The kids are home from school, relatives are visiting or maybe you and your special someone are just now trying to map out how to celebrate New Year’s Eve and/or New Year’s Day. You need a game plan that’s inexpensive because you broke the bank on Christmas and Chanukah, like so many of us. [Read more…] about Best Free & Cheap Things To Do in Denver For New Year’s Eve and Day
Things To Do
Most Spectacular Christmas Light Displays in the Denver Area – Updated: xx 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: xx Displays!
Find Lots of Savings at Colorado’s Only Nike Clearance Store — More Than 50% Off
Just do it…save money on Nike clothing and shoes, that is! Nike has become an iconic brand over the years, but fans know it can also be very expensive to dress in the popular brand from head to toe. Thankfully, Colorado is home to one of the few clearance company stores nationally — the Nike Clearance Store. [Read more…] about Find Lots of Savings at Colorado’s Only Nike Clearance Store — More Than 50% Off
Don’t Miss New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Downtown Denver
Once again Downtown Denver is the place to be for two spectacular fireworks shows, one for those such as families seeking an earlier evening at 9 p.m. and a second, identical extravaganza at midnight on New Year’s Eve, December 31. Both run about 8 minutes. Best viewing is the mile-long 16th Street, which is lined with outdoor cafes equipped with heat lamps for those who prefer to people watch in comfort. [Read more…] about Don’t Miss New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Downtown Denver
Get Free Attraction, Museum & Park Passes at Local Libraries
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
What’s Open On Christmas Day 2025 in Denver
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
Where To See Santa In 2026 & 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 2026 & Have Your Photo Taken With Him
Today! Visit The Village: Holiday Family Fun at Arapahoe County Fairgrounds. Bring 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 Today! Visit The Village: Holiday Family Fun at Arapahoe County Fairgrounds. Bring New Toy or Gift For Free Entry
Central Platte Winter Festival at 17th Street Community Gardens On Dec. 14
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
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!
Lakewood Lights Brightens The Season. Tree Lighting, Cookies, Santa, Music & More
Lakewood shines a bit brighter following Lakewood Lights on Thursday, December 3, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 8 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
9News Parade of Lights Marches Thru Downtown December 5
Holiday parades abound this time of year, but the signature event for Denver is the 9NEWS Parade of Lights that takes place Saturday, December 5, 2026, 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 5
Day By Day Guide To Holiday Events Around Denver-Boulder 2025
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
Ice Skating Comes To Olde Town Arvada
The ice may not be real, but it’s still a slippery world of fun. Olde Town Arvada has an outdoor ice rink called Skating in the Square. The synthetic rink is located on the Olde Town Square at 57th and Olde Wadsworth Boulevard. Pricing (including skate rentals) is $10 for adults and $7 for kids under 12. Here’s what to know before you lace up your skates. [Read more…] about Ice Skating Comes To Olde Town Arvada
2-For-1 Tickets to Lumonics Immersed
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
Mile High Youth Theatre Presents Theatre For Young Audiences
Mile High Youth Theatre’s (MHYT) new Theatre for Young Audiences program features performers ages 13 and up presenting shows for early elementary audiences. Productions tour to schools, libraries, and community spaces across Denver, bringing FREE live theatre directly to young audiences. Their latest show is The Velveteen Rabbit based on the book by Margery Williams. [Read more…] about Mile High Youth Theatre Presents Theatre For Young Audiences
Fall Into Fun at Aurora’s Huge Fall Community Festival Oct. 25
Aurora’s Fall Into Fun festival is back on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Aurora Municipal Center. The FREE event celebrates all things fall with live musical performances, a pumpkin patch, fun family-friendly activities and plenty of eats from local food trucks. [Read more…] about Fall Into Fun at Aurora’s Huge Fall Community Festival Oct. 25
Michaels’ Sunday Kids Club Offers Free Family-Friendly Seasonal Crafting Event
Kids can be so crafty! Give children of any age art supplies and let their creativity flow. And Michaels‘ Sunday Kids Club offers a creative outlet for little crafty hands. The arts and crafts store hosts kids-oriented art projects on select Sundays throughout the year. Best of all for parents, the class doesn’t cost a dime and no clean up necessary afterward. [Read more…] about Michaels’ Sunday Kids Club Offers Free Family-Friendly Seasonal Crafting Event
New Dates Announced! Michaels Hosts Free Family-Friendly MakeBreak Craft Events
Get creative with your family fun budget! If you’re feeling “crafty”, head to Michaels for a fun weekend afternoon with the family. The popular store’s MakeBreak craft events offer a creative outlet for kids of all ages — an opportunity to make a fun seasonal craft to take home. Mark your calendar now, so you don’t miss out. [Read more…] about New Dates Announced! Michaels Hosts Free Family-Friendly MakeBreak Craft Events
Free FallFest on Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall October 3-5
Downtown Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall kicks into festival mode once again for the annual FallFest from Friday to Sunday, October 3 to 5, 2025. Admission and live entertainment are FREE. The musical lineup includes Roka Hueka, Silas Herman & The Tone Unit, Cashmere Sweater, Mighty Mystic, 2mx2 and others. [Read more…] about Free FallFest on Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall October 3-5
Join Free Game Night at Room & Board in Cherry Creek North
Room & Board in Cherry Creek North has a new FREE monthly event called Game On. This is casual open game play with a different theme each month. August was mahjong, backgammon and cards. September was Apples to Apples, Trivial Pursuit, We’re Not Really Strangers and Cards Against Humanity. And Friday, October 3, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. will be Scattergories, Scrabble, Catch Phrase, & Bananagrams. [Read more…] about Join Free Game Night at Room & Board in Cherry Creek North
Meet Bestselling Author S. A. Cosby To Discuss His New Novel ‘King Of Ashes’
Arapahoe Libraries continues to bring bestselling book authors to Denver, so that fans can meet these writers and discuss their latest works. Next up: an evening with New York Times bestselling crime writer S. A. Cosby on Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Embassy Suites DTC.
This event is FREE, but you do need to register in advance as the meeting space can only accommodate 250 people. To reserve your spot, click on the link or call the number listed below. [Read more…] about Meet Bestselling Author S. A. Cosby To Discuss His New Novel ‘King Of Ashes’
Great Deal (Up To 50% Off) on Trans-Siberian Orchestra Tickets – ‘The Ghosts of Christmas Eve’
Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s Christmas concerts are some of the most popular shows during the holiday season. But why pay full price? Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve will be at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. You can rock out this season with one of the best shows in years. And Groupon has a great deal on tickets! [Read more…] about Great Deal (Up To 50% Off) on Trans-Siberian Orchestra Tickets – ‘The Ghosts of Christmas Eve’
Final Day! Get Totally Free Ticket ($15 Value) to See New Romantic Comedy ‘The Threesome’
As of this morning (September 7, 2025), the complimentary tickets are still available! There’s nothing to laugh about when you can go to the movies for FREE! In the new comedy The Threesome, a young man’s perennial crush leads him into an unexpected threesome, he thinks it’s his ultimate fantasy come true. When the fantasy ends, all three are left with sobering real-world consequences, to take responsibility for their actions. [Read more…] about Final Day! Get Totally Free Ticket ($15 Value) to See New Romantic Comedy ‘The Threesome’