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…]
Latest Posts
Most Spectacular Christmas Light Displays in the Denver Area – Updated: 140+ 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…]
Bryan Blathers: Why Bargain Hunters Love Seasonal Clearance — Especially After Christmas!
If you’re a true-blue bargain hunter, you have a deep love for seasonal clearance. We are the ones who wait until after a holiday to go shopping for decorations, wrapping paper, candy, gifts and more. “Cheapskates” believe you should never pay full price, which makes stocking up on seasonal clearance one of the best tips for saving money. [Read More…]
Best Last Minute Holiday Gifts From Amazon
The clock is ticking and with Christmas only a few days away, you may be looking for some last-minute gifts and a great price. If you still haven’t found what you are looking for, you can avoid the holiday chaos by shopping online. There are some great deals at Amazon. We’ve found some gifts that are not just on sale, but should arrive by December 25.
All of these items have steep markdowns in price at the time of this post, although deals can end suddenly and prices can change frequently. Some of the biggest discounts are “Limited Time Only,” meaning that they can be here one minute and gone the next. We do try to keep up! Here are a few products that caught our eye… [Read More…]
Christmas Food Giveaways: FREE Meals and Groceries For Families in Need of Some Holiday Cheer
Each year, local organizations and community groups sponsor Christmas meal and food giveaways, to make sure families facing food insecurity or financial hardship can gather together for a traditional meal. We’re collecting as many of these food distribution events as we can find, and listing them here. If you know of someone who might benefit from this information, please share it with them! [Read More…]
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…]
Last Day! Kids Eat Free at IHOP This Holiday Season
Parents are always looking for ways to stretch their holiday budget. And this family-friendly offer from IHOP will keep a little more money in your pocket to use on holiday gifts and decorations. Take a break from holiday shopping and take the kids to IHOP for a frugal feast because the little ones get to eat for FREE. [Read More…]
Popeyes Offers Limited Time $5 Faves Menu with Four Popular Options
Ring in the new year with big savings! Popeyes is starting off 2026 strong with lots of value for diners on a budget. The new limited-time value menu makes it easier for customers to enjoy the popular chicken restaurant’s bold flavors without breaking the bank. Best of all, you could easily enjoy two items for a bigger meal — all for just $10. [Read More…]
Denver Restaurants Open on Christmas Day 2025
Whether they’ve been naughty or nice, diners can cross a delicious, stress-free meal off their Christmas wish list. Many Denver area restaurants will be open Christmas Day for dine-in service. Here are some low-cost and moderate-price options, along with a selection of fancy schmantzy spots in case you are in the mood to splurge (be sure to secure reservations for those sooner rather than later).
We will continue to update this list so check here for the latest additions. If you know of any we have missed, send an email to info@milehighonthecheap.com and we’ll do our best to add them.
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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…]
Where To See Santa In 2025 & Have Your Photo Taken With Him – Updated!
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.
What’s Free Today? Burger King Offers 13 Days of Deals This Holiday Season
It’s the most “Whopper-ful” time of the year for Burger King fans! Unwrap lots of delicious savings at the popular fast-food restaurant this December. BK is spreading even more joy this holiday season (especially for bargain hunters!) with 13 Days of Deals, including lots of FREE food — from December 12 to 24, 2025. [Read More…]