November is Colorado Springs' deep-breath month — the space between Halloween and the holiday machine. Trails go quiet, restaurant reservations get easy, and by month's end the holiday-lights season switches on across the region.
Thanksgiving week itself is one of the busiest family-activity windows of the year, bookended by turkey trots and the start of the holiday events calendar.
The holiday season traditionally opens around Thanksgiving weekend — downtown's festival of lights celebration and parade kicks off the season, and the region's big light displays begin their nightly runs heading into December.
November hiking is underrated: cool, stable air, empty trails, and long golden light. It's the last comfortable month for the Incline before ice, and Garden of the Gods sunsets hit their winter angle.
Turkey trot runs, the zoo, the museums, and early light displays give visiting relatives a full itinerary. Book Thanksgiving dining early — the city's buffet-and-brunch spots fill weeks ahead.
Happening right now
The season traditionally begins Thanksgiving weekend, when downtown holds its holiday lighting celebration and the region's nightly light displays begin, running through the New Year.
Yes — stable cool weather, thin crowds, and usually snow-free city trails make it a favorite local hiking month. Higher trails start holding snow and ice.
Major trails and parks are open (turkey trots are a big local tradition), and a number of hotel restaurants and buffets serve Thanksgiving meals — reserve well ahead.