Happy Holidays, frugal friends! It’s that time of the year again to eat, drink and be merry…and save money! And you should always celebrate on a budget, so we’re hoping to make the holidays a little merrier for a few lucky readers with our annual holiday giveaway. This year, there will be fifteen (15) winners! Each will receive a $50 Walmart gift card for their very own little mini holiday shopping spree, courtesy of their favorite local site — Mile High On The Cheap! [Read more…] about Enter MHOTC’s Annual Holiday Giveaway: $50 Walmart Gift Card — 15 Winners!
Where To See Santa In 2026 & Have Your Photo Taken With Him
You better watch out, you better not cry. You better not pout, we’re telling you why, MHOTC has inside intel on Santa. Here’s where you can take the kids to share their gift wishes with the jolly man himself. Unless noted, all visits with Santa are FREE and he’s around through Christmas Eve. Do check, as some sites only let the kiddos onto Santa’s lap if you pay for a photo package.
We’ll continue to update the map as the Chief Scheduling Elf sends us more information, so check back often. Simply move your mouse over the location to find the Santa nearest you.
If you hear about Santa’s whereabouts and it’s not on our map, drop us a note with all the details at info@milehighonthecheap.com.
[Read more…] about Where To See Santa In 2026 & Have Your Photo Taken With Him
Time Is Running Out! Where To Order Thanksgiving Dinners To-Go In 2026
If the thought of spending your Thanksgiving in the kitchen instead of watching holiday movies or football fills you with dread, don’t despair. Grocery stores and restaurants are happy to take care of most, if not all, the work. We did the math and found that most of these dinners work out to $7.50 to $12 per person.
Some of the more basic dinners don’t include dessert, but a few hours of baking something scrumptious might be just the recipe for getting into the holiday spirit. [Read more…] about Time Is Running Out! Where To Order Thanksgiving Dinners To-Go In 2026
More Locations Added! Thanksgiving Food Giveaways: FREE Meals and Groceries For Families in Need of Some Holiday Cheer
Each year, local organizations and community groups sponsor Thanksgiving turkey and food giveaways, to make sure families facing food insecurity or financial hardship can gather together for a traditional meal. We’re collecting as many of these turkey dinner giveaways and food distribution events, as well as free meals, as we can find, and listing them here. Most require advance registration, which is why we are posting this list now. [Read more…] about More Locations Added! Thanksgiving Food Giveaways: FREE Meals and Groceries For Families in Need of Some Holiday Cheer
Annual Farolito Lighting and Pinecone Ceremony at The Fort
On Sunday, November 29, 2026, celebrate the Southwestern tradition of lighting the farolitos – paper bags filled with sand – and burning pine cones in the courtyard of The Fort Restaurant. The FREE festivities from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. usher in the holiday season as a unique alternative to the typical tree-lighting ceremony. [Read more…] about Annual Farolito Lighting and Pinecone Ceremony at The Fort
Host Thanksgiving on a Shoestring: Goodwill of Colorado Has Your Table, Décor & Outfit Covered
This post is paid for by one of our valued community partners. Their support helps us keep bringing you news about deals and events in the Denver/Boulder area. Read full disclosure here.
Gobble, gobble, bargain hunters! Halloween is in the rearview mirror and Thanksgiving is on deck. That means it’s time to plan the feast, set the table and find something to wear without carving a big slice out of your budget. Whether you’re gathering with family, friends, coworkers or your community, you can pull together the whole look for less, from the outfit to the table to a one-of-a-kind host gift.
However you celebrate this November, what matters most is creating a warm, comfortable gathering for you and your guests. Here’s how to do it on the cheap. [Read more…] about Host Thanksgiving on a Shoestring: Goodwill of Colorado Has Your Table, Décor & Outfit Covered
Movie Sneak Preview – ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ in IMAX
Set 24 years before “The Hunger Games,” The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping follows sixteen-year-old Haymitch Abernathy (Joseph Zada) of District 12 from the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, the Second Quarter Quell, with twice as many tributes as ever before. In the arena, Haymitch forms an unlikely alliance with Maysilee Donner (Mckenna Grace). [Read more…] about Movie Sneak Preview – ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ in IMAX
Colorado Ballet Offers ‘Pay What You Can’ Tickets To Performance of ‘The Nutcracker’. Tickets Available Sunday, Nov. 15 Starting at 10 a.m.
Colorado Ballet is offering “Pay What You Can” tickets for the performance of The Nutcracker on Sunday, November 29, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Tickets are available for purchase, Sunday, November 15, starting at 10 a.m. As part of Colorado Ballet’s commitment to making the performing arts accessible to all, Pay What You Can allows patrons to select a ticket price that aligns with their budget, with options starting at just $10. [Read more…] about Colorado Ballet Offers ‘Pay What You Can’ Tickets To Performance of ‘The Nutcracker’. Tickets Available Sunday, Nov. 15 Starting at 10 a.m.
Wesley Players Theatre Company Presents ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’
With a full orchestra and an ever-so-talented, inter-generational cast, the Highlands Ranch-based Wesley Players Theatre Company presents three performances of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Performances will be held at Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit on Friday, November 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. and St. Luke’s United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 21 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, November 22 at 2 p.m. [Read more…] about Wesley Players Theatre Company Presents ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’
Belmar Holiday Tree Lighting Set For November 20
Kick off the holiday season with a festive evening at Belmar’s Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration on Friday, November 20, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Head to the Plaza for a heartwarming night filled with seasonal cheer, family-friendly activities, and holiday traditions. The evening centers around the ceremonial lighting of the Belmar holiday tree at 6 p.m., surrounded by twinkling lights, winter fun, and plenty of reasons to linger. [Read more…] about Belmar Holiday Tree Lighting Set For November 20
Grand Illumination Lights Up Denver Union Station
This year’s Grand Illumination at Union Station lights up the historic landmark on Friday, November 27, 2026. Festivities, including musical entertainment start at 4 p.m. with the lights turned on promptly at 6:10 p.m. The annual event features entertainment by the Denver Dolls, a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus, fun activities and the lighting of the station and its tree. [Read more…] about Grand Illumination Lights Up Denver Union Station
Best Amazon Deals This Week: Covergirl, Ninja, Yankee Candle, LEGO, Crayola, Play-Doh, Hisense, Armani Perfume & More
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read full disclosure here.
Don’t spend hours looking for the best deals. Let MHOTC editors do the work for you! Whether you’re shopping for a gift or a specific need, or — like us — just seeing what suits your fancy, take a look at this list we’ve pulled together for you. We scour Amazon for the best prices on everyday items and special treats. All of these items have steep markdowns in price at the time of this post, although deals can end suddenly and prices can change frequently.
This Week’s Best Holiday Craft Shows, Markets and Fairs
This week’s lineup of craft shows will having you driving north, south, east and west to catch them all. These shows are just the place to find that perfect locally-made, handmade gift. We have an entire page devoted to upcoming holiday craft shows, markets and fairs in the Denver/Boulder area. It includes an interactive map to help you find the ones closest to your shopping flight path. As always, we call out some of our favorite picks: [Read more…] about This Week’s Best Holiday Craft Shows, Markets and Fairs
Save Big On Gear at Larson’s Huge Ski & Snowboard Swap
Larson’s Ski & Sport runs its popular ski and snowboard swap from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, November 21 & 22, 2026. The swap includes skis, snowboards, boots, bindings, poles, snowshoes and outerwear. Bring in gear to sell or simply come by to shop deals. [Read more…] about Save Big On Gear at Larson’s Huge Ski & Snowboard Swap
Light Up Longmont: A New Holiday Lights Stroll
Longmont residents can ring in the holidays with a “progressive” holiday lighting from Roosevelt Park through downtown. Light Up Longmont is on Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. This “new” format should be a lot of fun and a change from the traditional lighting ceremony. [Read more…] about Light Up Longmont: A New Holiday Lights Stroll
Streets at SouthGlenn Holiday Parade, Santa’s Arrival & Tree Lighting on November 20
Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves get a big welcome with the Streets at SouthGlenn Holiday Parade on Friday, November 20, 2026. This FREE event runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and includes a parade (starting at 6 p.m.), meet & greet with Santa’s reindeer, cookies, cocoa, face painting and the lighting of the giant holiday tree. [Read more…] about Streets at SouthGlenn Holiday Parade, Santa’s Arrival & Tree Lighting on November 20
Cherry Creek Holiday Market Sets Up Shop In Fillmore Plaza
Nearly 50 local makers, designers, and creators will present a one-stop outdoor shopping experience for all of your gifting needs this holiday season at the Cherry Creek Holiday Market on Fillmore Plaza in Cherry Creek North from November 19 to December 24, 2026. The festive space will be filled with twinkling lights and plenty of cool fixtures for holiday selfies. [Read more…] about Cherry Creek Holiday Market Sets Up Shop In Fillmore Plaza
Boulder Switches on Holiday Lights on November 22
Downtown Boulder, always a fun destination, really shines during the holidays. Festivities begin Sunday, November 22, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with “Switch on the Holidays” when the Art Deco Boulder County Courthouse and the plaza in front of it (1300 block of Pearl Street) are illuminated. Santa, assisted by Mrs. Claus and downtown’s very own Freezie the Snowman, counts down to the grand illumination of the courthouse, the Pearl Street Mall and East and West Pearl. [Read more…] about Boulder Switches on Holiday Lights on November 22
Great Deals! Assistance League of Denver Thrift Shop ‘Holidaze’ Sale Runs Through December
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Assistance League Denver Thrift Shop which opened its Holidaze sale on Monday, November 9, 2026 (and runs through December 23). The store has been collecting merchandise all year for this popular annual event. Some items are brand new, but most is very gently used. [Read more…] about Great Deals! Assistance League of Denver Thrift Shop ‘Holidaze’ Sale Runs Through December
High School & College Theater — Big Shows. Low Ticket Prices. What’s Playing This Fall?
You don’t have to shell out big bucks to see top-notch theater productions. High schools and colleges across the Denver metro area stage plays and musicals, showcasing some of the best local talent to be found. Far from bare bones, you’ll find fully-realized scenery, costumes, lighting, choreography and often live orchestras. The best part? Ticket prices ($5 to $12) are a fraction of what you’d pay for a “professional” show. [Read more…] about High School & College Theater — Big Shows. Low Ticket Prices. What’s Playing This Fall?
Free Clothes, Free Books & Grocery Discounts at Shop, Swap & Sip Event
Sick of over consumption and fast fashion? Check out Shop, Swap, & Sip: A Sustainable Market and Clothing Swap at Bierstadt Lagerhaus in Denver’s RiNo neighborhood. The event is Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and entry is FREE (under 21 must be accompanied by parent). [Read more…] about Free Clothes, Free Books & Grocery Discounts at Shop, Swap & Sip Event
Get Tickets on November 8 for Final Free Day at Denver Zoo: November 22
Mark your calendars to monkey around with family and friends at the Denver Zoo for FREE in 2026. On select Free Days, the Zoo is giving back to the community with FREE tickets. The next free day at Denver Zoo is Sunday, November 22, 2026. Not everyone can come at once…so the Zoo has gone to a first-come, first-served basis for the tickets. Here’s how to score yours. They are released on Sunday, November 8, 2026. [Read more…] about Get Tickets on November 8 for Final Free Day at Denver Zoo: November 22
La Cache Consignment Shop Holds Blowout 50% Off RDF Sale Before Closing For Renovations
La Cache is one of Denver hidden treasures and a treasure trove for shoppers. The high-end consignment store deals in antiques, sterling silver, crystal, china, art, jewelry, fine linens, small rugs and vintage furniture. The store is closing for renovations as of December 23 and won’t reopen until April 2027. To clear out as much inventory as possible, they are holding a 50% off sale of RDF tagged (Red Door Fund) items throughout the store. [Read more…] about La Cache Consignment Shop Holds Blowout 50% Off RDF Sale Before Closing For Renovations
Cherry Creek Shopping Center Tree Lighting Set For November 14
Cherry Creek Shopping Center kicks off the holiday season with its Annual Tree Lighting Celebration on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Arrive early to explore the Holiday Bazaar, featuring festive shopping, seasonal treats, and family-friendly activities beginning at 2 p.m. [Read more…] about Cherry Creek Shopping Center Tree Lighting Set For November 14