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Denver Restaurants Open For Thanksgiving 2015 and Downtown Activities to Help You Celebrate Turkey Day

Thanksgivingweekend in The Mile High City bustles with activities full of holiday spirit that kick off the annual Mile High Holidays celebration.

From theGrand Illumination of downtown Denver's more than 600,000 holiday lights, to aweekend packed with shopping, seasonal events, dining and deals on hotel stays, Denver is a super fun place to spend the Thanksgiving holiday!

Since not everyone wants to spend the day slaving away preparing the perfect turkey and table-full of side dishes (not to mention PIE!) we've rounded up a list of our favorites that are offering Thanksgiving the easy way!

Restaurants Open forThanksgivingDinner

Some of Denver's best restaurants will host a deliciousThanksgivingDinner this year, including all of the following places. Reservations are recommended.

Altitude at Hyatt Regency Colorado Convention Center will host aThanksgivingbuffet from11:00 am8:00 pmfeaturing carved-to-order meats, an autumn-themed local menu and traditional holiday desserts.Reservations recommended;$49for adults,$17for children under 12 (4 and under dine free).

Need reservations? Visit Open Table before restaurants fill up!

The Capital Grille will offer their take onThanksgivingfavorites alongside their full menu.Reservations recommended.

Downtown Aquarium will feature traditional favorites, a kids' buffet and discounts on rides and exhibits.Reservations required.

Maggiano's Little Italy creates a family-style, full turkey dinner menu forThanksgiving Day.Reservations recommended; pricing based on number of people in party.

Rialto Cafà will be open from9:00am to 6:00pm, serving off-the menu brunch and dinner as well as a classic turkey dinner.Reservations recommended.

Rodizio Grill, The Brazilian Steakhouse OnThanksgiving, Rodizio Grill will serve dinner meats all day long, in addition to some seasonal favorites, including orange turkey, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie, among other items.Reservations recommended; cost is around$40per person, depending on order.

Ruth's Chris Steak House will feature a traditional turkey dinner in addition to their regular menu.Reservations recommended; average of$29-30per person, depending on order.

Other restaurants that will be open onThanksgiving Dayinclude 1515 Restaurant, The Corner Office Restaurant & Martini Bar, Jake's Food and Spirits, Ship Tavern at The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa and more.

Did we miss your favorite restaurant that's open for Thanksgiving this year? Let us know!

Celebrate the season with these fun local events!

DENVER CHRISTKINDL MARKET

WHEN: Nov. - Dec.
WHERE: Skyline Park

TheChristkindl Marketincludes vendors from Germany and other countries, as well as local artisans, offering high-quality, handcrafted gifts such as traditional hand-carved wooden figurines, handmade candles and ornaments. Traditional German food will tempt your taste buds. Sip on warm GlÃhwein (hot spiced wine) as you listen to traditional Christmas carols and live German music. Entry is free and the entire family is invited to enjoy this great tradition!

DEAD & COMPANY

WHEN: Nov. 24 & 25
WHERE:1STBANK Center

Dead & Companykick off a 21-show tour that will span through 2015. The band, which finds Grateful Dead members Bill Kreutzmann, Bob Weir and Mickey Hart joined by guitarist John Mayer, keyboardist Jeff Chimenti and bassist Oteil Burbridge, are currently rehearsing for the tour. Don't miss your chance to see this iconic band in The Mile High City.

MILE HIGH UNITED WAY TURKEY TROT

WHEN: Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26
WHERE:Washington Park

Run your yams off at the 41st annualMile High United Way Turkey Trotin Denver's beautiful Washington Park. The four-mile race and quarter-mile family fun run is expected to host over 10,000 participants in support of Mile High United Way's work in the community to improve the lives of children, families and individuals in need. This year's Turkey Trot will include a start and finish village featuring entertainment, music, booths and a beer garden sponsored by Great Divide Brewing Co.

DOWNTOWN DENVER GRAND ILLUMINATION

WHEN: Nov. 27
WHERE: Downtown Denver

As part of Downtown Denver's Winter in the City program, at 6 p.m. on Nov 27, 2015Downtown Denver's Grand Illuminationevent will light up Downtown, fromDenver Union Stationto theCity and County Building. Following a countdown shortly after 6:30 p.m., Denver Union Station will be ablaze with brightly colored floodlights illuminating the historic structure in the heart of Lower Downtown and its lighted tree in front.

BLOSSOMS OF LIGHT

WHEN: Nov. 27
WHERE:Denver Botanic Gardens

Embrace the holiday season atBlossoms of Light. The first night will display over one million colorful lights draped in elegant designs highlight the Gardens winter beauty. Enjoy sparkling passages, brand new displays and romantic mistletoe kissing spots, as well as the always anticipated HoloSpex glasses. Warm drinks and tasty treats will also be available.

DRUMS OF THE WORLD

WHEN: Nov. 29
WHERE:Boettcher Concert Hall

This popular annual family concert takes attendees on a musical trip around the globe.Drums of the Worldfeatures your very own Colorado Symphony percussionists playing rhythmic instruments new and old - it'll be everything but the kitchen sink! Don't forget to arrive early for pre-concert activities in the lobby!

THE LION KING

WHEN: Final night - Nov. 29
WHERE:Buell Theatre

Thanksgiving weekend marks the final permanence of Disney'sThe Lion King. Winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, The Lion King brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals.

Is there a local event that we can help you promote? We would love to!

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