Mile High on the Cheap

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…]

Since 1955, the folks at North American Aerospace Defense Command (or, as it’s better known, NORAD) have kept track of a sleigh pulled by eight reindeer. Coloradans were in on the tracking right from the early days with NORAD right in our backyard — Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs to be exact. In the 1950’s, curious souls had to telephone in to find out Santa’s flight path.

Hello, 2025! Now everyone can track Santa’s route (online or on their smartphone using a mobile app) on Christmas Eve, as well as receive updates from the North Pole by checking out NORAD Tracks Santa. [Read More…]

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…]

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.

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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…]

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…]

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…]