Free and cheap things to do in December: Meet Santa’s reindeer, Governor’s Residence holiday tours

Dress for Success

Amara Martin, right, Programs Director of Dress for Success Denver, helps client Kimberly Edwards, left, complete a professional outfit with a handbag at Dress For Success on Oct. 12, 2016 in Denver. (Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post)
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post

Amara Martin, right, Programs Director of Dress for Success Denver, helps client Kimberly Edwards, left, complete a professional outfit with a handbag at Dress For Success on Oct. 12, 2016 in Denver. (Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post)

Dress for Success Denver is holding a one-day-only Winter Blowout Sale at the Jewish Community Center (350 S. Dahlia St.) in Denver on Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Designer-label items donated from local retailers and other fashionistas are discounted by up to 75% off and range from $2 to $50. Find new and near-new boutique-quality clothing, shoes, boots, handbags and accessories, many of which retail for hundreds of dollars. All proceeds go to helping local women find jobs by providing professional attire, a network of support and career development tools. denver.dressforsuccess.org

Children’s Museum of Denver Snow Days

A cool experience is taking over the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus. Snow Days comes to the museum’s Joy Park from Dec. 6 to Feb. 16, 2026. The celebration provides true Colorado outdoor fun for children and their families. Spend the day gliding around the rink, ice fishing, making your way through a snow maze, “sock skating,” sipping hot cocoa by a toasty fire and more. Plus, the Snow Hill attraction promises real snow for sledding, snowman building and creative winter play. The event is included in the museum’s general admission: $19.75 for ages 2 to 59 and $17.75 for all others. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. mychildsmuseum.org

Snarf’s SAMta Event

Meet SAMta at Snarf’s Sandwiches, a company founded in 1996 in Boulder. The 9-foot mascot — part of the trio (including Bev and Chip) that make up the popular local sandwich shop’s mascots — will be making an appearance at Snarf’s in Highlands Ranch (549 W. Highlands Ranch Parkway) on Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A photographer will be on-site taking free photos to share with families. Plus, the first 100 children will go home with a free Snarfy gift bag. eatsnarfs.com

Meet Santa’s reindeer at Murdoch’s

Reindeer will be visiting select Murdoch's stores in Colorado in December. (AP file)
Reindeer will be visiting select Murdoch’s stores in Colorado in December. (AP file)

Santa is all over the place at this time of year, but his famous reindeer make far fewer appearances. Catch them at Murdoch’s Home & Ranch Supply locations across Colorado throughout December. Before or after visiting the furry team (at no charge), children can also write a letter to Santa, color festive holiday activity sheets and learn how to make reindeer snacks. Santa’s reindeer will be making appearances in Castle Rock, Fort Collins, Fort Morgan, Littleton, Longmont, Parker and Westminster from Dec. 6 to 20. Find a full schedule of locations, dates and visiting hours at murdochs.com/news/reindeer.

For more places around town to meet Santa Claus this holiday season, visit milehighontheheap.com.

Whole Foods Market Grand Opening

Whole Foods Market is opening a new 49,500-square-foot store at 14225 W. Colfax Ave. in Lakewood on Dec. 9. The new location’s product assortment will feature more than 800 local items from 200+ Colorado-based suppliers. On opening morning, customers will enjoy complimentary juice from Big B’s, herbal coffee alternatives from Rasa and sweet bread bites from Outrageous Baking. Plus, the first 300 customers in line will receive a free custom tote bag and Secret Saver coupon, featuring offers up to $100 off. wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/denverwestcolfax

Krispy Kreme’s Day of the Dozens

Krispy Kreme is sweetening the season by offering its popular Original Glazed Doughnuts at a discounted price. On Dec. 12, Krispy Kreme celebrates the Day of the Dozens with a sweet deal. Buy any dozen doughnuts at regular price and get a dozen Original Glazed Doughnuts for just $1. The sweet offer is available in-shop, at the drive-thru or online for pick-up or delivery. There are four shops in Colorado: Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Lone Tree and Thornton. krispykreme.com

Visit the Village

The Arapahoe County Fairgrounds and Event Center (25690 E. Quincy Ave.) in Aurora is the site of Visit The Village on Dec. 13, 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; slide down an inflatable tubing hill; and participate in lots of children’s activities (including games and a petting zoo). Plus, holiday treats and beverages will be available for purchase. Tickets are $10 per person in advance online or $12 at the door. Children 2 and under get in free. In addition, one member per family can get in for free by donating a new, unwrapped gift for any age group. arapahoecountyeventcenter.com

Pet photos with Santa

In this Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016, ...
Mary Altaffer, The Associated Press

Get your favorite pup’s photo taken with Santa this holiday season. (AP file)

Even Santa Claus knows when our furry friends are being naughty or nice. PetSmart is hosting a holiday event for pets to meet Santa and get a photo to commemorate the occasion on Dec. 13 and 14 from 2 to 5 p.m. (Hours may vary by location, so check first.) Snap photos on your personal device or receive a free digital file via e-mail. Space is limited; reservations are required. (Cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, ferrets and other small animals and reptiles — even pot-bellied pigs — are welcome. petsmart.com/santa-photo-days

Governor’s Residence holiday tours

The welcome mat is out at the Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion for the holidays. The stately residence is open for free holiday tours on Dec. 12 and 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days. The tour of the entire main floor includes a peek at the Great Hall and the State Dining Room, among others. The Colonial Revival-style mansion was built in 1908 and purchased in 1923 by Claude Boettcher. The Boettcher family later donated the house to the city. The building has been decorated inside and out for the holidays. Entry is at the Residence’s main entrance at 400 E. Eighth Ave. in Denver. governor-residence.colorado.gov/public-tours

Superior Winter Festival

The Winter Festival in downtown Superior is a day-long extravaganza on Dec. 13, from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free. The celebration will offer something for everyone, including skating with Santa, seeing live reindeer, taking a hayride, decorating cookies, taking photos with Santa and The Grinch and more. Also, peruse the winter market featuring many local businesses, vendors and artisans. Plus, enjoy live music and dance performances throughout the day. The event will culminate with a holiday lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. superiorchamber.com/winter-festival

TubaChristmas 2025

Gavin Steitle, 15, center, performs with hundreds of other tubas during the 49th annual TubaChristmas 2023 at the Sculpture Park outside of the Denver Center of the Performing Arts in Denver on Dec. 17, 2023.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post

Gavin Steitle, 15, center, performs with hundreds of other tubas during the 49th annual TubaChristmas 2023 at the Sculpture Park outside of the Denver Center of the Performing Arts in Denver on Dec. 17, 2023.

Hundreds of tubas, euphoniums and other low-register brass instruments spread holiday cheer on Dec. 21 at the Denver Center Performing Arts Complex in Sculpture Park from 11 a.m. to noon. It’s all part of TubaChristmas 2025, a nationwide series of free concerts performed by local, volunteer musicians. Participants assemble only hours before each performance to rehearse the “heavy metal” holiday tunes. Those in the Parker area can hear their own TubaChristmas concert on Dec. 7 at noon at the O’Brien Park Gazebo. tubachristmas.com

Holiday light displays

One of the best (and most affordable) holiday traditions is experiencing all of the twinkling lights in neighborhoods throughout Denver and Boulder. No need to pay to see the holiday lights; just drive or stroll around with friends and family to revel at all of the creativity and hard work. Mile High On The Cheap offers a comprehensive map of light displays in Denver and Boulder to make plotting the journey easier. The listing includes municipal displays, as well as private homes. milehighonthecheap.com

Kirkland’s Home Closing

Kirkland’s Home is closing the doors on its The Streets at Southglenn location at 6955 S. York St. in Centennial. The home goods store is set to officially close on Dec. 27, but that may be sooner depending on inventory. It stocks a variety of merchandise, including furniture, art and wall décor, lighting, bed and bath goods, home décor and pillows, rugs and curtains, kitchen and dining and outdoor. The close-out sale is currently at 40% off storewide with Christmas merchandise at 50% off. The discount is expected to increase as the final day of business approaches. kirklands.com

Send tips to info@milehighonthecheap.com 14 to 21 days in advance.

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