Tuba Christmas and other free, cheap things to do in Denver in December

Dress for Success’ moving sale

Dress for Success Denver is on the move. The nonprofit is hosting a moving sale on Dec. 2 and 3. Donated items from local retailers are discounted by up to 75 percent off, ranging in price from $1 to $20. Find deep discounts on boutique-quality clothing, shoes, boots, handbags and accessories. Admission is free. Hours are Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The sale takes place at Dress For Success at 2425 S. Colorado Blvd. in Denver. denver.dressforsuccess.org/get-involved/events/moving-sale

Target gift cards

Target gift cards are at the top of the list on many holiday lists. However, bargain hunters know it’s nearly impossible to get a discount on them. That’s why this weekend special is right on target for holiday savings. On Dec. 3 and 4, get 10 percent off Target gift cards in-store or online — up to $500. If you buy the maximum allowed, it’s a savings of $50. The offer is only available through the store’s loyalty program, Target Circle, as you must add the digital offer to your account. The one-time-use discount is only valid for a single transaction, so make sure all of the gift cards (in whatever denominations) are purchased at the same time. target.com

McDonald’s SZN of Sharing

This December, McDonald’s is spreading joy (and savings) with a holiday celebration exclusively on the chain’s app — the SZN of Sharing. From Dec. 5 to 25, customers can unwrap daily deals, holiday-themed merch drops and the chance to win McDonald’s for life. Here’s what’s on the menu for the daily deals: Dec. 5-7: Buy-one-get-one free Big Mac; Dec. 8-9: Double Cheeseburger for 50 cents; Dec. 10-11: Pick Ur 4 Special; Dec. 12-14: Buy-one-get-one free Crispy Chicken Sandwich; Dec. 15-16: Free Chicken McNuggets (6-piece) with $1 minimum purchase; Dec. 17-18: The Burger Bundle Special; Dec. 19-21: Buy-one-get-one free Big Mac; Dec. 22-23: Double Cheeseburger for 50 cents; and Dec. 24-25: Pick Ur 4 Special. All of the offers are only available via the McDonald’s app. And, starting Dec. 5, every purchase using the McDonald’s app earns an entry for the chance to win two free McDonald’s meals every week for 50 years. corporate.mcdonalds.com/corpmcd/our-stories/article/holiday-McGold-card.html

Olde Golden Christmas

The holidays shine bright in Golden. Olde Golden Christmas merriment is apparent on Dec. 10 at 10:30 a.m. The Olde Golden Christmas parade features floats, elves, marching bands, Victorian carolers, antique cars, holiday characters and, of course, Santa. The route is down Washington Avenue from 11th to 13th streets through historic downtown. Then, on Dec. 17, spend a magical day in Golden meeting and mingling with family-favorite holiday characters along Washington Avenue from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., as part of the city’s “Jingle on the Avenue.” There will be plenty of photo ops, live music, Newfoundland dog cart rides and lots of festive fun for the whole family. visitgolden.com/olde-golden-christmas

Longmont Lights Parade

If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of holiday crowds in Denver, head to Longmont for a bright and cheerful holiday event. The city’s Main Street will be illuminated by floats twinkling with lights on Dec. 10, starting at 5 p.m. Watch the magical Longmont Lights Parade filled with high school marching bands, amazing floats, costumed characters and much more. This year’s theme is “Jingle All The Way.” The parade lines up along Longs Peak Avenue and Bross Street. Then, it marches on Main Street  between Third and Eighth avenues. downtownlongmont.com/do/longmont-lights-parade-1

Visit the Village

It takes a village for lots of holiday fun! The Arapahoe County Fairgrounds and Event Center (25690 E. Quincy Ave.) in Aurora is the site of Visit the Village on Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Holiday revelers of all ages can spend the day strolling through a Village Marketplace with local craft and artisan vendors, enjoy make-and-take crafts, meet with Santa, take horse-drawn carriage rides and participate in lots of children’s activities (including inflatables, holiday games and petting farm). Plus, holiday treats and beverages will be available for purchase. There is also a Gingerbread House Contest with drop-off dates on Dec. 7 and 8. Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased onsite with cash or credit. Children 2 and under are admitted for free. However, get in for free by donating a new, unwrapped gift for any age. One gift equals one admission. arapahoecountyeventcenter.com/visitthevillage

Murdoch’s Reindeer

Santa is everywhere this time of year. However, his furry Christmas Eve assistants make far fewer appearances. Fortunately, his reindeer are flying into Murdoch’s Home & Ranch Supply and you can see them up close at no cost. Their first stop is Dec. 10 at the chain’s Westminster location from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Then, on Dec. 11, they make two appearances – from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Littleton and 3 to 6 p.m. in Parker. The following weekend, find them in Castle Rock on Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and, for their final appearance, on Dec. 18 in Longmont from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kids can also write a letter to Santa, color festive holiday activity sheets and learn how to make reindeer snacks. Parents will definitely want to snap lots of photos for sharing with friends and family. For the schedule, including locations, visit murdochs.com/news/reindeer.

Boulder’s Freezie Fest

Celebrate winter and all things snowmen in Boulder. This year’s annual Freezie Fest (1300 Pearl St.) is on Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy visits with Santa, train rides on the Snowflake Express (weather permitting) and Reindeer Games (holiday crafts and activities), along the Pearl Street Mall and beyond. Admission is free. It’s designed for kids 12 and under, but those of all ages can chill out and enjoy the family-friendly event. While you’re downtown, play Find Freezie through Dec. 23. Find as many Freezies as you can in downtown Boulder businesses and scan the QR code for a chance to win a $25 Downtown Boulder gift card. boulderdowntown.com/light-up-the-holidays/events/freezie-fest

Holiday Ice Shows

Cheapskates will appreciate Centennial’s family-friendly Holiday Ice Shows, especially because admission is free. Figure skaters present three shows at South Suburban Sports Complex and Family Sports Center on Dec. 16, 17 and 18. Skaters perform to traditional holiday music and Santa typically makes an appearance at the finale. Performances are at South Suburban (6580 S. Vine St.) in Centennial on Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. and Dec. 17 at 3:15 p.m. Then, on Dec. 18, at Family Sports (6901 S. Peoria St.) at 3:15 p.m. If you’re in the holiday spirit, bring nonperishable items to any performance for donation to SECOR Food Pantry. Those looking for a memorable holiday experience can skate with Santa before or after the shows. However, that experience requires regular public skate admission. ssprd.org/News-And-Events/Post/19815

TubaChristmas

Hundreds of tubas, euphoniums and other low-register brass instruments spread holiday cheer on Dec. 18 at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Holiday music is in the air from 11 a.m. to noon. It’s all part of TubaChristmas 2022, a nationwide series of free concerts performed by local, volunteer musicians. This marks the 48th year for Denver’s participation. The “orchestra” assembles only hours before show time to rehearse its “heavy metal” tunes. Afterward, jump on the free 16th Street Mall shuttle and explore downtown for holiday shopping and more festive fun. Thankfully the event is on Sunday because metered parking is free in Denver. tubachristmas.com

Winter Solstice Celebration

The Wild Bear Nature Center (20 Lakeview Drive) in Nederland will hold a Winter Solstice Celebration on Dec. 18 from noon to 3 p.m. Admission is $5 per person. Enjoy live owl ambassadors, beeswax candle making, live music (folk harpist), hot cider, hand-on astronomy exhibit, winter crafts and more. wildbear.org/events/winter-solstice-celebration

More freebies, discounts and deals at MileHighOnTheCheap.com.

Every month, Laura Daily and Bryan K. Chavez at MileHighOnTheCheap.com compile
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info@milehighonthecheap.com 14 to 21 days in advance.