Things To Do

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

Santa is all over the place at this time of year, but his reindeer make far fewer appearances. They are flying into Murdoch’s Home & Ranch Supply locations in December and you can see them for FREE. Before or after visiting the team, be sure to write a letter to Santa, color festive holiday activity sheets and learn how to make reindeer snacks. Don’t forget your cameras! [Read more…] about Meet Santa’s Reindeer Live at Murdoch’s Home & Ranch Supply

The stately Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion is open for FREE holiday tours on Friday & Saturday, December 12 & 13, 2025. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days. The tour of the entire main floor includes a peek at the Great Hall and the State Dining Room among others.

The red brick, Colonial Revival style mansion was built in 1908 and purchased in 1923 by Claude Boettcher. The Boettcher family later donated the house to the city. It has been decorated inside and out for the holidays. [Read more…] about Free Tours of Decorated Governor’s Mansion This Holiday Season

Santa makes his entrance in style when visiting Wings Over the Rockies the weekend of December 13 & 14, 2025. While his reindeer are resting up for Christmas, Santa plans to arrive in by limo or maybe even by helicopter to Santa in the Hangar. Kids can talk with Santa and Mrs. Claus, join fun activities, make arts & crafts, climb into select open cockpits, watch science demonstrations and more. [Read more…] about Santa Lands at Wings Over The Rockies & Exploration of Flight

The City of Brighton will be celebrating its annual Tree Lighting, one week before its annual holiday parade. The Tree Lighting ceremony will take place Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Founders Plaza on Main and Bridge streets. The event will feature a Winter Market with unique artists, crafters, and artisan food vendors beginning at 1 p.m. [Read more…] about Two Saturdays Of Fun: Brighton Holds Annual Tree Lighting & Festival of Lights Parade

The merchants of Denver’s South Pearl Street are hosting WinterFest on Friday and Saturday, December 5 & 6, 2025  — centered on the 1500 block. Enjoy holiday hay wagon rides, an open-air Saturday holiday market with gift and food vendors, live music and a local merchant open house from the 1200 to 1900 blocks. [Read more…] about WinterFest Returns To Old South Pearl Street: Hay Rides, Tree Lighting, Music & More

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 203 Free & Cheap Things to Do This Week Around Denver

Join Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves for an evening of fun when Santa comes to Northglenn on Friday, December 5, 2025, to kick off the city’s holiday celebration. Noel Northglenn runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Northglenn Recreation Center and will be filled with both “fan favorites” and fun ways to celebrate the season. [Read more…] about Noel Northglenn Brings Santa To Town On December 5

Lakewood shines a bit brighter following Lakewood Lights on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park. The official lighting ceremony with the mayor and city council begins at the Gazebo at 5:30 p.m. Meet with Santa or craft an ornament. Cookies and hot cocoa are available for free (though a $1 donation is nice). This event is FREE and open to all ages. [Read more…] about Lakewood Lights Brightens The Season. Tree Lighting, Cookies, Santa, Music & More

Holiday parades abound this time of year, but the signature event for Denver is the 9NEWS Parade of Lights that takes place Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 6 p.m. See marching bands, 40 dazzling floats, marching bands, equestrian units, giant balloon characters and horse-drawn carriages illuminated with sparkling lights. [Read more…] about 9News Parade of Lights Marches Thru Downtown December 6

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

December ushers in the holidays, but also brings FREE fun across the Mile High City, thanks to the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District. As always, there’s so much to explore and experience in Denver on the cheap, thanks to our city’s generous FREE Days at museums and attractions. Remember that some places require you to get a timed ticket in advance, while others allow for walk-ins. Be sure to check policies before you head out. [Read more…] about Free Days at Museums & More in December 2025

This holiday season, Commerce City launches the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink & Merry Market, a special outdoor experience bringing festive lights, cheerful music, local shopping opportunities, and seasonal activities to our community. The ice rink and market will be located in the Commerce City Civic Center parking lot on E. 60th Avenue. [Read more…] about Winter Wonderland Ice Rink & Merry Market Brings Holiday Cheer to Commerce City