Welcome to Denver, the city where outdoor adventures and exhilarating nightlife go hand in hand. With a blend of impressive mountain ranges, walkable streets, and countless outdoor attractions, the Mile High City is an exciting destination in the heart of Colorado. But the city is more than a fun weekend getaway.
Visit during the holidays, and you’ll find thrilling things to do in Denver with friends and family. From late-night parties to outdoor concerts and Halloween events, the city is a fantastic destination for anyone who wants to have a blast ringing in the New Year. So join us as we explore NYE in Denver. We’ll show you fun and unique events to make this New Year’s Eve extra special.
Family-Friendly Events
New Year’s Eve in Denver is all about celebrating with the people you love — so keep the whole family together with these family-friendly events. From immersive light shows and daytime parties to one of our enchanting shows, you’ll find plenty of exciting New Year’s Eve events in Denver for all ages.
If you can’t decide on one event, book a Denver city tour and explore the highlights of the city.
Denver Zoo Lights
Denver Zoo Lights transports you to a world of dazzling visuals and wondrous creatures. Grab a coat and some mittens, and start your journey through the 80-acre campus.
Along the way, you’ll encounter whimsical creations such as light sculptures shaped like giraffes and elephants, beautiful ice carvings, and animated displays.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll or take your experience to new heights with the Glow Package, which gives everyone in your group a pair of HoloSpex glasses that make the light displays even more immersive.
And don’t forget about the animals. The Denver Zoo is home to incredible creatures such as the Amur tiger and the Bactrian camel.
These cold-weather species thrive in Colorado’s wintery landscape, but you can also venture inside the Tropical Discovery building to marvel at warm-weather animals, including sloths, frogs, and more. For a memorable night, book a visit with the giraffe, and hand-feed it snacks.
While you’re at it, get something tasty for yourself — a trip to Zoo Lights isn’t complete without some hot chocolate for the kids and seasonal cocktails for the adults.
Savor your treats as you ride the animal-themed carousel, take a trip on the Denver Zoo train, or simply spend some quality family time watching the displays as you ring in the new year.
The entire campus features more than 3 million individual lights, so set aside around an hour or more to fully explore the whole zoo.
Dare to Be Dazzled!
Adventure awaits in Denver with high-energy Cirque du Soleil shows. Dive into a world of acrobatics and wonder.
Noon Year’s Eve at the Children’s Museum
Not ready to stay up past midnight? That doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the New Year’s Eve festivities. With Noon Year’s Eve at the Children’s Museum, the whole family can celebrate a New Year’s party in Denver without missing bedtime.
The party starts at 9 a.m., so you can stop by whenever works best. Experience the fun of NYE in Times Square without leaving Denver, including ball drops at the top of every hour, family-friendly music, and plenty of tasty snacks.
While you’re there, don’t forget to discover the kid-friendly indoor exhibits. The Children’s Museum has four distinct sections encouraging kids to get in on the action, whether it’s learning about the science of bubbles or saving the city in the mini fire station.
Stop by, and enjoy one of Denver’s best New Year’s Eve parties for kids.
Nightlife and Parties
The Mile High City is a top-tier destination for sensational nightlife and thrilling parties. Be sure to ring in the new year alongside champagne and live music.
Denver Union Station New Year’s Eve Bash
Sitting in the heart of the city, Denver's Union Station evokes a nostalgic age of luxury and glamor. The station was once a fully functioning travel hub built in the late 1800s, but as train travel became less common, it eventually shut down.
But that wasn’t the end of the story. In the early 2000s, the building was gradually transformed into a sparkling events space with restaurants and shopping destinations.
Today, it also hosts a dazzling New Year’s Eve Bash brimming with champagne, lively music, and indulgent delicacies such as steak tartare. Each year brings an exciting party theme, such as the Roaring ‘20s or the Orient Express, transporting you to a glitzy world of the past as you celebrate the future.
From the Station’s awe-inspiring neoclassical facade to the bustling party atmosphere of the Great Hall, this is a unique and rousing experience you shouldn’t miss.
Classic Events
A classy night on the town is a superb way to spend New Year’s Eve in Denver. Have dinner at one of the city’s numerous restaurants before seeing a show downtown — it’ll be a night to remember.
The Colorado Symphony’s New Year’s Eve Concert
If you want a classic NYE experience in Denver, you can’t go wrong with the Colorado Symphony’s annual performance of A Night in Vienna at the Boettcher Concert Hall.
The journey into a world of mesmerizing music starts as soon as you enter the grand performance venue.
Constructed in 1978, the stunning building features an atrium-like entrance hall with sky-high ceilings and beautiful lighting, offering lovely views of the winter sky. Move into the auditorium, and you’ll find nearly 3,000 seats spiraling around the main circular stage.
Find your spot, and get ready for a riveting performance. The Symphony’s enchanting music takes you on an immersive trip through a selection of marches, waltzes, and polkas.
We know music has the power to inspire, which is why our music is played and practiced by Berklee's Music Ensemble. After sitting through a performance at the Boettcher Concert Hall, you may very well leave Denver puffing your cheeks for your inevitable oboe practice or twitching your fingers against imaginary cello strings.
Outdoor Celebrations
Denver has a big appetite for outdoor adventures. Whether it’s a day at the zoo and botanical gardens or a thrilling climb up the mountains, you have to get outside to truly experience all the city has to offer.
That’s why we love these outdoor NYE events in Denver. From impressive fireworks displays to open-air performances in one-of-a-kind venues, these are the best outdoor New Year’s Eve parties in the city.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Downtown Denver
Step onto the streets of downtown Denver, and you’ll be instantly surrounded by shimmering lights and electrifying nightlife.
The walkable region at the heart of the city is perfect for anyone who wants an outdoor NYE experience without giving up comforts like nearby restaurants for snacks and bars for drinks.
But the food is just the beginning. After exploring the downtown streets, get ready to witness a jaw-dropping fireworks display that soars over the buildings.
The 8-minute show happens at 9 p.m. and again at midnight, offering everyone spectacular views and propelling the city into the new year. Take a trip to downtown Denver on NYE, or book a hotel so you’re guaranteed to get a good view.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre New Year’s Eve Event
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of the most showstopping outdoor venues you’ll find in Colorado. The open-air seating and stage are flanked by massive towers of natural sandstone that rose from the earth millions of years ago as tectonic plates gradually shifted.
Today, the towers ascend toward the sky and create an otherworldly atmosphere as you enjoy a live performance. The venue doesn’t always host New Year’s Eve events, but you shouldn’t miss it if the opportunity arises.
Ring in the New Year in Denver
Denver is an entertaining city with plenty of attractions to keep you busy for a weekend — or longer! So whether you’re a longtime resident or it’s your first time in the Mile High City, we hope you’ll use New Year’s Eve as an excuse to get out and explore this exciting town.
From the impressive light displays at the zoo to the thrilling concerts at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, you’ll find fun and unique ways to celebrate the New Year.
While you’re in town, don’t forget to explore one of our shows in Denver. We bring a world of enchanting acrobatics to every performance, from the mystical journey of Corteo to the ice and snow of Cirque du Soleil CRYSTAL.
Make us part of your adventure in Denver, and experience a New Year’s Eve you’ll never forget.