Things To Do

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

January ushers in a new year, 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 January 2026

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: 140+ Displays!

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

Dazzling drones shows will light up the skies over Downtown Denver this holiday season during the  Mile High Drone Show. For 41 magical nights, 600 drones will soar into the sky, creating holiday-themed animations. Shows start November 21 and continue through December 31, 2025. The displays are at 7 p.m. each night and last about 15 minutes. [Read more…] about Drone Shows Light Up Denver Skies For The Holidays

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!

The Colorado State University Spur campus at the National Western Complex comes alive every second Saturday of the month for a day full of FREE interactive, hands-on activities that the whole family can enjoy. The next 2nd Saturday at Spur is Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This month’s theme is “Winter Festival,” and visitors will have the opportunity to participate in a host of interactive activities throughout the day. [Read more…] about 2nd Saturday at CSU Spur on Dec. 13: Family-Friendly Interactive Hands-On Fun

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