Winner of Visit Denver’s Mile High Holiday Star Award, Luminova Holidays returns to transform Elitch Gardens into a winter wonderland of Mile High Magic with more rides, more lights and more holiday cheer! Coloradans of all ages will be dazzled by millions of lights and entertainment, while strolling through the Park with more than 300,000 square feet of larger-than-life light displays.
Photo: Luminova Holidays
See the lights from high above on the Ferris Wheel, while sipping hot cocoa, listen to holiday music and enjoy some of your favorite Elitch Gardens rides, including new THRILLS rides that are open this year for the first time.
NEW THIS YEAR: Luminova Holidays is now part of the Elitch Gardens Season Pass! With your 2023 or 2024 season pass, you can visit Luminova as many times as you want.
The holiday event runs November 24 to December 31, 2023 on select nights from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. See the schedule here.
Single day tickets are $24.99. Kids 2 and under are FREE.
IMPORTANT: Parking at Elitch Gardens is $25 with credit card or $30 with cash.
Reservations are required for single tickets and season pass holders. Get tickets here.
Photo: Luminova Holidays
Luminova Holidays features the following displays:
More than 4 million dazzling lights
EVEN MORE RIDES open
65 ft. Christmas tree
25 ft. snowman that never melts
300 ft. candy cane tunnel
Ornaments and presents scaling over 16 ft. tall
Light swings to glide on
300 ft. x 70 ft. wall of lights
Luminova Glow Train rides
Interactive activities including light-up hopscotch
Photo ops galore with immersive light displays
And more to come!
TICKET GIVEAWAY
Our friends at Elitch Gardens are in the holiday spirit and gave us a Family 4-Pack of Tickets to give to one lucky MHOTC reader.
The tickets are only valid for opening weekend — Friday, November 24, 2023 or Sunday, November 26, 2023, so check your calendar to ensure you can attend one of the two days. (The prize is valued at $99.96.)
NOTE: Parking is not included in the giveaway. Fee is $25 with credit card or $30 with cash.
To enter, just leave a comment below and tell us what’s your best tip for saving money during the holidays (besides following Mile High On The Cheap, of course!)
You must be a Colorado resident and also a MHOTC subscriber. (If you don’t already subscribe to our daily e-newsletter, sign-up here. It’s a must for every bargain hunter in Colorado!)
The deadline to enter is November 14, 2023 at 6 p.m. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted via e-mail.
Watch the sales
Have a plan
Start early
I save by shopping throughout the year and storing the items in a special cabinet. Then no pressure during the holidays!
I would love to win these!
I use all the coupon apps to help with getting a good deal. I try to buy only the things I really need and then I scan all the receipts into all my apps for cash back!
My best tip for saving money during the holidays is to buy gift cards at King Soopers when they are giving 4x the fuel points plus 4x the fuel points for shopping on specific days. I drive a lot so getting fuel at a huge discount helps a lot!
Making a good list can always help with saving money and looking ahead online at all deals sales and coupons!
I went through my expenses and cut out any unneeded payments, it has really helped.
I save by shopping the clearance sales at Target and Walmart all year.
Save on holiday groceries – Use the king Soopers mobile app for building your grocery list, coupons, and cash back . Also use ibotta for more cash back
Make hot cocoa @ home & drive around to see neighborhood holiday lights & decorations!
Purchase tickets for events you want to see early to avoid sell-outs and to have something to look forward to. This helps me control spending by committing to a few great things.
Keep an eye out for daily deals. Always shop sales and clearance.
Wait for Black Friday deals!
Shop holiday sales early & with creditmechant loyalty accounts that offer “cash-back” on purchases & or travel or other credits. & use cash-back service providers like Rakuten or the like.
Start early. Stick to a list.
Stick to the lists, Start early. Store sales, perks, rewards, coupons all help!
I have a Holiday club account through my credit union, which I add money to each payday all throughout the year. I am allowed to withdraw beginning of October so there is a good amount for gifts. Then I watch all sales and try to get the best deal for everyone’s presents. This works quite well!
Walk through downtown for free: video and lights on Union Station and D&F Clocktower, ice skating at Skyline Park, Christkindl Market and Mile High Tree at Civic Center Park, and holiday lights above Larimer Square
Black friday
Go early, watch the sales, amd shop around
I started shopping early. I set a spending limit. I do a savings challenge and put money aside every paycheck.
Shop throuhout the year, finding sales and deals instead of waiting until the last minute.
Black Friday
Don’t buy more than you really need, keep it simple.
Shop sales early and often! 😀
My kids create a visual wish list from different store sale magazines books in November. I will then pick 1 item from their list for a Xmas present and use the remaining time to hunt for the best deal on that gift item. But which one will they get, that’s the surprise 🫢 😆.
Reduce, reuse, recycle
Save by doing no, or low cost alternatives.
Start shopping early at the thrift stores!
We set a budget for the season and for gifts for each person. We also shop throughout the year as items go on either major holiday sales or just special sales. By shopping all year we are able to make our budgeted dollars go farther.
Read Mile High on the Cheap and watch for ways to save!
We take advantage of lots of free programs at local libraries (like gift making and wrapping sessions)
Shop the sales!!!! Family traditions like baking cookies and driving around to see Christmas lights. Make memories instead of clutter.
I love hosting potluck parties for my friends and family instead of going to a restaurant/bar. The event can last into the evening without the pressure to buy pricey drinks to justify our table.
I save with digital coupons
Shopping early and using coupons
Stay off the internet. Leave wallet at home.
set a budget, make a plan,. I make my list and start checking for deals and have a budget. No one should go broke for christmas
Holiday savings tips:
1) Read your email daily
2) Take advantage of the library ‘free’ passes to check out local attractions
3) stay home for family time – cooking and movies
4) find the free Santa’s at local spots
5) give back – have your kids fill their bag with their toys to donate so they can help others
6) make free crafts at Michael’s and Home Depot for gifts
7) smile and be kind to everyone – THAT is FREE! ☮️❤️😁
Shop the black friday deals
Black Friday deals are the best time to shop. They are going so month long. Also make a list and stick to your budget.
Love MHOTC
I would absolutely love to win this amazing giveaway.
To save, read the MHOTC emails, make a list and look at prices before and during the black Friday deals to compare!
Sales and lists. Always look in clearance section. Amazon is great too.
Shopping all the sales.
I go shopping the day after Christmas. Many items are on sale. I pack them away is a secret area.
Start shopping early! Check sales. I find making a detailed list helps me to be planned and I can look at multiple stores to find deals.
I browse every day for prices of gifts I am searching for. Then I know if a price is really low or not because I can compare it to what I’ve researched the past week.
Ways to save for our family:
First I like to create a detailed budget outlining our holiday expenses, prioritizing essential items and allocating specific amounts for gifts, decorations, and festivities. This disciplined approach helps us to stay financially conscious and avoid unnecessary expenditures, ensuring a more mindful and cost-effective holiday season.
Lastly, I will Opt for more thoughtful and personalized gifts that carry sentimental value rather than splurging on expensive items. Things such as: Handmade crafts, heartfelt notes, or experiences(such as this Elitches visit) to create meaningful connections without breaking the bank, allowing me to express my love and appreciation while staying within our budget.
I shop clearance sections at all stores and find new items at thrift stores and deals from MHOTC!
I love baking items for gifts for friends and family!
Make a list, stick to it and your budget. Check for sales and price match items to make fewer trips!
Shopping early and watching for sales are my go-to ways to save on holiday items. 😁
I’m a huge fan of all the fun activities during the holiday season. To save money, I usually purchase tickets to activities during discounted presales. I also follow many different money saving blogs (MHOTC being my favorite). We have pared down gift giving and doi experiences instead. A lot of times we’ll find fun gift experiences on discounted sites such as this one.
Thank you for the offer. I save money by using the points from my Wells Fargo credit card around Christmas each year. I am able to redeem my points for cash and it really helps the finances when it comes to buying gifts. I also look to save money by buying gifts in bulk for my kid’s teachers, friends, and neighbors.
I buy Christmas presents throughout the year when I find things on sale!
I start shopping In january and save up presents all year long
Shop with your mom and she’ll show you where to find the good deals! Just like MHOTC.
Provide do it yourself gifts. Those are the gifts that save the most and are the most memorable to people.
Plan ahead and watch sales. I try to watch items on Amazon. I buy gift cards from King Soopers for specific stores to get 4x fuel points and use on holiday purchases or as gifts.
My family and I start doing holiday shopping in October
We purchase a permit to cut down a tree in the National Forest. It is substantially cheaper than buying a cultivated tree on a lot, the tree lasts much longer, and the activity is a memorable tradition.
Would love these for my family! Thank you so much for the chance to win!
The King Soopers App loading the coupons and the cash back options!
Shop the Black Friday flyers that are available from Black Friday web sites or directly on retailer’s web site.
I use coupons and sale items to purchase gifts and grocery store items.
If you live on the SE side of town check out the shop southland flyer for a $15 gift card!
MHOTC, Groupon, and pre-sales for festive family activities/adventures. Early Black Friday sales, Amazon Prime lightning deals, and Target and Walmart discount days. Starting early is the best way for me to avoid a lot of the stress and actually enjoy the holidays. ;) I would love to add this activity to our family’s festive holiday adventures (we’ve never been before).
We save money by shopping Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. We save on groceries at King Soopers with the digital download coupons.
I shop throughout the year, and I price compare on items and follow sales. I am a single mom and this would be so much fun for my kids and I to go to…thanks MHOTC!
Shop on cyber Monday
Make a colorful coupon book, using previously used Christmas cards. Include certificates for back rubs, walking the dog, cooking a special meal, forgiving a transgression, etc.
The last “gift” is truly a gift to both persons involved!
Check out the Black Friday store at 1200 S Abilene St. in Aurora for incredible bargains on clothing and Amazon returns. Also watch the DCPA ticket deals available on Cyber Monday.
Thrifting! I find so many treasures at thrift stores from unused items to slightly used toys, unique jewelry, books, cool ornaments, etc.
I’ll be paying the en and light rather than buying gifts this year unfortunately.
I’ll be paying the rent rather than gifts this year. Saves a ton.
MiHOTC allow me to do much more. If I win , I would love to give these tickets to a friend (single mom who recently lost her job).
Shop for the next year right after the holidays, find bargains and ensure that festive preparations don’t break the bank. Set aside a portion of the income each month is a wise financial strategy, allowing you to accumulate a substantial $1000 savings specifically earmarked for the holidays.
Organize a potluck. This way, the financial burden is shared among attendees, and everyone gets to contribute their favorite dishes, creating a diverse and delightful feast.
Instead of focusing solely on material gifts, consider giving the gift of experiences. Whether it’s a homemade coupon for a special dinner, a day out, or a relaxing evening, these thoughtful gestures often hold more sentimental value than tangible items.
The anticipation of winning tickets for the holiday lights adds an extra layer of excitement, promising a magical experience that aligns perfectly with your conscientious approach to holiday budgeting.
Happy Holidays!!!!
I asked gifts instead of buying them.
I make gifts instead of buying them.
To save money during the holidays I shop all clearance deals and throughout the year.
Bargain shopping is easy and fun if you do it right!
Our family saves money by enjoying what we have and not trying to make the holidays about things but the time we have with each other and new experiences. That has helped us all really focus on the spirit of the holidays and not about things that we will eventually not use or clutter up our home.
Keep eyes open at thrift stores. There are cool bargains to be found that I wouldn’t have thought of.
Dollar store is the place to go for holiday decorations. They have some cute stuff! Go there before shopping other places for decor. For gifts use the honey browser online that will automatically search for any coupons that apply to your store and cart when shopping online. Saves you time and money!
I use all app coupons and shop sales
Shop throughout the year and hit those black Friday and cyber Monday sales
The dollar store is the place to go for holiday decorations. They have some cute stuff! Go there before buying at any other place. For gifts use the honey browser that automatically looks for coupons for you while shopping onine. Will save you time and money!
Last Christmas, in lieu of individual gifts, our family bought a bunch of Groupons for activities to do together. We each picked out something we were interested in and eveyone joined in. Super fun and a great way to take the stress and over spending out of gift giving!
Start shopping early! Catch those sales when you can! Gift cards go on sale at stores sometimes so buy them and if you don’t like gifting gift cards then use that to buy the gifts!
I shop all year long and watch for coupons, specials and of course check MHOTC everyday. You have all saved me tons of money through the years. Would love to see the lights at E;otocjes!
Watch for the sales and start early so you can spread the expenses out. This would be an amazing prize!!
My best money saving tip is: Subscribing to Mike High On The Cheap!! ❤️❤️ seriously best thing EVER!
I have several methods of saving money during the holidays and in general. I use Rakuten and Ibotta to get cash back when shopping online. I also purchase discounted gift cards on my credit card app using rewards. I look at different ads online and see what’s on sale and make shopping lists.
I google fir coupons
Look ahead of time like October November and buy tickets as soon as they’re announced the closer to the date the more expensive it is! Always look on multiple site for free things there’s always something going on!
Start early- always check online for coupons while in store!
Put aside $25-30 dollars every week for the year by a variety of ways: iBotta, coupons, pocket money, etc., and by November you’ll have enough money for all Christmas gifts, especially during all the November sales!
Price match and comparison shopping
I save by keeping a close eye on sales and buying holiday foods and gifts a little bit at a time when I can.
The best way I learned besides websites like this one is to look for clearenace thru the year. I also company gifts that I receive for hard work and regift them. Along with making gifts for loved ones.
Find holiday performances that are doing rehearsals but open to the public for free.
We stick to the “Something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read” Christmas list…I’ve also added something to do (an experience) because I’d rather collect memories than things-life is short!
Budget and for kids buy:
Something they need
Something the want
Something to wear
Something to read
As has already been said – start early and keep an eye on clearance and sale prices throughout the year.
Plan ahead and shop the sales early – don’t wait until the last minute. I found this method to be most helpful in saving money for the Holidays!
Shop early – but also make homemade cookies, bars and fudge always a treat
Watch the sales and use Honey to compare prices.
My kids are old enough that they prefer cash, so I get my holiday shopping addiction with buying interesting, affordable stocking stuffers.
Start earlier than Black Friday!!! Sales start earlier, and there’s a better selection of items!
I use ibotta all year long and save the gift cards for shopping for presents!
check for sales /blackfriday deals
always check with miles high on the cheap…never go wrong with their infos!
Start early. (January 2nd) Less stress and can enjoy more quality family time together. You can find great bargains throughout the year because EVERYTHING goes on sale. For example, we buy extra school supplies in August & hide away for Christmas and Birthdays. Many items make great stocking stuffers. What child doesn’t like new art supplies that stay at home?
We would love to go on Friday, Nov. 29th. 🎄
Join freebie guys telegram and group on Insta, he is on top of sales, Amazon codes and freebies! I’ve been Christmas shopping all year!
Compare prices with various stores to save. Look for deals and coupons available. Would love to win some tickets.
I shop all year and don’t get hung up on getting conventional presents! Experiences or quirky items that fit the receiver are fantastic!
Secret Santa works great to save $. If you have to buy for lots of adults and a few kids just get the adults a 10$ gift card and the kids something a bit nicer!
Shop the sales!!!! Bake cookies for gifts. Drive around to see Christmas lights. Make memories!!
Shop gradually and shop sales
Shop deals early and check around for cheaper prices. If I have to shop deals at multiple places I try to use the online ordering and pick up option as well. It makes running to multiple places more enjoyable :)
I start right after Christmas for the next year.
Black Friday shop for all the deals!
Price match and review sale ads
Make a list of what people need/want during the year, look for those items for great bargains throughout the span of a year, by Christmas you should have found everything at discounted prices and shopping is done ahead of the mad rush!
Of course MHOTC, in addition to getting non perishables ahead of time, spreading out those purchases over the last few months so it doesn’t impact the budget any 1 month, too hard. Coupons, sakes, splitting things from Costco or Sam’s with others….
Love to take my grandbabies (5 &8). Rough last few years and it would really lift their spirits.
Making homemade gifts from the heart!
I would love this I lost my job and would love to take my grandkids here
Eat at Home before you go out and enjoy Holdiay Festivities! Thay way you’re not hungry and you save money. You can have a special treat but won’t have to purchase a full meal.
Don’t wait until the last minute, and buy off season and save for the holidays (I bought a lot of stuff last January when on after Christmas clearance for this year.)
I go to resale stores for wonderful Christmas decorations and to the local ARC. I love to recycle and reuse, it helps everyone! These tickets would be used to take my 70 year old brother who survived two heart attacks in April and he’s like a little kid again, enjoying life and grateful to be alive.
I like to buy gift cards that have bonus rewards that go along with them.
I buy holiday gifts all year round, starting with the after Christmas and New Year’s sales.
Start shopping early!
I budget so that I won’t need to use any credit cards. If possible I begin shopping early from summer on, to find unique gifts for people on my list. Shop local to support businesses and get fun holiday items.
Make your dinner a potluck. Offer to make the main dish and have everyone bring one or two sides or deserts.
Don’t feel guilty about not participating in every white elephant gift exchange or party you are invited to!
By making family memories with outings and baking/decorating sugar cookies.
Start early!
Most gift cards come with a bonus around the holidays, but many will also have a day with an extra bonus card, often a double bonus. It usually is either black Friday or cyber Monday, but the offer can happen anytime. Be patient and hold out for the extra bonus cards!
Look for free or cheap holiday activities.
Shop early to score the best deals throughout the year!!
Shop restaurant gift cards when they offer the “bonus” cards
Buy a permit and cut your own Christmas Tree!
Shop the sales even if it means going to multiple stores to get what you need! Check all the ads and plan ahead! Subscriptions like mile high on the cheap help make this tedious process a little less time consuming! Thanks MHOC!
Black ftiday deals some have even started early.
Follow the Krazy coupon ladies all year to find great deals!
Have a list.. sts, Start early. Buy items on sale and store for later use.
I make a list and try to stick to it. “Try”
Shop clearance section at grocery store.
Best tip is to buy throughout the year. :)
Shop all year with Christmas in mind and stash! take advantage of sales.
But early and search marketplace and neighborhood groups for new/unused items to gift. Shop 2nd hand and keep things out of landfill!
I always start right after Christmas at all clearance items. I also hit all.clearance items during the year and get items I think my kids and grandkids would want. I can use them for Christmas or birthdays.
My best tip is to buy when things go on sale about halfway through the year and it helps me finish early and save money.
Good Luck Everyone!
I start at black friday
Buy early, watch for unique +new items at 2nd hand stores and marketplace.
My best tip is #1: have a budget; #2 to help the budget, look around your home for items the recipients have complimented you on~ wrap this item and give as a gift to them. You have lightened your load at home (Swedish Death Cleaning) and shared your beloved items with people you love!
I save around the holidays by shopping around for the items I want and making sure I have a clear list of what I actually need.
Talk to friends/relatives about doing activities instead of buying a lot of stuff people don’t want or need.
Don’t assume that Black Friday has the best deals
It starts with making a budget and knowing which stores have the best sales and when. I’m not a fan of online shopping as it’s a complete waste of packaging and plastic, so going out for black Friday is ideal. I try to go to the stores that aren’t super popular and busy.
My spouse and I usually skip traditional gifts for one another and justify an experience that we’d like to do as our gift to each other. Then on Christmas we do a few silly stocking stuffers with an agreed upon budget.
I shop all year round looking for clearance items
Stick to a plan and don’t deviate.
Hi.
Our family waits till January to travel together, airfares are up to 80% less!
Oh my kids would me so excited if we won the tickets!!!
Pick me lol
I start my shopping early and always keep my eyes open to Black Friday deals.
There’s so much free stuff to do around the holidays! Christmas tree lightings, cruising around in the car with cocoa and looking at lights, parade of lights, downtown, candlelight walk and golden. The possibilities are endless!
Shop early!!
I am always in search for deals on websites/content sources.
Besides following you guy’s, we usually just shop the early black Friday deals or buy gifts throughout the year! Can’t believe it is almost here!
Consumer Reports is a good resource you can access online with library card: publishes months when categories of products go on sale, product reviews, reliability and best value.
I shop year round and keep things stashed in my office. It really helps saves money by shopping the sales all year.
Please pick me my grandson would love this
Price matching
Have a list and shop early for best selection and value
My kids would LOVE this event.
Definitely shopping deals, clearance and sales throughout the year. Typically Amazon and Target.
The best way to save money is to look at the weekly ads at local stores the day before the new ad starts so you can plan your shopping for the week.
Watch for sales and shop early!!!
My best tip in saving money during the holidays is to not eat out as much as you typically do throughout the year – you’ll save a lot!
Buying gift cards direct from the store/restaurant during the Holidays. Most offer bonus gift cards that one can keep for yourself.
Shop early and use discount groups in Facebook with codes for Amazon etc. we like to give experiences so when they do gift card deals we take advantage of those
Start really early and use your talents to create gifts.
I usually shop for my holiday decorations at the end of the holidays and save about 75 – 90% off. Gifts are throughout the year that are on clearance and gift cards are Sam’s or Costco. Groceries are purchased a month before while items are on sale.
Shop sales and compare prices. Homemade gifts are my favorite for friends. They mean more. Experiences are remembered more than things. We try to create family experiences .
Buy joke gifts at the thrift store
Watch for sales to come out and use your credit card to collect points for cash back after holidays. Then its like a little bonus when holidays are over you get some money-back! 💸💵🤗
I start shopping early. I also follow a Facebook site that tells me all the latest deals on Amazon. Merry Christmas everyone!!!
I teach my kids the true reason for Christmas is to celebrate Jesus, not getting gifts. And that having lots of expensive toys is not practical or wise, so we give more than we get.
I love saving money at the holidays by using online coupons for both my gift shopping and extra holiday food grocery shopping!
Save money by winning these tickets!!
Happy Holidays to Mile High on The Cheap! Thank you for finding us great deals!
It would be so awesome to take my granddaughters here. We always have a girls weekend craft party making special gifts for our friends.
My greatest holiday tip is pre plot deals. Make a game plan of where to shop for what, to save time and money.
Always looking to find good deals on online, coupons, and in store sales and clearance is the best! :)
I buy most of my gifts after Christmas the year before at 70 or 90% off. Love MileHigh on the cheap and so appreciate you Bryan.
Celebrate the reason for the season and you won’t over spend!!
I always do a get together with family and friends to celebrate the holidays.
Use a timer to turn off xmas lights.
The free Turkey @ Safeway and movie passes are the best.
Start with a budget. List all the people you want to gift and how much to spend on each. Commit to sticking with the budget. It’s so easy to impulse buy. Keep a tally of what you purchase and for whom. You’re on your way.
The BEST tip for saving money thru the holidays, is DON’T SPEND ANY! No one NEEDS anything for Christmas! Especially kids, who get so much stuff all year round and parents just hand them money like it grows on trees and show their kids that they don’t need to EARN it!!!
Take advantage of sales