vicious Cycle Brewing Co. at 751 Zerex St. Transportation will be provided back to the starting line, and the Lift bus will run every 30 minutes between the two locations. Entry is $25, and all proceeds from the event will be donated to The Grand Foundation to support their Winter Park Housing Assistance Fund. Sign up is at PlayWinterPark.com/featured-events.

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Cranmer Chapel offers free community Thanksgiving

On Thanksgiving Day, St. John’s Episcopal Church serves a free Thanksgiving meal from 4:30-7 p.m., with anyone welcome. The meal will be served at the Historic Cranmer Chapel, located 75 High Country Drive in Winter Park. This is St. John’s 25th year serving a Thanksgiving meal to the community. The tradition began in 1999 when community members decided to offer a home-cooked meal to young people working seasonal jobs away from their families. This hearty Thanksgiving meal is offered for sit-down or takeout.

Holiday wine sale

Adventures Decanted, located at 37 Cooper Creek Way, Suite 315, in Winter Park is hosting a Thanksgiving wine sale and tasting with sommelier Shelby Peterson Thursday from 5-8 p.m. They will offer holiday deals on their Thanksgiving picks, plus French wines from their Adventures in France Experiences. There will also be gift baskets available for sale only on that day.

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Turkey and cross-country ski trails at Devil’s Thumb Ranch

Devil’s Thumb Ranch is offering an elevated Thanksgiving meal at their award-winning Ranch House from 5-9 p.m. The prix fixe menu includes flavorful twists on traditional favorites. Customers can choose between Colorado braised lamb (lamb shank, mashed potato puree, mint chutney, lamb jus) or stuffed turkety roulade (spinach, local mushrooms, bacon-herb stuffing, sweet potato puree, cranberry sauce), along with savory pumpkin velouté, pumpkin cheesecake and more. If the weather holds, those visiting Devil’s Thumb can also hit the trails before their turkey dinner. The Ranch is slated to open for cross-country skiing on Thanksgiving day.

Enjoy the festivities at Winter Park Resort

As of Tuesday, Nov. 22, Winter Park Resort has officially opened the hill for top-to-bottom skiing. Lifts will be turning from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the Sunspot Lodge is hosting a full buffet dinner on Thanksgiving from 5:30-7 p.m. Reservations are required — on Monday the resort reported that there were still a few spaces available. The resort will be hosting its tree lighting on Saturday, Nov. 26, from 3:30-5 p.m. at Winter Park Village. Holiday songs will be performed by the Beverly Belles and there will be an opportunity for photos with Santa.

Tree lighting ceremony set for the day after Thanksgiving in Grand Lake

The festivities don’t have to end after the last bite of Thanksgiving pie. On Friday, Nov. 25, the Grand Lake Chamber will be hosting a merry celebration of the season with its annual tree lighting ceremony starting at 6:30 p.m. at Town Square Park, 1025 Grand Ave. Attendees can sing carols, warm up around the fire with cocoa and cookies, visit with Santa and enjoy other holiday surprises at this special community event. Participants are reminded to dress for outdoor weather. Before the ceremony, this year’s Olde Fashioned Holiday Craft Bazaar will offer artisan-made goods at the Historic Grand Lake Community House nearby from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will also be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 26.