November is when Summit County begins to transition from fall into winter. Ski season gets underway, local businesses begin preparing for the holidays, and our mountain towns start to feel festive. Whether you’re a local looking for something fun to do, planning a Thanksgiving getaway, or visiting for the start of ski season, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the month.
From opening day on the slopes to holiday shopping, community traditions, and Thanksgiving dinner in the mountains, here’s what’s happening around Summit County this November!
November Events & Activities
November 6 — Ski Season Begins at Breckenridge
The countdown to ski season is over! Breckenridge Ski Resort is scheduled to open for the 2026–27 season on November 6, weather and conditions permitting. Opening day is a favorite local tradition, bringing skiers and snowboarders back to the mountain for the first turns of the season.
Early-season terrain can be limited, so be sure to check the resort’s operating updates before heading out.
Breckenridge Ski Resort
November 6 — November First Friday: Día de los Muertos
Celebrate culture, community, and tradition at Silverthorne’s November First Friday event. The Día de los Muertos celebration brings the community together with music, folklórico dancing, local vendors, crafts, and traditional food.
Silverthorne Pavilion, Silverthorne
November 6–7 — Warren Miller’s Days Off
Get excited for winter with a ski film premiere at Warren Station in Keystone. Warren Miller films are a longtime tradition for mountain enthusiasts, featuring big-mountain skiing, incredible scenery, and inspiration for the season ahead.
Warren Station, Keystone
Check the Summit Chamber calendar for showtimes and ticket information.
November 7 — 24th Annual Backcountry Ball
Celebrate Summit County’s backcountry community at the annual Backcountry Ball, hosted by the Summit Huts Association. This fundraiser brings together outdoor enthusiasts and supports the huts and programs that help make human-powered adventures in the mountains possible.
Summit County — confirm the venue and event details before attending.
November 13 — Improv Comedy at Theatre SilCo
Looking for a fun night out? Head to Theatre SilCo in Silverthorne for Reply All, an improv comedy performance. It’s a great option for an evening away from the slopes and a chance to enjoy Summit County’s local arts scene.
Theatre SilCo, Silverthorne
November 14 — Summit Historical Society Holiday Bazaar
Get a head start on holiday shopping at the 13th Annual Holiday Bazaar and Silent Auction. Browse handmade goods, locally crafted gifts, and unique finds while supporting the Summit County community. It’s a great opportunity to shop small and find something special before the holiday rush.
- Time: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Location: Summit High School, Breckenridge
November 19 — Local History in Dillon
Learn more about Summit County’s past at The Old Swede and the Ghost of Gore Canyon: Tales of Henry Recen, a local history program exploring one of the area’s early settlers and the stories surrounding the region’s history.
- Time: 5–6 p.m.
- Location: Dillon
November 26 — Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving brings a mix of outdoor activities, community traditions, and opportunities to gather with family and friends. We’ve dedicated a separate section below to Thanksgiving Day races, mountain activities, and local dining options.
November 28 — Small Business Saturday & Frisco Wassail Days
Kick off the holiday shopping season in Frisco with Small Business Saturday and the start of Wassail Days. Shop local businesses along Main Street and around town, then enjoy wassail, a traditional hot spiced cider, at participating locations throughout the celebration.
Wassail Days runs November 28 through December 6, making it a fun way to begin the holiday season in Summit County.
Historic Main Street and participating businesses, Frisco
November 28 — Keystone’s Holiday Kickoff
Head to River Run Village for Keystone’s seasonal festivities, including the Lighting of River Run and family-friendly holiday activities. It’s a festive way to spend an afternoon in the mountains and welcome the holiday season.
River Run Village, Keystone
Check the Keystone event calendar for the latest schedule and details.
Thanksgiving in Summit County | Thursday, November 26
Spending Thanksgiving in the mountains? Whether you’re planning a traditional holiday meal, looking for a way to get outside before dinner, or hoping to skip the cooking this year, Summit County has several options for celebrating.
Thanksgiving Morning Activities
Frisco Turkey Day 5K
Start Thanksgiving morning with a community run or walk! The 13th Annual Frisco Turkey Day 5K is open to all ages and takes place along the Summit County Recreation Path and Frisco side streets. Strollers and well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome, although snowy conditions can make the course challenging.
- Time: 9:30 a.m.
- Location: Old Frisco Community Center, 110 S. 3rd Avenue
- Registration: $35 for adults, $20 for ages 6–17; children under 5 participate for free.
Participants are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food donation benefiting the Family & Intercultural Resource Center (FIRC).
Registration and event details Town of Frisco
Arapahoe Basin Uphill Turkey Trot
For an active start to the holiday, head to Arapahoe Basin for its annual Uphill Turkey Trot. This Thanksgiving morning tradition gives participants the opportunity to hike uphill on the mountain before gathering for the holiday.
- Check-in: 6:30 a.m.
- Start: 7:30 a.m.
- Location: Arapahoe Basin Ski Area
Check the resort’s official website for registration, route information, and equipment requirements.
Event details Arapahoe Basin
Where to Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner
Prefer to leave the cooking to someone else? Here are a few local options to consider for Thanksgiving dinner in Summit County.
BoLD Restaurant & Bar — Breckenridge
Enjoy a four-course Thanksgiving dinner with traditional holiday favorites and additional menu options. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices are available. Family-style takeout meals are also offered for those celebrating at home or in a vacation rental.
- Dinner begins: 2 p.m.
- Price: $79 per adult; $35 for children 14 and under.
Menu, takeout information, and reservations BoLD Breckenridge
Beaver Run Resort’s Thanksgiving Feast — Breckenridge
Gather with family and friends for a holiday feast featuring turkey and prime rib carving stations, seafood, classic Thanksgiving sides, and desserts. Several dining periods are offered throughout the day.
- Dining times: 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m., 2:30–5 p.m., and 6–8:30 p.m.
- Price: $86 per adult, plus applicable charges; $30 for children 12 and under.
- Location: Colorado Ballroom at Beaver Run Resort.
Advance reservations are required.
Thanksgiving menu and reservations Beaver Run Resort and Conference Center
Blue River Bistro — Thanksgiving Takeout, Breckenridge
Want to enjoy Thanksgiving in the comfort of your own home or vacation rental? Blue River Bistro offers a traditional family-style Thanksgiving meal to go, with dinner for four listed at $200.
Check the restaurant’s website for current preorder and pickup details.
Takeout information Breckenridge Associates
Frisco Inn on Galena — Frisco
For a smaller, cozy holiday gathering, Frisco Inn on Galena is advertising a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for guests and friends.
- Time: 4:30–6:30 p.m.
- Price: $30 per person.
- Reservations: Contact the inn at 970-668-3224 or info@friscoinnongalena.com.
Thanksgiving details Frisco Inn on Galena
Holiday dining note: Menus, prices, and availability may change. Reservations and takeout preorders are strongly recommended.
Other Ways to Spend Thanksgiving
Not every Thanksgiving celebration needs to revolve around the dinner table! Depending on weather and operating schedules, consider taking a stroll along historic Main Street in Breckenridge, enjoying an early-season ski day, or exploring the county’s scenic surroundings.
If you’re planning a guided activity, such as a snowmobile tour or snowshoe outing, book ahead and confirm holiday operating hours. November weather can change quickly at high elevations, so dress in layers and check road and weather conditions before heading out.
Looking Ahead: The Start of the Holiday Season
November’s final weekend brings the beginning of one of the most festive times of year in Summit County.
Frisco’s Wassail Days kicks off on November 28, inviting visitors to sample hot spiced cider at participating businesses and explore local shops. With celebrations continuing into early December, it’s a wonderful excuse to spend a day wandering Frisco’s historic Main Street and supporting local businesses.
Keystone also begins its holiday festivities with seasonal activities and the Lighting of River Run Village. Whether you’re shopping for gifts, meeting friends for dinner, or simply enjoying the mountain-town atmosphere, late November is a great time to experience Summit County as it prepares for winter.
Plan Your November in Summit County
From the first turns of ski season to Thanksgiving traditions and holiday festivities, November offers plenty of ways to enjoy life in the Colorado mountains. It’s a month when our communities come together, local businesses prepare for the busy winter season, and the excitement of the holidays begins to build.
If you’re visiting Summit County this month, we encourage you to explore beyond the slopes, support local businesses, and take advantage of the many events happening throughout our mountain towns.
Planning a move to Summit County or thinking about buying or selling a mountain property? Jan Leopold is here to help you navigate the local market and find your place in the mountains.
Event details and schedules are subject to change. Please check the linked event pages before making plans.
Posted by Jan Leopold October 29, 2026