Thanksgiving is such a wonderful time of year. Cooking all morning, eating all afternoon, followed by a series of naps. That can get boring. How about we get out of the house and enjoy Thanksgiving in a more relaxed setting? Say over a drink or two? Here are some places in Denver that will be open and serving on Thanksgiving Day, November 23. Let’s give thanks for that.

Mile High United Way Turkey Trot
This not-to-early race solves two problems at once. Get in some pre-meal exercise by running or walking a 4-mile course around Washington Park and then enjoy a refreshing Great Divide canned beer in the beer garden immediately after. Everyone will be home by noon. There is still time to sign up on Mile High United Way’s website or just get there by 8 AM and sign up before the race. Cost is $45 for adults. (Washington Park)

Denver Christkindl Market
This indoor/outdoor market and festival brings a hint of holiday Bavaria to Denver. Enjoy an outdoor holiday market filled with hand-crafted gifts where you can shop. Inside the heated tent enjoy live German music and dance while dining on German food and drink. Sip those German beers and mulled wines from a souvenir mug that also makes a great gift. The market is open daily through December 23. On Thanksgiving Day the market is open 11 AM to 4 PM. (Skyline Park/16th Street Mall)

Highland Tap and Burger
The folks at HTB will open at 5 PM on Thanksgiving with a limited food menu, but the bar drinks will flow all evening long. (2219 W. 32nd Ave.; 720-287-4493)

Highland Tavern
While the kitchen will be closed on Thanksgiving, the bar at Highland Tavern will open on at 5 PM with pool and ping pong and lots of drinks. Be sure to thank (and tip) Kris the bartender for being there so you can get out of the house on Thanksgiving. (3400 Navajo St.; 303-433-1990)

Odyssey Beerwerks
The tap room will open on Thanksgiving so guests can fill their crowlers and growlers for the holiday celebration. Only open from 10 AM to 2 PM, get down there and grab your beer to go, but of course have a pint while you wait. (5535 W. 56th Ave., Ste. 107; 303-421-0772)

Don’t feel like cooking? You have many options beside the usual hotel buffet on Thanksgiving. These fine Denver dining establishments will also be open and serving the public on Thursday. Call to make reservations and for times and prices.

1515 Restaurant – 1515 Market St.; 303-571-0011

Citizen Rail - 1899 16th Street; 303-323-0017

Charcoal Bistro – 1028 S. Gaylord St.; 303-953-8718

Charcoal Restaurant - 43rd W. 9th Ave.; 303-454-0000

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House – 8100 E. Orchard Rd; 303-976-0100

Del Frisco’s Grille – 100 St. Paul St.

The Fort – 19192 CO-8, Morrison; 303-697-4771

Humboldt Farm Fish Wine – 1700 Humboldt St.; 303-813-1700

Kachina Denver - 1890 Wazee St.; 720-460-2728

Olive & Finch – Both locations

Uptown – 1552 E. 17th Ave.; 303-832-8663
Cherry Creek – 3390 E. 1st Ave.; 303-955-0455

View House - All three locations:

Ballpark - 2015 N. Market St.; 720-506-5389
Centennial - 7101 S. Clinton St.; 303-790-8439
Littleton - 2680 W. Main St.; 303-797-4829

Photo via Flickr user timsackton