Things To Do

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

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: 100+ Displays!

DSST: Cole Middle & High School hosts a joyful community celebration — Cole Winter Wonderland Craft & Community Fair — on Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This FREE event in the heart of Five Points is more than your typical craft fair. While, there is the usual local vendors selling crafts and gifts, you’ll also find FREE holiday meal staples, FREE haircuts and FREE family portraits. [Read more…] about Cole Winter Wonderland Community Fair: Free Holiday Meal Staples, Photos, Haircuts…and Shopping, Too!

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

On Friday, December 5, 2025, Louisville’s Parade of Lights takes place on historic Main Street. The festivities start at 5:30 p.m. with Santa visits in the Main Street parking lot (next to Waterloo). At the same time, enjoy the sweet sounds of local choirs. The main attraction, the Parade of Lights, starts at 7 p.m. down Main St. from South St. to the Elks Lodge. All floats and entries are festooned with twinkling lights.
[Read more…] about Louisville’s Own Parade of Lights Brightens Historic Main Street

A dazzling Erie Parade of Lights travels through the community’s downtown area on Friday, December 5, 2025. Besides the parade, visitors can enjoy local school choirs, free carriage rides, free hot chocolate, and a visit with Santa just before the Parade of Lights! Festivities begin at 4:30 p.m., with the parade stepping off at 6:30 p.m. at Perry Street & Briggs. [Read more…] about Erie Parade Of Lights Is Magical With Music, Carriage Rides, Hot Cocoa & Santa

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