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Celebrate Thanksgiving in Colorado Springs the Local Way
Thanksgiving in Colorado Springs is a season to celebrate, connect, and give back. From the family-friendly YMCA Turkey Trot 5K to community dinners and local volunteer opportunities, this guide highlights meaningful ways to enjoy the holiday while serving neighbors across the Pikes Peak region. Whether you are new to town, part of a military family, or a longtime local, you will find family activities, donation ideas, and places to volunteer that make Thanksgiving in Colorado Springs feel like home.
Embrace the Spirit of Thanksgiving in Colorado Springs
When November settles over the Front Range and Pikes Peak shows its first dusting of snow, Colorado Springs comes alive with warmth and gratitude. Homes glow with the promise of togetherness, runners lace up for a morning tradition, and volunteers gather to serve neighbors in need. Here, Thanksgiving is more than a date on the calendar, it is a reflection of community. You will see it in families at the Turkey Trot, in the cooks plating hot meals at local shelters, and in newcomers who quickly discover why so many people choose to put down roots in this city.
Whether you are stationed at Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, or Schriever Space Force Base, moving into a new home in Briargate or Wolf Ranch, or celebrating decades in Rockrimmon or Broadmoor, Colorado Springs makes it easy to blend celebration and service. Use the ideas below to build traditions that fit your family, honor the season, and strengthen the community we share.
Thanksgiving Family Activities in Colorado Springs
YMCA Turkey Trot 5K
Start the day with a favorite local tradition, the YMCA Turkey Trot 5K at the Briargate YMCA, 4025 Family Place. The event welcomes runners and walkers, includes a Kids’ Tiny Trot, and is known for a friendly, community vibe before the big meal.
- Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025
- Time: Kids’ Tiny Trot 8:15 AM, 5K Run 9:00 AM
- Location: Briargate YMCA, 4025 Family Place, Colorado Springs
- Info: ppymca.org
Proceeds support YMCA programs that help local families with youth development and wellness resources. Many residents make the Turkey Trot part of an annual tradition, followed by coffee or a cozy breakfast at home.
Ways to Give Back This Thanksgiving
Volunteer or Donate at Local Food Banks
Colorado Springs has a strong network of nonprofits working to ensure every family has a warm meal for the holiday. If you would like to lend a hand or donate pantry staples, these organizations are excellent places to start:
- Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado — Sort food donations, pack meal boxes, or support distribution across the region. careandshare.org
- Westside CARES — Volunteer at neighborhood pantry sites or assist with seasonal drives. westsidecares.org
- Mercy’s Gate — Donate Thanksgiving staples and support families in crisis. mercysgatecs.org
Serve a Community Thanksgiving Dinner
If hands-on service speaks to you, community meals are at the heart of local Thanksgiving giving:
- Springs Rescue Mission — Volunteer for meal prep, service, or cleanup during the annual Thanksgiving meal. springsrescuemission.org
- The Salvation Army Colorado Springs — Help serve a free community dinner that feeds more than a thousand guests. coloradosprings.salvationarmy.org
Shifts often fill early. If Thanksgiving Day is booked, sign up for the week before or after. The need continues all season.
Host a Give-Back Gathering at Home
- Invite guests to bring canned goods or winter coats for a local pantry.
- Set a “thankful jar” and donate to a cause that reflects what your family writes.
- Let kids choose a toy or book to donate and deliver it together.
Why We Love Thanksgiving in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs balances natural beauty with strong community ties, and Thanksgiving highlights both. With mountain views in the distance, neighborhoods throughout Briargate, Flying Horse, Wolf Ranch, Rockrimmon, and Old North End gather to share meals, volunteer, and welcome new friends. Gratitude shows up in teachers who go the extra mile, service members who protect our freedom, and small businesses that support local causes.
At Beaton Brothers Property Experts, we see these values in our clients every day. Home is more than a property, it is a sense of belonging. This season is a reminder to build traditions, lift each other up, and make space at the table for someone new.
Thanksgiving in Colorado Springs: FAQ
What are the best Thanksgiving events in Colorado Springs?
The YMCA Turkey Trot 5K is a family favorite with a Kids’ Tiny Trot and a welcoming atmosphere. Community meals at Springs Rescue Mission and The Salvation Army offer meaningful ways to serve. Many churches and neighborhoods also host free dinners and smaller fun runs, which are great for newcomers who want to connect quickly.
Where can I volunteer on Thanksgiving in Colorado Springs?
Look to Springs Rescue Mission, The Salvation Army, Care and Share Food Bank, and Westside CARES. Registration often opens in early November and shifts fill quickly. If the holiday is full, sign up for the week before or after. The need for food sorting, box packing, and cleanup continues through December.
Are there free community Thanksgiving dinners in Colorado Springs?
Yes. Springs Rescue Mission and The Salvation Army host free community meals that are open to anyone. Local churches frequently offer dinners too. Check the organizations’ websites or community calendars the week before Thanksgiving for times and locations, and arrive early if possible.
What can military families do for Thanksgiving in Colorado Springs?
Many military families join the Turkey Trot, volunteer together at a shelter, or host a Friendsgiving with other service households. USO Colorado Springs and faith-based groups often share holiday support. These activities help create a sense of home when you are far from extended family.
How can I make Thanksgiving more meaningful this year?
Combine gratitude and service. Volunteer before your meal, donate a turkey or pantry staples, write thank you notes, or choose a cause as a family and give together. Small actions add up and reinforce traditions that kids will remember.
Is the YMCA Turkey Trot kid friendly?
Yes. The Kids’ Tiny Trot is designed for younger runners, and the 5K allows strollers and leashed dogs. It is a low pressure way to stay active and meet neighbors before the feast, and it supports local YMCA programs for families.
What is the weather like on Thanksgiving Day in Colorado Springs?
Plan for a brisk morning in the 30s and a mild afternoon in the 50s. Dress in layers and bring gloves or a hat if you are running or volunteering outdoors. Winds can feel cooler near the foothills, so a light jacket is helpful.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving in Colorado Springs blends celebration with service, from sunrise runs to warm meals shared across our community. If you are new to the Pikes Peak region or exploring neighborhoods for a future move, our team is here to help you feel at home and find the place that fits your next chapter.
Beaton Brothers Property Experts can answer questions about Colorado Springs neighborhoods, schools, new construction, and VA loan options, and we are always happy to share local events and volunteer opportunities. If you want to talk through plans for the new year or get a feel for the market, reach out anytime.
About Beaton Brothers Property Experts
Beaton Brothers Property Experts is a veteran-led real estate team in Colorado Springs, Colorado, specializing in residential sales, new construction, VA loans, and relocation services. Founded by Charles and Laura Beaton, our team pairs deep local expertise with modern marketing and proven systems to help buyers and sellers move with confidence.
Led by 5-Star Zillow Agents and top-rated Colorado Springs REALTORS®, Beaton Brothers Property Experts is known for integrity, results, and precision. From first-time and VA buyers to luxury listings, resale homes, and new construction, our systems are built to deliver a seamless experience and exceptional outcomes.
Whether you plan to buy, sell, invest, or relocate, our veteran-led team is here to guide you every step of the way. We are recognized as one of the most trusted real estate teams in Colorado Springs, combining local market expertise, modern marketing, and client-first service to help you move with confidence.
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