Things To Do

215 Free & Cheap Things to Do This Week Around Denver

Plan your week on the cheap with this list of FREE & CHEAP things to do around Denver. The list is updated daily, so check back often. Looking for more free and low-cost things to do in the following weeks? Find additional activities on our Mile High Events Calendar, which you can view by day or month.

Looking for trivia nights? Check out this long list of trivia events.

If you don’t already, keep up with the latest deals, discounts and freebies by signing up for our daily e-newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook. Click on each link for details, as some events may require registration.

Here’s what’s happening this week: [Read more…] about 215 Free & Cheap Things to Do This Week Around Denver

Thornton WinterFest Transforms Carpenter Park Into A Wonderland

Thornton’s Carpenter Park Fields turn into Santa’s Village, home to Thornton WinterFest on Friday to Sunday, December 12 to 14. Santa and his elves arrive on Friday at 6:30 p.m. to assist the Mayor and City Council member with flipping on the Village’s holiday lights. Fireworks choreographed to holiday music will fill the skies on Saturday. [Read more…] about Thornton WinterFest Transforms Carpenter Park Into A Wonderland

Visit The Village: Holiday Family Fun at Arapahoe County Fairgrounds. Bring A New Toy or Gift For Free Entry

The Arapahoe County Fairgrounds and Event Center is the site of holiday, family fun with Visit The Village on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Holiday revelers of all ages came spend the day strolling through a local vendor village, making crafts, meeting with Santa, sliding down an inflatable tubing hill, enjoying children’s activities, food, beverages, and more. [Read more…] about Visit The Village: Holiday Family Fun at Arapahoe County Fairgrounds. Bring A New Toy or Gift For Free Entry

How to Get Cheap Tickets for Hit Musical ‘The Notebook’ in Denver

Going to the theater can be expensive, so any opportunity to save money on tickets is music to the ears of theater lovers on a budget. And the next big musical coming to the Mile High City is The Notebook. Based on the best-selling novel that inspired the beloved film, the musical tells the story of Allie and Noah, who share a lifetime of love despite the forces that threaten to pull them apart. [Read more…] about How to Get Cheap Tickets for Hit Musical ‘The Notebook’ in Denver

Natural Grocers Host Snow Plushie Scavenger Hunt with Gift Card Prizes (Up To $50) — 20 Winners Per Store!

Natural Grocers is making the holidays a little merrier! Bargain hunters always enjoy searching high and low for great deals on lots of items in the grocery aisles. And, in this case, their detective skills may pay off handsomely at Natural Grocers. The popular retailer is hosting an in-store Snow Plushie Scavenger Hunt for some added joy while you shop. [Read more…] about Natural Grocers Host Snow Plushie Scavenger Hunt with Gift Card Prizes (Up To $50) — 20 Winners Per Store!

Golden’s Historic Downtown Hosts Christmas Parade December 13

Olde Golden Christmas merriment is apparent on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. The Olde Golden Christmas parade features floats, clowns, marching bands, Victorian carolers, antique cars, holiday characters and, of course, Santa. The route is along Washington Avenue from 10th to 13th Streets through historic downtown. After the parade, grab lunch at one of the many restaurants. [Read more…] about Golden’s Historic Downtown Hosts Christmas Parade December 13

119 Free & Cheap Things To Do in Denver This Weekend

Bored on a budget? You’ve come to the right place! Mile High On The Cheap is the answer for Coloradans wanting to live large for less. Luckily, Denver has much to do and see for frugal families, bargain hunters, savvy seniors and anyone who’s limited on funds — festivals, concerts, movies, workshops, tours, sporting events and more. And, for weekend planners, we’ve done all the work for you… [Read more…] about 119 Free & Cheap Things To Do in Denver This Weekend

Movie Preview – ‘Ella McKay’

In Ella McKay, an idealistic young politician juggles familial issues and a challenging work life while preparing to take over the job of her mentor, the state’s longtime incumbent governor. The comedy features an all-star ensemble including Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jack Lowden, Kumail Nanjiani, Ayo Edebiri, with Albert Brooks and Woody Harrelson. [Read more…] about Movie Preview – ‘Ella McKay’

Most Spectacular Christmas Light Displays in the Denver Area – Updated: 120+ Displays!

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: 120+ Displays!

Huge Free Community Event: Chanukah at the State Capitol

A community Grand Menorah will be lit as the highlight of Chanukah at the State Capitol on Thursday, December 18, 2025, on the West Steps of the Colorado State Capitol. The FREE festivities, which start at 5 p.m., celebrate the Jewish holiday of light and the right to religious freedom with joy and festivity, including food and fun for all ages. [Read more…] about Huge Free Community Event: Chanukah at the State Capitol

Good Deal! National Western Stock Show 2026 Tickets – Save Up To 30%

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Saddle up for 16 days of savings! The National Western Stock Show will ride again into Denver — starting January 10, 2026. There are lots of ticket deals to be rounded up, especially if you are willing to buy your tickets in advance. (And they make great holiday gifts for friends and family who are hard to shop for, because they already have everything!) Groupon has Stock Show tickets starting as low as $24 (up to 30% off) with 28 different events available. Remember, Stock Show event tickets include general grounds admission on the day of the event, too. [Read more…] about Good Deal! National Western Stock Show 2026 Tickets – Save Up To 30%

Celebrate Chanukah On Pearl In Boulder

Boulder’s Jewish community holds a Chanukah Menorah Lighting on Monday, December 15, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the Pearl Street Mall. This FREE annual outdoor event is open to the entire community and has become a holiday ritual for many local families. The festivities include the Menorah lighting, music, latkes, sufganiyot (jelly donuts), hot chocolate, and Chanukah favors. [Read more…] about Celebrate Chanukah On Pearl In Boulder

Sneak Preview of New Movie – ‘The Housemaid’

The Housemaid stars Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried and is based on the best-selling book. The film plunges audiences into a twisted world where perfection is an illusion, and nothing is as it seems. Trying to escape her past, Millie (Sweeney) accepts a job as a live-in housemaid for the wealthy Nina (Seyfried) and Andrew Winchester (Brandon Sklenar). [Read more…] about Sneak Preview of New Movie – ‘The Housemaid’

Savor The Holidays at Denver’s German-Style Christkindl Market. New Location This Year

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 Christkindl Market moves to its new home at Tivoli Quad at Auraria Campus from Friday, November 21 through Tuesday, December 23, 2025. [Read more…] about Savor The Holidays at Denver’s German-Style Christkindl Market. New Location This Year

Decorating Your Home for the Holidays? Let’s Add You to Our Map of Holiday Lights!

Does the exterior of your home shine brightly and radiate the holiday spirit with Christmas lights? For the past few years we’ve assembled a list of holiday light displays, both public shows and those at private homes. That single post has turned out to be popular, in fact more popular than any other December post. Our 2025 list and map had dozens of dazzling home displays up and down the Front Range, but we’re greedy and want to create the absolute best list in town for 2025. Bottom line: We want more and need your help! [Read more…] about Decorating Your Home for the Holidays? Let’s Add You to Our Map of Holiday Lights!