Denver is far from its original gritty Old-West period. A polished and thriving metropolis, this capital city offers everything, including scenic bike paths and the intriguing Art District on Santa Fe. However, you can still explore Denver’s early days by heading over to delightful Larimer Square, a section in the city that showcases historic landmarks. Once you’re ready to pick up the pace with thrill-a-minute bars in the Lower Downtown area or upcoming New Year’s Eve celebrations, Denver is also the perfect locale, and the city is famous for many reasons. The city also offers plenty of spots perfect for date nights, making it great for a romantic holiday. To know more, read on for a must-see list of the best events and activities for New Year’s Eve in Denver, Colorado.
Winter in Denver
Denver records about 300 days of sun a year, and accordingly, winters are relatively mild in the city. The mild weather means that even if it snows, it doesn’t stay on the ground for long. Daily winter temperatures hover between 45 °F (7.2 °C) and 60 °F (15.5 °C), so I think it’d be great idea to layer up!
Denver offers a lot of winter events, and if you’re lucky enough you might be able to catch sight of some of these wintery delights, including the popular Mile High Tree.
Filter by options
New Year's Eve celebrations in Denver
About New Year's Eve in Denver
- The Mile High City has plenty of events lined up for the New Year's, but its most iconic New Year's Event would be the fireworks display at the 16th Street Mall. You can read more about it by scrolling down.
Tip for tourists
- Denver's Regional Transportation Network offers free train and bus services from 7pm on the 31st of December until 7am on January 1st. You can get updated timings and plan your trip better using the RTD's MyRide app.
Events and activities to celebrate New Year's Eve in Denver
1. Dress up for the White Rose Gala
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by White Rose Gala on Monday, August 27, 2018
Welcome the New Year in Gatsby-inspired style at the White Rose Gala. This lavish Roaring-20s-themed event is awash in the ultimate party atmosphere. Held at the prestigious Ellie Caulkins Opera House, this celebration includes top-notch performers, from energetic flapper girls to fun ballroom dance exhibitions. It seems to me like the perfect event to go dressed up with friends!
The music scene boasts a live swing band and professional DJs, so get ready to dance the night away. Guests receive classic party hats and noisemakers. Don’t miss out on the colorful confetti blast at midnight.
White Rose Gala
Address: Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1385 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80204, United States
Website: White Rose Gala
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official website
2. Party all night at the Denver NYE Cocktail Party
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Denver NYE Cocktail Party on Monday, January 6, 2020
This phenomenal cocktail party at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel is a go-to spot for glorious revelry. This party is a posh affair held in the biggest and most fashionable space in Denver: Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel’s Ballroom. This event offers a well-stocked open bar, fabulous live bands, and top-rated DJs. The bar is all-inclusive! There are also high-rolling casino games, photo booths for lasting memories, the traditional confetti blast, and a bubbly champagne toast when the clock strikes midnight. I think it’s a perfect event to go even if you’re in the city by yourself.
This locale is only steps from the city’s annual fireworks display on the 16th Street Mall display, which means you also get a front-row seat to the brilliant display. Tickets won’t be sold at the venue and will have to be bought in advance.
Denver NYE Cocktail Party
Address: Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, 1550 Court Pl, Denver, CO 80202
Website: Denver NYE Cocktail Party
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official website
3. Watch the fireworks by the 16th Street Mall
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The fireworks display by the 16th Street Mall is a yearly crowd-pleasing favorite. See the night sky light up with fabulous pyrotechnic fanfare as this event offers no less than two exciting fireworks extravaganzas. For families with young ones in tow, there’s a convenient show usually organized at 9pm. For partygoers amped to celebrate, there’s a midnight show.
Each display runs for about eight minutes, and the fireworks are expertly synched to a boisterous music playlist from live professional DJs performing along the mall.
Fireworks by the 16th Street Mall
Address: 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80265, United States
Website: Fireworks on the 16th Street Mall
Opening hours: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official tourism board site
4. Party with your friends at Resolution Denver
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Crowned the top New Year’s Eve party in the city for more than a decade, Resolution Denver is an all-inclusive event featuring a mind-blowing list of festivities. With more than enough bartenders on hand, you won’t wait long for your favorite cocktail. It is usually organized at the McNichols Civic Center Building. Take note that the event was skipped for 2023, but they’ve pledged to be back up for 2024 onwards, so be sure to keep yourself updated!
If you love to dance, check out three levels of heart-pumping dance parties. Spend the night jamming with top DJs, live music, and more. One of the evening highlights is the state-of-the-art audio and visual exhibition that will leave you in awe. They even have a massive balloon drop!
Make sure to try and get the tickets early as the event is usually sold out every year.
Resolution Denver
Address: McNichols Civic Center Building, 144 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80202
Website: Resolution Denver
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official website
5. Class it up at Denver New Year's Eve Black Tie Party
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Boasting a massive balloon drop at midnight, Denver New Year’s Eve Black Tie Party is the spot where you can party with abandon. Enjoy a fabulous end-of-year bash replete with Las Vegas-inspired action and a stellar variety of music to groove to on the dance floor.
The event offers an all-night open bar, live music from local cover bands, DJs, and even casino games! There are even custom selfie stations! There’ll be a confetti blast as well.
Make sure to keep yourself updated on the venue as it usually changes each year.
Denver New Year's Eve Black Tie Party
Address: Asterisk Event Center, 1075 Park Avenue West, Denver, CO 80205
Website: Denver New Year’s Eve Black Tie Party
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official website
6. Take a walk along the Blossoms of Light
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Denver Botanic Gardens on Tuesday, October 9, 2018
If you want to spend a peaceful, family-friendly New Year’s Eve, then opt for Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens. This dazzling light show transforms the city’s York Street into a brilliantly lit wintertime wonderland. I’d take my camera along if I were you!
The highlight is the O’Fallon Perennial Walk, which is a huge tunnel full of colorful animated lights. After checking out the display, stop by Hive Garden Bistro or Offshoots Café for tasty holiday treats and flavorful drinks to warm yourself with.
You even have the option of organizing your holiday party at one of the venues of Denver Botanic Gardens, and I don’t there can be a more memorable NYE party than one where you’re surrounded by dazzling lights!
Blossoms of Light
Address: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York Street Denver, CO 80206
Website: Blossoms of Light
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official website
7. Explore Cherry Creek North Winter Wanderland
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Looking for some FREE holiday fun in Denver? Cherry Creek North's Winter Wanderland Light Walk features eight trees...
Posted by Cherry Creek North on Friday, December 11, 2020
Cherry Creek North Winter Wanderland is a must-see sight. Every holiday season, the city’s lovely Cherry Creek North neighborhood wraps over 600 of its leafy trees with pretty illuminating lights.
The standout is the Winter Wanderland Light Walk, which showcases almost one million glimmering lights. Strollers can also view eight festive trees choreographed to seasonal tunes. Overall, this event is one that the entire family will enjoy.
Make sure to check the updated dates and hours for the event as sometimes the festival concludes before New Year’s Eve.
Cherry Creek North Winter Wanderland
Address: Cherry Creek North, 2401 E. 2nd Ave, Suite 150 Denver, CO 80206
Website: Cherry Creek North Winter Wanderland
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official website
8. Dance the night away at Rock New Years With The Pack And Pretty Boy Floyd
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Update: As of 2024, this event is no longer organized.
If you’re a diehard fan of rock music, then you’ll want to spend the last night of the year at Rock New Years With The Pack And Pretty Boy Floyd. This hard-rock concert is hosted by one of the city’s newest clubs: The Venue.
This live music space showcases local and national artists. The dance floor is large, so there’s plenty of room to jam while The Pack and Pretty Boy Floyd play your favorite head-banging tunes.
Rock New Years With The Pack And Pretty Boy Floyd
Website: Rock New Years With The Pack And Pretty Boy Floyd - The Venue
Denver's perfect for New Year's Eve
Whether you want to spend the night rocking to a live band or partying in an upscale venue, Denver is the place to be for New Year’s Eve thrills. Opt for one of the events or activities mentioned above and make your goodbyes to 2021 unforgettable.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data