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 73 Free & Cheap Things To Do in Denver This Weekend
Things To Do
Where to See ‘The Nutcracker’ Ballet In 2025
Whether you’re a fan of toe shoes or can’t tell a tutu from a toucan, The Nutcracker is sure to win you over (and is the perfect introduction to ballet for children). The holiday classic receives stagings across the Front Range, from small dance school recitals to full-blown, big-budget productions with live orchestra and all the trimmings.
But no matter the dance troupe, Nutcracker dazzles audiences with glittering snowflakes, shimmering sugarplums, the thrilling battle between the Mouse King and the oh-so-handsome Prince and more, all to Tchaikovsky’s extraordinary score. Spend a little or spend a little bit more, the choice is yours. (We’ve noted any discounts.) Here are some productions in 2025 to check out: [Read more…] about Where to See ‘The Nutcracker’ Ballet In 2025
Streets at SouthGlenn Holiday Parade, Santa’s Arrival & Tree Lighting
Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves get a big welcome with the Streets at SouthGlenn Holiday Parade on Friday, November 21, 2025. 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
Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony in Longmont On November 22
Longmont residents can ring in the holidays with the Holiday Plaza Lighting on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. There’s Santa, crafts and holiday music. Hot drinks, goody bags (for the first 300 attendees) and caroling provide the seasonal trimmings for this festive event. Crafts and activities are from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Plaza lighting ceremony starts at 6:30 p.m. [Read more…] about Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony in Longmont On November 22
King Soopers Offers Discount on Denver Nuggets & Colorado Avalanche Tickets
Get ready for lots of action on the court and ice at Ball Arena, thanks to King Soopers! For a limited time, the store is making grocery shopping a little more fun for Nuggets and Avalanche fans. When you check out, look at the bottom of your receipt for special offer exclusively for King Soopers customers who spend $25 or more in a single transaction. [Read more…] about King Soopers Offers Discount on Denver Nuggets & Colorado Avalanche Tickets
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 22 & 23, 2025. The swap includes skis, snowboards, boots, bindings, poles, snowshoes and outerwear. Employees from Loveland Ski Area will on site selling 4-packs at an event-exclusive discount, as well as individual tickets, season passes, and pass cards. [Read more…] about Save Big On Gear at Larson’s Huge Ski & Snowboard Swap
Disney On Ice ‘Let’s Dance’ Skates into Denver This December for Family Fun
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The perfect early Christmas gift for the whole family! Disney On Ice skates into Denver with its new “Let’s Dance” show at the Ball Arena — from December 5 to 7, 2025. The show brings Disney stories to life through world-class ice skating. Expect a performance sure to bring joy and fun to everyone in the family! [Read more…] about Disney On Ice ‘Let’s Dance’ Skates into Denver This December for Family Fun
Where To See Santa In 2025 & 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 2025 & Have Your Photo Taken With Him
High School & College Theater — Big Shows. Low Ticket Prices. What’s Playing This Fall? Updated!
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? Updated!
Castle Rock Starlighting Brings Community Together
The Castle Rock “Lighting of the Star” has been a community event shared by residents dating back to 1936. The same spirit of volunteerism, generosity and love of tradition exists today as Castle Rock businesses and residents prepare to celebrate Starlighting downtown on Saturday, November 22, 2025. The FREE event features caroling, dancing, Santa Claus, hot chocolate, Kids Zone and more — all along Wilcox Square. [Read more…] about Castle Rock Starlighting Brings Community Together
On-Sale Dates & Shows Announced for 2026! Denver Center for the Performing Arts Offers Discount Tickets Through DCPAccess Program
Denver is a world-class city, when it comes to the arts and so much more. And, fortunately for theater lovers on a budget, the city makes the arts more affordable for all. Among the Denver Center for Performing Arts’ discount programs, the most popular is its DCPAccess. The much-loved program provides affordable access to its shows — even the occasional Broadway production. [Read more…] about On-Sale Dates & Shows Announced for 2026! Denver Center for the Performing Arts Offers Discount Tickets Through DCPAccess Program
119 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 119 Free & Cheap Things to Do This Week Around Denver
Tee Up For Fun at Holiday Lights Mini Golf
It’s the most wonderful time of year, when Adventure Golf transforms the park to Holiday Lights Mini Golf. Guests can play miniature golf on three different 18-hole illuminated courses. This is a fantastical journey with more than 100,000 twinkling colorful lights and beautifully decorated features throughout, including Woody, the giant talking tree, an erupting volcano and a booming fireball from its very own temple god. [Read more…] about Tee Up For Fun at Holiday Lights Mini Golf
Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree for Just $35
Start a holiday tradition this year by cutting a native Christmas tree from a forest just 30 minutes outside Denver. On Saturday, December 6, 2025, Golden Gate Canyon State Park will hold a Christmas Tree Cut. The park is offering 250 permits (through a lottery) for cutting a tree in selected areas. Christmas tree permits are issued through a lottery system. You can apply for a permit from November 1 through November 15. The permit cost is $35 per tree, with a limit of one permit per household. Here’s how it works: [Read more…] about Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree for Just $35
Annual Tree Lighting By Santa at Outlets at Castle Rock November 15
Outlets at Castle Rock kick off the holiday season on Saturday, November 15, 2025, with its Annual Tree Lighting event from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Santa will be lighting the 55-foot-tall tree decorated with 5,000 ornaments and bows, which will begin to twinkle with more than 8,000 lights after sunset. The event is capped by a fireworks show. [Read more…] about Annual Tree Lighting By Santa at Outlets at Castle Rock November 15