Denver Zoo’s final free day for the year
Monkey around with family and friends for free one last time this year at the Denver Zoo. The popular attraction’s final free day for 2023 is on Nov. 12. Tickets are no longer given away via a lottery. Instead, they are now released on a first-come, first-served basis 11 days in advance, That means you will want to be at your computer starting at noon on Nov. 1. Bookmark this link: https://tickets.denverzoo.org/DateSelection.aspx?item=3486. Explore Predator Ridge populated with lions and other carnivores, the indoor rainforest Tropical Discovery, the Toyota Elephant Passage, Harmony Hill Bear Habitat, Primate Panorama, Northern Shores and more. Free Days for 2024 should be announced shortly. denverzoo.org/free-days
Domino’s free emergency pizza
Sound the alarm! Everyone needs a free pizza, and Domino’s has everyone covered with its new program offering a free medium two-topping pizza whenever you need it. Any Domino’s Rewards member who places a delivery order online or digital carryout order of $7.99 or more can earn an Emergency Pizza, through Feb. 11, 2024. To claim the freebie, members must sign into their Domino’s Rewards account within seven days, following the qualifying order. Then, members have 30 days to redeem the reward, under “My Deals & Rewards.” The reward cannot be redeemed on Oct. 31 or Dec. 31. Limit one free pizza per member. dominos.com/emergency-pizza
Holiday craft shows
Leave the holiday shopping craziness and crowds at the malls for others. With the holidays just around the corner, craft shows fill every weekend of November and December across the Front Range. It’s an opportunity to support local businesses and artisans, while checking off your gift list. Best of all, you’ll find unique, handcrafted gifts at reasonable prices – from goat-milk soap to intricate tapestries and everything in between. Most are free or cost only a few dollars for entry. Find an updated list and interactive map at milehighonthecheap.com/holiday-craft-shows.
Assistance League of Denver’s Holidaze Sale
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Assistance League of Denver Thrift Shop (6265 E. Evans Ave.), which hosts its Holidaze sale starting Nov. 1. The store has been collecting merchandise all year for the popular annual event, including brand new and gently used items. There will be garlands, wreaths, ornaments and other decorations, as well as holiday tableware and linens. In addition, you’ll find holiday clothing, collectible holiday villages and plush toys. Remember to also peruse the shop’s regular selection of clothing (men’s, women’s and children’s), shoes, handbags, jewelry, sporting goods, home decor and furniture. Shop hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. assistanceleague.org/denver/thrift-mart
Try hockey for free
Gear up for family fun! On Nov. 4, USA Hockey, in partnership with local associations across the country, is hosting its Try Hockey for Free Day. Kids ages 4 to 9 who are new to the sport can experience the action on the ice firsthand for free. It’s the perfect opportunity to find out if the cool sport is a good fit for your little athlete. Aspiring hockey players of all ability levels can attend to skate, play and learn the basics of the popular sport. No previous skating or hockey experience is required. Trained coaching staff will be on hand to assist and guide participants. Plus, participants can borrow equipment for the day at no cost. The rinks at South Suburban (4810 E. County Line Road) in Highlands Ranch and Sport Stable (1 Superior Drive) in Superior are participating. Times vary by location. You must register for the event at tryhockeyforfree.com.
Mystery Movie Monday
If you like suspense, Regal Cinemas has just the ticket. Enjoy a major plot twist even before the movie begins on Mystery Movie Monday. For just $5, be the first to see a new release before it opens to the public. The next “secret” screening is on Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. The only information available for this screening is that the film is rated PG-13 and 104 minutes long. The special advance screening takes place at select locations. Regal Cinemas typically hosts the special advance screenings several times a year – just be on the lookout for announcements via social media. regmovies.com/static/en/us/promotions
Great Clips
Great Clips is trimming the grooming costs for veterans and active military members on Nov. 11, Veterans Day. Not in need of a free haircut that day? Pick up a free haircut card for use on a future visit from Nov. 12 to Dec. 1. You must present a proper military ID for either the free cut or card. Customers who purchase a service on Veterans Day will also receive a free haircut card to share with a veteran in their life. Because of the offer’s popularity, expect a short wait or use the chain’s online check-in system for faster service. Sports Clips shops are also offering a complimentary cut to active military and veterans on Nov. 11. greatclips.com; sportclips.com/promotions-partnerships/help-a-hero/help-a-hero
Mile High Tree
Downtown Denver is home to the tallest digital Christmas tree in the country, with 60,000 programmed LED lights. Visit Denver and other community partners have come together to create a unique holiday attraction at Civic Center park, the Mile High Tree. The attraction lights up the night sky from Nov. 17 to Dec. 31. Enjoy a selection of festive and diverse holiday songs timed to the tree’s brilliant light display. The program lasts approximately 5 minutes and runs about every 15 minutes. Best of all, from 5 to 9 p.m., visitors can actually go inside the seven-story tall, 39-foot diameter conical structure for an immersive viewing experience – perfect for a fun holiday selfie. denver.org/milehighholidays/mile-high-tree
Castle Rock Starlighting
Star light, star bright! The Castle Rock Lighting of the Star dates back to 1936. This year’s Starlighting takes place on Nov. 18, all along Wilcox Square in downtown Castle Rock. The free event features caroling, dancing, Santa Claus, hot chocolate, a Kids’ Zone and more. Festivities around the square and nearby venues are from 2 to 6 p.m. The actual Star lighting ceremony begins at 5 with the star lighting at about 5:30 p.m., followed immediately by a huge fireworks display. Santa Claus will be available for visits at the Castle Rock Firehouse from 2 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. castlerock.org/castle-rock-starlighting
Larson’s Ski Swap
Skiers and snowboarders will find all the gear they will need for the upcoming season at bargain prices. Larson’s Ski & Sport (4715 Kipling St.) in Wheat Ridge hosts its popular ski and snowboard swap on Nov. 18 and 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The swap includes skis, snowboards, boots, bindings, poles, snowshoes and outerwear. If you have items you want to sell, bring them to the shop between Nov. 13 and 17. Expert staff will help determine the price for your items and handle all the necessary paperwork. No more than 18 items per person. If your gear sells, choose to get 70 percent of the sale price or the full amount as store credit. In addition, ski resorts will be on site with deals on tickets and season passes. larsonsport.com
Loveland Winter Wonderlights
Loveland gets a bit brighter this holiday season with its Winter Wonderlights. The walkable lighting attraction in the Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra opens on Nov. 18 and runs through Jan. 1, 2024. Admission is free. The attraction lights up nightly from 5 to 9 p.m. Each night, visitors will revel in more than 150,000 holiday string lights, twinkling bulbs, LED mappable snowflakes, illuminated African stone sculptures, the only 23-foot LED mappable Christmas Tree in the state and 30-minute music/light shows. The musical light show features classic and modern holiday songs with dancing lights, continuously repeating throughout the evening. In addition to the nightly lighting attractions, three special LIVE! Celebrations with entertainment, activities, vendors and more will take place on Nov. 18, Dec. 2 and Dec. 16. Canned food donations will be accepted nightly to help feed families in need through the Larimer County Food Bank. visitlovelandco.org/winterwonderlights
Noel Northglenn
Join Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves for an evening of fun when Santa comes to Northglenn to kick off the city’s holiday celebration. On Dec. 1, Noel Northglenn runs from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Northglenn Recreation Center (1 E. Memorial Parkway), filled with fun, festive ways to celebrate the season. Visitors can enjoy free kids’ crafts, a bake sale, carriage rides, surprise pop-up performances, an indoor snowball fight and more. Of course, kids can sit on Santa’s lap. Take pictures on your phone camera or purchase one for just $5 from the professional photographer onsite. northglenn.org/noel
Every month, Laura Daily and Bryan K. Chavez at MileHighOnTheCheap.com compile
“Cheap Checklist” to help smart shoppers find freebies, discounts and deals. Send tips to
info@milehighonthecheap.com 14 to 21 days in advance.
