Cheap skates
Here’s a freebie so cold, it’s hot. This winter, Southwest Rink in downtown Denver’s Skyline Park once again welcomes locals to lace up for free through Feb. 16. Bring your own ice skates or rent a pair for just $2. Kids get their skates for free on Sundays. Free skating lessons for all are on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to noon and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. For weather and programming updates, call the rink hotline at 303-825-6787. southwestrink.com
Sub savings
Subway restaurants kicks off its Holiday Customer Appreciation with two of its most popular 6-inch subs, the Cold Cut Combo and Meatball Marinara, for only $2 each. If you’re really hungry, order two and create your own footlong special for $4. It’s cheaper than the regular price of either sub ordered as a footlong. The offer runs through Dec. 31. subway.com
Night light
You can’t hold a candle to the beauty of this annual Golden family-friendly event … oh, wait, you can. Olde Golden Christmas continues its tradition of a candlelight walk Dec. 5, with hundreds of candle-holding revelers strolling their way down Washington Avenue. As they pass each block, twinkling lights become “magically” illuminated. At the end of the journey in Parfet Park, Santa flips a switch on thousands of lights along Clear Creek. Participants gather at Foothills Art Center at 6 p.m. The walk itself starts promptly at 6:30 p.m. Bring your own candle or purchase one for 50 cents. Afterward, enjoy holiday nibbles and visit with live reindeer at the Visitors Center. visitgolden.com
Home, sweet, home
Santa’s House has been a Boulder tradition since 1972. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7, families can visit Santa and Mrs. Claus in the festively decorated house, play carnival games for 25 cents each, be entertained by musical performers and enjoy stories from Mother Goose. Plus, there’s a bake sale for some sweet treats. The homey atmosphere is perfect for infants and younger children to visit Santa. Admission is $4 per person at the Pi Beta Phi House (890 11th St. in Boulder). Proceeds are donated to local children’s charities. santashouseboulder.org
Each Monday, Laura Daily and Bryan K. Chavez of compile “Cheap Checklist” to find deals, discounts and freebies. Know of a deal? E-mail info@milehighonthecheap.com 10 to 14 days in advance.
