Driving or strolling through a fairyland of outdoor light displays is a holiday treat that costs no more than gasoline or shoe leather. And there’s no place prettier than Denver/Boulder, especially when the snowy backdrop is the real deal. Here’s a list of the best Christmas lights in the area for the 2025 season. Our list includes professional and municipal displays and private homes.
We’ve put together a Google map for the home lights to make it easier to plot your visits. To see the map, just scroll down past the pictures of the lights.
We’re updating continuously, so send your suggestion for amazing displays to Laura@milehighonthecheap.com (please include the name of the display — if you know it, address and a photo): [Read more…] about Most Spectacular Christmas Light Displays in the Denver Area – Updated: 140+ Displays!
Whether they’ve been naughty or nice, diners can cross a delicious, stress-free meal off their Christmas wish list. Many Denver area restaurants will be open Christmas Day for dine-in service. Here are some low-cost and moderate-price options, along with a selection of fancy schmantzy spots in case you are in the mood to splurge (be sure to secure reservations for those sooner rather than later).
For those who still don’t have a Christmas tree because they can’t afford it, Arvada’s 
Wrong size sweater? Is pumpkin spice just not your scent? Perhaps three good friends each gave you a set of ear buds? Whatever the reason, you may find yourself having to return a gift this holiday season. Some mainstream retailers — Amazon, Home Depot, Kohl’s and Best Buy — tweaked their return policies this year by adding or raising return-by-mail fees or shortening the return window for holiday purchases according to 
Each year, local organizations and community groups sponsor Christmas meal 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 food distribution events as we can find, and listing them here. If you know of someone who might benefit from this information, please share it with them! 
In the cities Germany, Austria and the German-speaking part of Switzerland, vendors set up stalls in the plaza around the cathedral to sell charming gift items and all manner of holiday goodies. Denver’s 2025 
Sure there will be fireworks across the metro area on New Year’s Eve, and grown-ups can stay up late counting down to midnight, but families will also find some kid-centric ways to celebrate the hours leading up to 2026 on Wednesday, December 31. Here are several we found that are sure to delight the kiddos. Spots fill for some of these events quickly, so you should register soon if one is of interest. If you know of any we have missed, please email 
Spend a magical day in Golden meeting and mingling with family favorite holiday characters along Washington Avenue. 
It’s the last weekend to shop holiday craft shows, so avoid the malls and enjoy the fun. These shows are just the place to find that perfect locally-made, handmade gift. We have an entire page devoted to upcoming 
The Art Student League of Denver’s 
A community Grand Menorah will be lit as the highlight of 
Forget store crowds, shopping for toys is incredibly easy when you purchase online. Whether you’re shopping for a gift for a specific need, or just browsing, here are some fun finds and 
Dazzling drones shows will light up the skies over Downtown Denver this holiday season during the 
Once again Downtown Denver is the place to be for