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A look at metro Denver holiday activities that won't break the bank

Want to entertain yourself and your family for free? Or for less than $25? We have you covered.

KUSA — The holidays can be tough on our wallets, especially when you add entertaining yourself and your family on top of buying all the gifts. It gets stressful.

RELATED | Holiday Guide 2018: Everything you need to know about celebrating the holidays in Colorado

Thankfully, Visit Denver gave us some options that won’t make you broke. Deep breaths. This is going to be fun!

FREE ACTIVITIES

Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park, Nov. 20, 2018 – Feb. 3, 2019

One of the most popular holiday events in Denver, the Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park returns in 2018 with ice skating and family fun. The rink is FREE and open to the public with the option to bring your own skates or rent a pair at a minimal cost.

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Ice Skating Rink at DEN, Nov. 23, 2018 – Jan. 6, 2019

Back for a second year, Denver International Airport’s (DIA) free ice skating rink will be on the DEN Plaza for everyone to enjoy daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. This year's rink will be bigger and will be accompanied by a variety of entertainment and family-friendly music playing in the background.

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Grand Illumination, Nov. 23

On the Friday after Thanksgiving, Downtown Denver’s major landmarks will light up for the holidays during the Grand Illumination. The event features entertainment and lighting ceremonies at Denver Union Station and the City & County Building. Hundreds of thousands of lights will also illuminate the 16th Street Mall, Skyline Park, the D&F Clock Tower, 14th Street, Larimer Square and more.

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Light the Lights: City & County Building Holiday Lights, Nov. 23 – Dec. 31

The largest lighting display in Denver comes on nightly at 6 p.m. at the City & County Building, where 600,000 lights deck the neo-classical building. The bell tower plays carols nightly as well.

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9NEWS Parade of Lights, Nov. 30 (8 p.m.) and Dec. 1 (6 p.m.)

The 9NEWS Parade of Lights is a signature event of the Denver holiday season. The countless sparkling lights, marching bands, majestic floats and delightful characters will once again wow hundreds of thousands. Viewing along the parade route is free, and grandstand tickets are sold for seating in front of the beautifully illuminated City & County Building.

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43rd Annual TubaChristmas, Dec. 16

More than 300 tuba players from all over the region will play favorite holiday tunes at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, which will be decorated for the season, making it a perfect setting to experience this holiday spectacular. The TubaChristmas Concert is one of the most celebrated and longest-running holiday festivities in Colorado; and participants have ranged in ages from 7 to 86 with instruments including tubas, sousaphones, baritones, euphoniums, antique tubas from the Civil War era, decorated tubas, and more.

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FREE FESTS (IF YOU CAN CONTAIN YOURSELF FROM BUYING THINGS)

Denver Christkindl Market, Nov. 16 – Dec. 23

The Christkindl Market at Skyline Park includes vendors from Germany, Ukraine, Ireland and other countries, as well as local artisans, offering high-quality, handcrafted gifts such as traditional hand-carved wooden figurines, handmade candles and ornaments. Traditional German food, warm Glühwein (hot spiced wine), and traditional Christmas carols and live German music make the market a full holiday experience.

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WinterFest on Fillmore, Dec. 8

Cherry Creek North will once again host Winter Fest on Fillmore Plaza and at participating businesses throughout the neighborhood. The festival will include live ice carving, face painting, complimentary refreshments, giveaways and more; and businesses throughout the area will also host activities such as ornament decorating, entertainment and more.

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Denver Holiday Flea, Fridays - Sundays, Nov. 23-Dec. 16

The Denver Holiday Flea is a contemporary marketplace showcasing makers and retailers who cultivate the Colorado lifestyle. This year’s biggest and best ever Denver Flea will be the 10th annual; and it will take place on the Plaza at Denver Union Station.

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Santa’s Village at Chatfield Farms, Nov. 23 – Dec. 23

Denver Botanic Gardens’ Chatfield Farms will be transformed into a magical village for Santa and his friends. Visitors can take hayrides, watch a movie at Santa’s cinema, meet the reindeer, get pictures with Santa, craft with Mrs. Claus and more.

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Denver Jackalope Holiday Market, Dec. 8-12

Celebrate the holiday season with Jackalope, an indie artisan market on December 9th and 10th from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the newly renovated McNichols Civic Center Building downtown. Shop more than 150 handmade vendors from art and photography, fashion and accessory design, home decor, housewares and more. Enjoy local food, full bar, and DIY workshops at this free and family friendly event.

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LESS THAN 25 DOLLARS/PERSON:

¡CUBA! - through Jan. 20, 2019

¡CUBA!, the latest major exhibition at Denver Museum of Nature & Science, explores the dynamic culture and abundant biodiversity of the Caribbean’s largest island. Although its complex politics and vibrant music have primarily attracted the attention of the world, Cuba is also home to the unexpected. It is a place of stunning contrasts: mysterious caves and bright boulevards, sweltering fields and cool forests, hard challenges and high energy. This lively experience—presented in English and Spanish—takes a look at the people, landscapes, unique species and daily life of this intriguing country.

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Dior: From Paris to the World - Nov. 19, 2018 – March 3, 2019

Denver Art Museum is hosting the U.S. debut of the renowned exhibition, Dior: From Paris to the World. Surveying more than 70 years of the House of Dior’s legacy and influence, the exhibit features a selection of 150 haute couture dresses, accessories, photos, original sketches, and archival material. Curated by Denver Art Museum’s Florence Müller, it will trace the history of the iconic haute couture fashion house, its founder, Christian Dior, and the subsequent artistic directors who carried Dior's vision into the 21st century.

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Blossoms of Light, Nov. 23, 2018 – Jan. 1, 2019

Embrace the holidays with thousands of colorful lights draped in elegant designs at Denver Botanic Gardens’ Blossoms of Light. The 2018 event will display more than one million colorful lights highlighting the Gardens' winter beauty. Visitors can enjoy sparkling passages, new displays and romantic spots under the mistletoe, all made even more beautiful through HoloSpex glasses. Warm drinks and tasty treats will also be available.

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Zoo Lights, Nov. 30, 2018 – Jan. 6, 2019

Zoo Lights span 70 acres of Denver Zoo's campus, with nightly entertainment, animal encounters, Santa meet-and-greets and, of course, illuminated animal sculptures that swing through trees, jump across lawns hide in bushes and appear in places where they are least expected. New this year, guests will be able to control some of the sculptures at special interactive stations featuring “kid-level” control panels. Visitors can get a sneak peek of the lights over Thanksgiving weekend, November 24-25.

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Breakfast with Santa at the Aquarium, weekends Dec. 8-24

Join Sharkey and Santa for a delicious breakfast buffet at Denver's Downtown Aquarium. After breakfast, explore the Aquarium Adventure Exhibit with more than one million gallons of extraordinary marine life. Buffet purchase includes a 50% off Aquarium exhibit ticket and validated parking.

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THE YOLO (THESE CAN BE EXPENSIVE OR INEXPENSIVE, DEPENDING ON DATES, TIMES, SEATING OPTIONS AND AVAILABILITY)

The Polar Express Train Ride, Nov. 10 – Dec. 23

The Colorado Railroad Museum recreates the charm and magic of the acclaimed children’s book and movie, The Polar Express, during the holiday season. The theatrical re-creation surrounds family with the sights, sounds and intrigue of this classic children's tale – complete with an actual train ride, golden souvenir ticket and hot chocolate.

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A Christmas Carol, Nov. 21 - Dec. 23

A Christmas Carol is an annual tradition during the holiday season in Denver. Based on Charles Dickens' classic novel, and presented by Denver Center for the Performing Arts, this joyous and opulent musical adaptation traces money-hoarding skinflint Ebenezer Scrooge's triumphant overnight journey to redemption. Live from the Stage Theatre, A Christmas Carol illuminates the meaning of the holiday season in a way that has resonated for generations.

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Movie at the Symphony: Home Alone in Concert, Nov. 23

A holiday classic, Home Alone will feature renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live by the Colorado Symphony at Boettcher Concert Hall as the film is shown on large suspended screens in Boettcher Concert Hall. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an eight-year-old boy who is accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern). Hilarious and heartwarming, Home Alone is holiday fun for the whole family.

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The SantaLand Diaries, Nov. 23 – Dec. 24

Crumpet the Elf returns to The Jones Theater in the Denver Performing Arts Complex for more hilarious holiday hijinks in this acclaimed one-man show. David Sedaris' offbeat tales from his stint as a Macy's elf in New York City are the sure cure for the common Christmas show.

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The Nutcracker, Nov. 24 - Dec. 23

Children and adults will enjoy Colorado Ballet's 58th annual production of the classic Christmas ballet The Nutcracker, held at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House and featuring unforgettable characters, classic choreography, exquisite sets, dazzling costumes and Tchaikovsky's extraordinary arrangement performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra.

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Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Dec. 5-15

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas tells the story of a song-and-dance team putting on a show in a magical Vermont inn and falling for a stunning sister act in the process. Full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, this is a timeless tale of joy and good will.

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Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker, Dec. 7-8

The one and only Moscow Ballet will present the Great Russian Nutcracker at Denver’s Paramount Theater. Featuring world class Russian artists, hand-painted sets, Russian Snow Maidens, and jubilant Nesting Dolls – Great Russian Nutcracker brings the Christmas spirit to life for all ages.

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John Legend: A Legendary Christmas, Dec. 15

Renowned singer/songwriter John Legend will perform songs from his newest album, A Legendary Christmas, at the Bellco Theatre this holiday season. Also included with every pair of tickets purchased online is a standard copy of the album.

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Ingrid Michaelson Trio Presents: Songs for the Season, Dec. 3

The holiday spirit continues through the end of December, when singer/songwriter Ingrid Michaelson returns to Denver to perform with the Colorado Symphony. The concert – held at Boettcher Concert Hall – will feature her biggest hits as well as songs from her upcoming holiday album, Ingrid Michaelson's Songs For The Season.

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For more information on how to spend an evening or a long weekend in Denver, and to take advantage of holiday hotel deals starting at $99, visit MileHighHolidays.com.

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