Thanksgiving in Vail brings plenty of opportunities to gather as a family. Enjoy holiday dining at a local restaurant, host a chef-prepared meal in a vacation rental, or spread out in spacious accommodations designed for larger groups.
Thanks to Vail’s snowmaking efforts, late November is typically a reliable time to ease into ski season, often with fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere than peak holiday weeks. You can also attend festive early-seasonal events and browse Vail’s locally owned shops for one-of-a-kind gifts. And when the weekend comes to an end? Consider gifting your loved ones a future Vail getaway and start counting down the days until your next mountain escape.
Where Can I Have Thanksgiving Dinner in Vail?
Gathering family around the table is one of the best parts of any holiday and restaurants go all out to celebrate Thanksgiving in Vail. Because reservations fill up quickly, we recommend calling ahead to confirm holiday service and secure a table at your favorite dining spot. Here are just a few of our favorite Vail restaurants offering Thanksgiving dining.
Tavernetta & The Remedy
Tavernetta and The Remedy are both located inside Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail and offer two distinct ways to celebrate Thanksgiving. Reservations open up to 60 days in advance for resort guests and 30 days in advance for non-resort guests, and the culinary team can customize menus to accommodate allergies and dietary sensitivities.
Tavernetta’s vast windows frame Vail Village and the warm glow of honeyed light and pale wood create an atmosphere that invites guests to linger around the table, sharing a meal that pairs Italian culinary tradition with holiday favorites. It’s an elegant setting for a memorable Four Seasons Thanksgiving dinner, where every course feels thoughtfully crafted and the celebration feels a bit more special.
The Remedy’s casual lodge ambiance, crackling fireplaces and handcrafted cocktails make it easy to sink into comfortable seating and take in sweeping views of Vail Mountain. Watch the sun set as you toast the holiday over an elevated, a la carte Thanksgiving menu. Homemade spiced doughnuts or cranberry-orange pavlova are the perfect way to top off your dining experience.
The Fitz & Ridge + River
With its stone-framed fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Golden Peak, The Fitz provides a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere for guests. Sip on a Colorado Mule made with Breckenridge vodka; it’s The Fitz’s twist on a Moscow Mule. Pair it with roast turkey, fluffy sweet potatoes and decadent desserts like classic pumpkin pie and indulgent brioche banana bread pudding. Best of all, they’ll have all the day’s football games streaming on flat screen TVs, so you won’t miss a single play.
Occupying a cozy corner of Manor Vail Lodge’s second floor, Ridge + River offers diners a more refined setting. It feels intimate, like a private dining room, with tables glowing in amber light and the gentle warmth of the fireplace creating a welcoming atmosphere. In addition to the Thanksgiving menu, they’ll also have their usual menu items available, like bison short ribs and Colorado trout.
Both The Fitz and Ridge + River’s flexible dining spaces can easily accommodate larger groups.
Vail Chophouse
For a classic Thanksgiving feast that pairs holiday comfort food with spectacular slopeside surroundings, head to Vail Chophouse. They’ll be serving a special prix fixe holiday menu beginning at 3 p.m. Reservations are required and tend to fill quickly for the holiday.
You’ll have a front-row seat to the golden afternoon light on the peaks just beyond the windows as the aroma of roasted turkey and warm spices drift through the dining room. The restaurant’s lively steakhouse atmosphere makes it a perfect place to join with friends and family.
Prefer To Stay In? Hire a Personal Chef
Hiring a chef to prepare your Thanksgiving dinner in Vail allows you to gather at home without spending the day in the kitchen. Availability is limited during the holiday season, so booking early is highly recommended.
For families who want home-cooked Thanksgiving favorites without spending the day tied to the kitchen, Double Diamond Chefs brings the celebration directly to your vacation rental. Chef Adam Weinberger specializes in full-service, in-home dining experiences that feel as much like a gathering as they do a meal. Chef Adam enjoys putting creative twists on classic holiday favorites, though traditional dishes are always on the menu for families who prefer time-honored flavors. Guests are invited to be part of the experience, creating a laid-back, interactive atmosphere as your meal is prepared and plated right in your kitchen.
Your Colorado Thanksgiving Vacation: Where To Stay in Vail
A great Thanksgiving getaway in Colorado starts with the right accommodations. If you’re looking for convenient slopeside access, spacious kitchens and room for everyone to relax, there’s no shortage of lodging options in Vail. Here are some of our favorites for families.
Antlers at Vail
Set along Gore Creek, and just steps from Lionshead Village and the Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19), Antlers at Vail combines all the comforts of home with the scenery of a classic alpine holiday. The property has everything from studio suites to spacious four-bedroom condominiums, making it easy for extended families to spend time together while still enjoying personal space.
Large, fully equipped kitchens invite guests to roll out pie dough and baste the turkey, while generous dining areas ensure a seat for everyone around the table. Following dinner, kick back in the living room with a toasty fire and your family’s favorite holiday movie playing on the TV. Best of all, Antlers is dog-friendly so your four-legged family members can be part of your holiday celebration.
Vail Spa Condominiums
The spacious two-, three- and four-bedroom residences at Vail Spa Condominiums offer plenty of room for grandparents, cousins and everyone in between to settle in comfortably, while full-size kitchens invite the family chefs to spend the morning sharing stories and family recipes over the kitchen island.
Families traveling with little ones will appreciate thoughtful touches like cribs, Pack ‘n Plays and highchairs, making it easier to focus on creating holiday memories instead of packing extra gear. Their concierge service can help arrange ski rentals and deliveries before your crew even arrives, taking one more task off your Thanksgiving to-do list.
Grand Hyatt Vail Residences
If you’re traveling with a large group, the private residences at Grand Hyatt Vail can turn a long holiday weekend into a cherished memory. With accommodations ranging from thoughtfully designed condominiums for two to the Platinum Residence that can host up to 18 guests, you can be together without feeling crowded.
Large kitchens invite holiday cooks — or private chefs — to chop, simmer and bake, and gathering areas create the perfect setting for second helpings and spending quality time together. Gore Creek and Vail Mountain provide an inviting backdrop for everything from early-morning coffee to late-night conversations. Unwind with a family movie night at the Grand Theater, where multiple generations can share an evening together with popcorn in hand.
Lodge Tower
For families who want to be in the heart of the ski action, Lodge Tower is only 100 yards from Gondola One (#1). Multi-bedroom condominiums easily accommodate up to eight guests, making it easy to share the holiday weekend together, with room to relax between outdoor adventures. Each residence includes a comfortable kitchen and dining area, creating a natural setting for passing serving platters across the table and lingering over a leisurely Thanksgiving meal.
After a morning on the trails or exploring the village, return to the inviting warmth of Lodge Tower for one of their most beloved customs: Complimentary après-ski cookies and refreshments. This simple pleasure feels especially welcome on a blustery November afternoon. Swap stories from the day or plan tomorrow’s ski runs — the easygoing atmosphere brings families together and keeps the focus on making memories.
Holiday Shopping in Vail: Gifts for Everyone on Your Nice List
Skip crowded malls and big box stores and discover locally owned boutiques, specialty shops and luxury retailers throughout Vail. Holiday shopping here is part of the experience.
For That Special Someone
Betteridge, known for their selection of iconic watch brands such as Rolex and Patek Philippe, is the spot for classic, luxury jewelry, like a rare pearl and sapphire Art Deco cocktail ring or monogrammed 18k gold cufflinks.
Lionshead Jewelers has no shortage of special holiday gifts, from sparkling diamond pendants made to look like snowflakes and a dazzling emerald and ruby ring in the shape of a flower to a stack of simple gold bangles and rare, museum-quality meteorites.
For the Wine Enthusiast
Vail Fine Wines is known for carrying collectible and rare wines from around the world. They can help you select the perfect gift, whether that’s a 2018 Promontory Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon or a 2015 Chateau Petrus Pomerol French red bordeaux.
Alpine Wine & Spirits carries a selection of domestic and imported wines, including classic Old World and hard-to-find vintages. From everyday favorites to Screaming Eagle and Opus One, their knowledgeable sommeliers can help you select the perfect bottle for your holiday table or gift exchange.
For Art Lovers
Step inside Raitman Art Gallery and you’ll be greeted by walls lined with paintings and pedestals holding sculptures depicting Colorado’s beautiful landscapes and outdoor lifestyle. Alongside many contemporary, Colorado-based artists represented throughout the gallery, visitors will also find works by renowned urban impressionist Michael Flohr, known for his vibrant, uplifting style.
For Outdoor Enthusiasts
Pepi’s Sports has been outfitting Vail’s skiers for over five decades. Racks of Blauer puffer jackets in every color of the rainbow, rows of gleaming skis and professionally fitted gear ensure your favorite skier will find something under the tree. If you’re shopping for the non-sporty types on your nice list, the top floor is a high-end designer boutique for fine jewelry and luxury fashion.
Safety always comes first before heading out to carve turns on the ski runs. The experts at Craniologie specialize in custom fitting helmets and goggles so every day on the mountain is safe and comfortable.
For the Little Ones
Imaginative toys, games and gifts fill the shelves at Wishes Toy Store. The staff at this charming, family-owned boutique know their inventory by heart. From Jellycat plushies to cards for role-playing games, describe a child’s interests and they’ll help you find the perfect present. They’ll even wrap it while you finish the rest of your shopping.
Hit the Slopes for Thanksgiving Skiing in Vail
One of the biggest advantages of skiing in Vail over Thanksgiving getaway is the opportunity to take advantage of early-season runs before the holiday crowds arrive. The atmosphere feels relaxed and, thanks to Vail’s extensive snowmaking efforts, visitors can typically count on Thanksgiving skiing and snowboarding opportunities during their stay.
For families, convenience is everything. Black Tie Ski Rentals makes the process simple with equipment delivery directly to your lodging. Their team provides tailored fittings and can even meet you at your resort or the base of the run. Because Thanksgiving Day is often a quieter day for rentals, guests can receive attentive service and a stress-free start to their active adventures.