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Explore New Year's Eve events happening across Denver.
Celebrate the new year with your family by checking out fireworks, blockbuster museum exhibitions, stunning lights displays like Zoo Lights and art shows all over town. Take advantage of great Denver New Year's Eve hotel packages.
Zero Fare for New Year's Eve
RTD is once again offering free fares on buses and trains, supported by Molson Coors. Make your celebration a safe one from 7 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 7 a.m. on Jan. 1.
We strive to post the most current and accurate event information, but changes and cancellations do occur, so please check the official event website to confirm all details before attending.
New Year's Eve Fireworks Over Downtown
WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: 16th Street Mall
For more than two decades, the city has been celebrating the new year with fireworks over downtown. There will be two free shows, 9 p.m. and midnight, from two rooftop locations. The best spot to see the shows is from the 16th Street Mall.
New Year's Eve at The Mile High Tree Presented by Xcel Energy & Xfinity
WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: Civic Center Park
Join in the celebration as The Mile High Tree will host a special ball drop-style countdown at 9 p.m. and midnight. Admission is free!
New Year's Eve Parties, Dinners & Events
Here are some great ideas for celebrating New Year's Eve. For more New Year's Eve activities, see our Denver 365 events calendar.
White Rose Gala
WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: The Ritz-Carlton, Denver
Kick off the New Year on a triumphant note by creating exceptional moments at the gala, and carry that excellence into conquering 2025! Immerse yourself in the Roaring 20's theme, complete with art deco decor and a crowd dressed in the period's finest attire. Be enthralled by the live band, dynamic DJs and dramatic performances, all radiating the allure of the Gatsby era.
A Great Gatsby New Year's Eve at Pindustry
WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: Pindustry
Step back in time and celebrate the arrival of the new year in style at Pindustry. Join them for an unforgettable evening filled with glitz, glamour and all the extravagance of the roaring 20s. Get ready to party like Jay Gatsby himself!
Decadence
WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: Colorado Convention Center
America's biggest electronic New Year's celebration is the two-night event of the (end of the) year you won't want to miss! Get your two-day pass and dance your way into 2024.
The Clocktower Cabaret's Annual New Year's Eve Burlesque Bash
WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: The Clocktower Cabaret, D&F Tower
The Clocktower Clockettes present their best and brightest acts from the past year, with the sassy, classy, high-altitude attitude audiences scream for. This top-shelf, all-star lineup is the best of the best together for one night to ring in the new year! Acts range from classic to modern, from smolderingly sensuous to laugh-out-loud hilarious counting down to a midnight toast and downtown fireworks!
2025 Denver New Year's Eve (NYE) Bar Crawl
WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: Various locations downtown
From dance parties to DJs, live bands and the must-have midnight champagne cheers, the New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl is the perfect place to wrap up 2024 and celebrate the kick-off of 2025 with those you care for the most.
Blockbuster Exhibitions
Migrants, a Tale of Two Hearts
WHEN: Thru Jan. 26, 2025
WHERE: Museo de las Americas
The journey of migrants to the U.S. is full of internal changes taking place in the physical body and mental state. This exhibit will explore the internal and external experiences of the immigrant who leaves home in search of a new and better life.
Wild Things: The Art of Maurice Sendak
WHEN: Thru Feb. 17, 2025
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
Named after Maurice Sendak’s “Where the Wild Things Are,” the beloved children’s book he authored in 1963 that became a cultural touchstone, this exhibition presents more than 400 of Sendak’s creations. Visitors will see unique examples of Sendak’s timeless art, such as the final artworks for the book, and get a sense of his extraordinary skill and deep understanding of the process of creating picture books and designs for the stage, television and film productions.
Denver NYE Black Tie Party
WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: 1075 Park Ave. W.
This NYE, ditch the couch and get fancy! Denver's biggest and best New Year's Eve party is here with an open bar, a DJ spinning everything from Top 40 to old-school hip hop, and casino games where you can win sweet prizes. Plus, don't miss the epic balloon drop and confetti blast at midnight. Snag your tickets before they're gone!
9th Annual New Year's Eve Celebration at Nocturne
WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: Nocturne
Nocturne is pulling out all the stops with Champagne, sublime cocktails and delectable plates created by their award-winning culinary team while you take in the tunes from the ever-swinging Seth Lewis Sextet, featuring Derek Banach on trumpet, Adam Gang on tenor sax, Daryl Gott on alto sax, Tom Amend on piano, Seth Lewis on bass and Alejandro Castaño on drums. Two dinner seatings are available, early and late, as well as bar tickets for those who want to order a la carte.
A New Year's Soul Celebration
WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa by Marriott
Revelers are invited to groove and ring in the new year with the soulful sounds of Motown, performed by The Justin Adams Big Band! This unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration will take place in the iconic Grand Atrium with drinks from the newly launched Palace Bar. Dress to impress and get ready to dance the night away, enjoy delicious bites, sip on bubbles, and make memories that will last all year long.
Crawl 'Til The Ball Falls: Denver NYE Bar Crawl 2025
WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: 2134 Curtis Street Ste 101
Barcrawlerz is a Denver Bar Crawl like no other. Crawl 'Til the Ball Falls features the best drink specials and the best bars in town, including One Shot Back, Giggling Grizzly, The Refinery, The Retro Room, Seven Grand and more!
New Year's Eve Comedy Show
WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: Denver Comedy Underground
Come celebrate the soft opening of the new home for Denver Comedy! Denver Comedy Underground has taken over the old performance space formerly known as The Lodge at Woods Boss. Ring in the New Year with Denver's best comedy and some special surprises! Quaff Champagne at midnight and nosh on free pizza.
New Year's Eve Comedy
WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: The Denver Comedy Lounge
Ring in the New Year with Denver’s hottest comedians and non-stop laughter! The Early Show (6:30 p.m.) is perfect for comedy lovers who want to kick off New Year’s Eve with comedic chaos and energy to set the tone for an amazing night. The Prime Time Show (8:30 p.m.) is the ultimate pre-midnight comedy experience! Get your laugh tank full before the big countdown. The Midnight Celebration Show (10:30 p.m.) includes a complimentary Champagne toast at midnight for the most festive comedy experience! Laugh your way into 2025 with our headline comedians and a celebratory glass of bubbly.
Family-Friendly New Year's Events
Mile High Drone Show
WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: Downtown
For 40 magical nights, 400 drones will soar into the sky, creating breathtaking holiday-themed animations. See these dazzling displays from across the city every night at 7 p.m. for free. From Santa and his reindeer to iconic Denver landmarks like the Mile High Tree and Denver Union Station, each night will bring a new visual experience to life.
Larimer Lights
WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: Larimer Square
Enjoy visits from Santa, live holiday carolers, unique shopping from local artisans at the Holiday BAZAAR, and seasonal treats from top restaurants.
Zoo Lights – Sensory-Friendly Night
WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
Enjoy a variety of accommodations including reduced crowds, low-volume music, quiet rooms and more, just for those who may feel overwhelmed by typical light experiences.
Noon Year's Eve
WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
In conjunction with Snow Days, get all the glitz and glam of New York City's Times Square before bedtime! There will be ball drops at the top of every hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., plus music, tasty treats from The Teaching Kitchen and more.
Beaver Creek New Year's Eve
WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: Beaver Creek Village, Beaver Creek
Celebrate the New Year at Beaver Creek's Winter Circus! The evening kicks off with the annual New Year's Eve Ski Down with skiers and snowboarders to light up the early evening slopes at 6:00 p.m., followed by a fireworks show! (Must be a level 5+ and wear a helmet to participate in the Ski Down.) Then stroll through the village and catch the Winter Circus filled with aerialists, jugglers, break dancers, fire dancers and more. Cap the evening off at 10:00 p.m. with a second spectacular fireworks display over Beaver Creek Mountain.
Icefest
WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: Evergreen Lake, Evergreen
Celebrate the New Year with Evergreen Park & Rec District and the Evergreen community at EPRD’s Icefest! This magical daytime event will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Evergreen Lake and is open to all ages. Evergreen Lake is the largest outdoor Zamboni-groomed ice skating rink in North America! Tickets will be available for purchase on the day of the event on a first-come, first-served basis and cost $25 per person for ages 5 and up; admission for children ages 4 and under is free. There will be food trucks on-site offering non-alcoholic beverages and food for purchase.
More Holiday Events & Activities
Blossoms of Light
WHEN: Thru Jan. 12, 2025
WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens
This annual holiday lights extravaganza transforms Denver Botanic Gardens into a twinkling winter wonderland. Sip warm drinks and nibble on tasty treats as you stroll.
Hudson Holidays
WHEN: Thru Jan. 12, 2025
WHERE: Hudson Gardens & Events Center
You'll be enchanted by even more towering trees draped in thousands of colorful lights. A grove of dancing Christmas trees, a multi-colored forest inhabited by giant snowmen, the holiday light tunnel and glowing reindeer will light up Hudson Gardens into an extravaganza of holiday cheer. Purchase a delicious cup of hot cocoa or adult beverage before stopping by for a perfect free family photo opportunity with Santa.
McGregor Skate
WHEN: Thru Jan. 26, 2025
WHERE: McGregor Square Plaza
The magic of winter has made its way to LoDo with McGregor Skate, an ice skating rink for all ages. McGregor Skate will be open daily from Nov. 29 to Jan. 5, then Friday through Sunday until Jan. 26. Skates are available on-site for rental, or bring your own. Skating starts at just $6, with kids under age 2 and seniors age 65+ always skating for free! An outside bar will be available serving hot chocolate and more.
Downtown Denver Rink
WHEN: Thru Feb. 2, 2025
WHERE: Skyline Park
Bundle up for some free ice skating in the heart of downtown and enjoy special events. Skate rentals for adults are $12 (or $8 for military and first responders) and $9 for kids 12 and under (fourth graders skate for free!). Bring your own pair and skate for free! If you need a skatewalker for assistance, you can also rent one $6.
Ice Castles in Eagle
WHEN: Thru Feb. 8, 2025
WHERE: 794 Fairgrounds Rd., Eagle
Squeal with delight as you race down one of the exhilarating ice slides designed for people of all ages. Explore ice caverns and get lost in a frozen maze where wonder awaits around every turn. Discover elaborate ice sculptures hand-carved by local and international artists. Squeeze through passageways just large enough for children and adults who are adventurous enough to crawl. Belly up to a frosty ice bar and order a winter-themed alcoholic beverage that you can enjoy while you chill out in the coolest place in town. For all who enter through the icicle-adorned archways, time spent at Ice Castles is a source of joy and inspiration!
Ice Castles in Cripple Creek
WHEN: Thru Feb. 23, 2025
WHERE: 339 Irene Ave., Cripple Creek
Squeal with delight as you race down one of the exhilarating ice slides designed for people of all ages. Explore ice caverns and get lost in a frozen maze where wonder awaits around every turn. Discover elaborate ice sculptures hand-carved by local and international artists. Squeeze through passageways just large enough for children and adults who are adventurous enough to crawl. Belly up to a frosty ice bar and order a winter-themed alcoholic beverage that you can enjoy while you chill out in the coolest place in town. For all who enter through the icicle-adorned archways, time spent at Ice Castles is a source of joy and inspiration!
Winter Holiday Trains
WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: Georgetown Loop Mining & Railroad Park
Located 45 miles west of Denver, the Georgetown Loop Railroad is one of Colorado’s most authentic living history experiences which offers daily train rides through scenic and snowy vistas on Santa’s Rocky Mountain Adventure, as well as evening journeys in Santa’s Lighted Forest, featuring more than 300,000 holiday lights.
Zoo Lights
WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
It's official: Zoo Lights has been making magic, memories, and even marriages for 30 amazing years! Presented by Your Hometown Toyota Stores, this illuminating annual event transforms Denver Zoo into Colorado's WILDEST winter wonderland. Don't miss this year's historic celebration, with more than a million lights sparkling over 80 acres—plus a host of special measures to keep your family safe and healthy.
Luminova Holidays
WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
This family-friend event brings larger-than-life holiday displays and immersive experiences for all to enjoy. It features millions of dazzling lights, a 65-foot-tall Christmas tree, twinkling snowmen who never melt, a 300-foot-long candy cane tunnel, giant presents and ornaments, a wall of lights, rides on Elitch Gardens attractions, interactive activities like a light-up hopscotch, strolling holiday entertainers, Old Saint Nick and his elves, and more.
Santa's Little Man Ice Cream Factory
WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: Little Man Ice Cream
Little Man Ice Cream's famous dairy can in Lower Highland (LoHi) is getting converted into Santa's Factory and will be all decked out for the holidays with twinkling lights and ornaments. The magical slide is returning this year along with a Grinch Who Stole Christmas theme. Recurring signature events include photos with Santa, bingo with Mrs. Claus, private ice cream-making parties, gingerbread house building, letters to Santa craft stations, live holiday music, community caroling, Santa Baby Swing, Feliz Navidad Latin Night, and all of the holiday cheer and homemade sweet treats any kid or kid-at-heart could dream up. Santa’s Factory will sell holiday gifts with signature Little Man swag, frozen pint containers, and a variety of artisanally crafted candy perfect for stocking stuffers, made by the master chefs in Mrs. Claus’s Sweet Shop at Little Man. And there will be holiday-themed ice cream flavors such as Egg Nog, Gingersnap and White Chocolate Candy Cane, plus special-release ice cream pies.
Trail of Lights
WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms, Littleton
Stroll through the Colorado countryside along a winding path glistening with lights. Features this year include singing Christmas trees, three-sided light tunnels, illuminated antique and model tractors, a children's play area with synchronized music, and warm holiday food and drink for purchase. Visit the Holiday Market to purchase holiday gifts Dec. 15–17.
Music & Performing Arts
Check back for the 2025 lineup!
Museum & Gallery Exhibitions
Dialogue and Defiance: Clyfford Still and the Abstract Expressionists
WHEN: Thru Jan. 12, 2025
WHERE: Clyfford Still Museum
Clyfford Still withdrew his paintings from the Betty Parsons Gallery in 1951, refusing to participate in a market prioritizing the fame of an artist and the price of their artworks. The following year, he surprised many by agreeing to participate in a group show at the Museum of Modern Art. His rationale for doing so was because the curator, Dorothy Miller, agreed to show Still’s works together in their own gallery. As Still saw it, his work could be viewed on its own terms and not in direct comparison to other artists—but visitors could still see the scope of American painting in the mid-century. Even with his turn away from the art world, Still saw himself participating in something larger and remained in dialogue with his contemporaries. This exhibition considers the nuanced ways in which Clyfford Still was part of an artists’ community in the late 1940s and early 1950s, despite his protestations to the contrary, and how his paintings, through their scale and composition, promote ideas of community.
Vanity & Vice: American Art Deco
WHEN: Thru Jan. 12, 2025
WHERE: Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art
Vanity & Vice: American Art Deco explores the dynamic designs that emerged during the rebellious years of 1920–1933. American women were enjoying more independence inside and outside the home. Cutting hair into a chic bob, wearing rouge on lips and cheeks, hosting cocktail parties, and publicly consuming alcohol and tobacco all reinforced what it meant to be a modern woman. American designers and manufacturers responded to these societal changes with fashionable perfume atomizers and vanity sets and drinking and smoking accessories in the latest styles. This exhibition invites visitors into two distinct spaces occupied by a progressive Prohibition-era woman: her boudoir and a speakeasy. Explore the Art Deco objects that filled these rooms and how they reflect a time of freedom and change.
Animals of the Rainforest
WHEN: Thru Jan. 19, 2025
WHERE: Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Discover the wonders of the rainforest and meet its incredible inhabitants. You'll encounter fascinating live animals, from sloths to reptiles and amphibians; witness expert animal care demonstrations; learn about conservation efforts; and get up close with these extraordinary creatures. For families, there's plenty to explore. Climb on life-sized animal replicas and tree sculptures for a fun and memorable experience. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience the rainforest's biodiversity and have a blast doing it!
Flow: On the River with John Fielder
WHEN: Thru Jan. 27, 2025
WHERE: History Colorado Center
This exhibition focuses on the many uses and importance of the Colorado River, taking visitors inside majestic canyons and atop the most awe-inspiring vistas along the Yampa, Gunnison and Dolores Rivers as they flow toward their confluence with the Colorado. Flow: On the River with John Fielder features a number of iconic large-format Fielder prints, as well as quotes from the renowned landscape photographer gathered carefully from his publications and interviews over the years.
Rumors of Bloomers
WHEN: Thru March 30, 2025
WHERE: Center for Colorado Women's History
Rumors of Bloomers explores women’s experiences as expressed through undergarments. Using rarely displayed objects – such as corsets, bloomers, swimming costumes, petticoats and Mother Hubbard gowns – the exhibition highlights the ways “unmentionables” have given form and shape to bodies, while also expressing identity, autonomy, agency, and protest.
The Life and Art of Tokio Ueyama
WHEN: Thru June 1, 2025
WHERE: Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art
The Life and Art of Tokio Ueyama features more than 40 paintings loaned to the museum by the Japanese American National Museum and Ueyama’s family, whose combined efforts to preserve his work have allowed the story of this accomplished and cosmopolitan artist to be told at the DAM for the first time. Born in Japan, Tokio Ueyama moved to the United States in 1908 at age 18, where he made a home until his death in 1954. This exhibition tells the story of Ueyama’s life, including his early days as an art student in San Francisco, Southern California, and Philadelphia; his travels abroad in Europe and Mexico; his role as artist and community member in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles; and his unconstitutional incarceration during World War II at the Granada Relocation Center, now the Amache National Historic Site, in southeast Colorado.