Things To Do

One more reason to love your local library? FREE passes to local museums and attractions. Many library districts offer some sort of pass that gives you FREE entry to every place from the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and Dinosaur Ridge to the Butterfly Pavilion and Denver Firefighters Museum. For a family of four, this can be a considerable savings and a way to explore a new or favorite attraction, without having to deal with the crowds of community-wide free days. [Read more…] about Get Free Attraction, Museum & Park Passes at Local Libraries

So you’ve opened some presents, enjoyed family time, munched on a gingerbread cookie and maybe watched a rerun (or two) of “Love Actually” or “Die Hard” or “A Christmas Story.” But, there are still hours to go on Christmas Day. Is anything going on in town? In case you need to buy some last minute eggnog or just want to get out-and-about, here’s what we found open in Denver, Boulder and beyond on December 25, 2025.

Our elves will be out and about until the last minutes, so keep checking back for the latest list.

Did we miss any? Email laura@milehighonthecheap.com.

And for those planning ahead: Here’s our list of free and cheap things to do on New Year’s Eve and New Years Day. [Read more…] about What’s Open On Christmas Day 2025 in Denver

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 – Updated!

Celebrate the holiday season with the Central Platte Winter Festival on Sunday, December 14, 2025, hosted by the Central Platte Valley Metropolitan District in downtown Denver’s 17th Street Community Gardens. FREE and open to all, this downtown holiday festival will feature an eclectic mix of favorite local musicians and festive holiday crafts. [Read more…] about Central Platte Winter Festival at 17th Street Community Gardens On Dec. 14

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

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

Here’s a growing list of 2025 holiday events in the Denver-Boulder area. This day by day guide includes events celebrating everything from now to New Year’s. We’ve included everything we know about, so that you can be sure to find something to do every day, whether you’re looking for tree lightings, Santa visits, Hanukkah celebrations, Kwanzaa gatherings, New Year’s Eve parties and more. [Read more…] about Day By Day Guide To Holiday Events Around Denver-Boulder 2025

Imagine stepping into a world where​ glowing light sculptures, video art projection, and music converge to​ relax your body and engage your mind and emotions. The Lumonics team has transformed a Denver warehouse into an intimate artistic setting. More than 75 light sculptures, in rotation from a collection of over 200 works, are on display and part of the immersive experience presented on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm. Each performance is new and orchestrated live. [Read more…] about 2-For-1 Tickets to Lumonics Immersed

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

The annual Light the Lights celebration kicks off the daily holiday light and music show on the plaza and steps of Denver’s City and County Building. This year’s event is Friday, November 21, 2025. At approximately 5:15 pm, the giant switch will be flipped by Mayor Mike Johnston, illuminating the City and County Building in an overload of holiday cheer! [Read more…] about Denver Lights Up City & County Building For Holiday Season

This year’s Grand Illumination at Union Station lights up the historic landmark on Friday, November 28, 2025. 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

Hudson Holidays returns to The Hudson Gardens & Event Center this holiday season, brighter and more spectacular than ever. Guests can explore hundreds of glowing trees, walk through larger-than-life themed exhibits, take a free selfie with Santa and get in the holiday spirit. Hudson Holidays runs Friday, November 28 through January 4, 2026. Tickets go on sale soon and a presale with big savings runs November 7 to 9. [Read more…] about Hudson Holidays Promises An Extravaganza Of Lights. Big Discount On Tickets During Presale Nov. 7 to 9