There are a range of ways that people look forward to celebrating the end of a chapter and welcoming the new beginnings of another. In Denver, you can take your pick from enjoying a lively, family-friendly firework show or partying all night long at 21 and up events in the heart of the Mile High City. Whatever you choose, stay safe and have fun!
New Year’s Eve at the Mile High Tree
Where? 101 West 14th Avenue
Families looking for a welcoming event don’t need to look further than the Mile High Tree in Denver’s Civic Center Park. This impressive seven-story tree is 110 feet tall, which is taller than the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree in New York! The tree features over 60,000 brightly lit LEDs which can be programmed to a variety of soundtracks. Up to 140 guests can stand under the tree at a time to enjoy a truly immersive and unforgettable light show experience.
On New Year’s Eve, the Mile High Tree will be featuring a one-of-a-kind ball drop countdown at 9:00 PM. After all, nobody likes to keep the little ones up past midnight to enjoy the exciting festivities. Admission to this event is free, allowing everyone in the community to come out and enjoy this beloved tradition and ring in the new year with their fellow Denverites. This is the fifth year that the Mile High Tree has been a Denver Christmas fixture, thanks to Xcel Energy and Xfinity.
PRO Tip: Add the Mile High Tree to your downtown holiday lights walking tour to fully experience the holiday magic that Denver has to offer. If you want to skip the parking meter and garage hassle, consider hopping onboard the free MallRide from Denver’s Union Station.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Downtown
Where? Various Locations
2023 marks the 22nd year that Denverites have been able to enjoy a fireworks extravaganza downtown. This exciting event is presented by the Downtown Denver Partnership and sponsors include VISIT DENVER and the Downtown Denver Business Improvement District. On December 31st, snag your prime viewing spot to watch the fireworks and embrace this holiday tradition. Fireworks are set to be launched from two rooftops and viewing will be available along 16th Street. There are two shows, one at 9:00 PM and the other at midnight, allowing families with little ones to put them to bed at a reasonable hour. Each show will last approximately eight minutes.
Along 16th Street, you’ll find DJs spinning tunes from 8:00 PM until just after midnight. If you want to ring in the new year in style, book a room at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel and enjoy room service after the fireworks show.
PRO Tip: To encourage responsible commuting and safety, RTD will be offering free bus and rail services from December 31st until 7:00 AM on January 1st.
Union Station Thru the Ages
Where? 1701 Wynkoop Street
If you’re looking for a transcendent experience to ring in the new year, head over to Denver’s Union Station for a truly spectacular party. The “Journey to Tomorrow” begins at 8:00 PM and is set to run until 1:00 AM, allowing you to welcome 2024 with a bang. The cost of attendance runs $75 per guest and includes iconic decades from the 80s, 90s, and 00s — all the way to the future! There will be live music and DJ sets, as well as food trucks available to fuel your celebration with decadent bites all night long. As the clock approaches midnight, wave 2023 goodbye and say hello to the new year with a complimentary champagne toast.
Those looking for an upgraded experience may want to consider the Studio B424 package, which includes admittance to the sophisticated Cooper Lounge, specialty cocktails, and a glass of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Champagne. The top tier package, labeled as the “Bootleggers Ball” is priced at $285 per guest and allows early admittance at 7:00 PM, live music by La Pompe, curated bites, and an all-inclusive beer, wine, and cocktail menu. Tickets are limited, so reserve yours before it’s too late!
PRO Tip: Individuals staying at the Crawford Hotel will receive general admission tickets to this exciting New Year’s Eve event. The hotel is adorned with stunning chandeliers, historic touches, and modern-day comforts to ensure you enjoy a welcoming stay.
A Night in Vienna at the Boettcher Concert Hall
Where? 1000 14th Street
Those looking for a more mellow way to ring in the new year may want to consider a trip to the Denver Performing Arts Complex. The Colorado Symphony is set to present A Night in Vienna, which features a rousing array of polkas, waltzes, and marches. This Colorado tradition will be conducted by Christopher Dragon and begins at 6:30 PM on December 31st. Pricing ranges from $10 to $103, depending on where you opt to sit. The early start time ensures that you’re able to catch the downtown fireworks to cap off your night out on the town.
The Boettcher Concert Hall seats over 2,500 guests. Recommended attire is business or cocktail, though this isn’t required. This holiday mainstay is a great way to send off 2023 for those who don’t want to attend a raucous party.
PRO Tip: Those in need of accessible seating will find it on Orchestra 2, Dress Circle 1, and Mezzanine 7.
White Rose Gala New Year’s Eve Party
Where? 1881 Curtis Street
Looking to spice up your holiday festivities this year? Snag your tickets to the Ritz-Carlton’s annual White Rose Gala for a memorable night. This acclaimed Denver NYE event has notoriously sold out for the past two decades, inviting over 1,000 guests to come party the night away with live music, a uniquely Denver ambiance, and a Roaring 20s theme that’s sure to wow you. Guests are asked to dress for the period to fully embrace the Gatsby era. Flapper dresses, tuxedos, ball gowns, and hats galore are all welcome. There will be selfie stations throughout the event, so make sure to grab a photo or two to commemorate your outfit.
The event includes premium cocktails, with upwards of 10 national brands that invite guests to try their signature sips and a countdown that features a balloon drop. Expect to run into all types of Denverites, from socialites to young professionals and even ambitious entrepreneurs and artists. To ensure that your night ends safely, consider booking a room at the hotel. This provides an all-inclusive experience that won’t leave you reeling from paying surge pricing on your ride-share and allows you to relax in the comfort of your spacious and tranquil room at the Ritz-Carlton in Denver.
PRO Tip: Those looking to gain access to all that the gala has to offer will want to opt into the VIP package. This includes admittance to the Speakeasy dance club, casino games, VIP bars, priority admission, and even coat service.
Denver NYE Black Tie Party
Where? 1075 Park Avenue West
Want to get in on Denver’s most anticipated New Year’s celebration? Grab your tickets to the black tie party before it’s too late! Hosted at one of the Mile High City’s best event venues, Asterisk, this celebration is one you won’t want to miss. With an open bar, live music from local cover bands, top DJ sets, and even Vegas-style casino games — this sophisticated party ends with a massive 2,000 balloon drop once the clock hits midnight. Everyone will head home with complimentary party favors to commemorate the exciting night. No tux? No problem! Black tie is encouraged but not required, though the event asks that you dress with class and style.
The fun begins at 8:30 PM on December 31st and carries over until 1:30 AM on January 1st. Tickets are on sale now and provide access to a complimentary photo booth and selfie stations, food trucks, and of course, the dance floor that’s sure to be the most popular spot in the venue while your favorites are spinning. The open bar will include wine varieties, beers, vodka, rum, tequila, scotch, and of course — the champagne toast at midnight.
PRO Tip: This event is 21 and up only and guests will be asked to provide a valid photo ID at check-in. There is a coat check option for $5 per item, located on the Grand Foyer. As for parking, there are two paid lots next to the venue that operate on a first come first serve basis. Overflow is available on the street.
Noon Year’s Eve at the Children’s Museum
Where? 2121 Children’s Museum Drive
Celebrate the festivities early at the Denver Children’s Museum. From 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, you and your family are invited to this unique holiday tradition that strives to bring all of the action of Times Square to Denver before bedtime. The event will feature ball drops at the top of every hour from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, so you’ll have multiple chances to catch the excitement. There will be all varieties of delicious treats that have been crafted in The Teaching Kitchen, as well as curated New Year’s programming and appearances by the hip-hoppin’ Mr. Kneel. The “ball” drops will take place on the museum’s plaza, in the seasonal outdoor experience, “Snow Days.”
Noon Year’s Eve events are a great way to ring in the new year with your little ones without trying to manage their sleepless, grouchy mood on January 1st. Better yet, parents can enjoy this special time with their kiddos before heading out to an adult-only New Year’s Eve bash later in the evening!
PRO Tip: Reservations for this event are not available. Tickets must be purchased on December 31st at the museum on a first-come, first-serve basis.
8th Annual Nocturne New Year’s Eve Celebration
Where? 1330 27th Street
Whether you’ve been to all eight of Nocturne’s now annual New Year’s Eve celebrations or you haven’t yet experienced this event, now is the time to give it a go. Ring in 2024 with champagne, cocktails, delicious plates, and the swinging sounds of all your jazz favorites. The Wil Swindler/Marion Powers Quintet will feature Ben Markley on piano, Seth Lewis on bass, and Alejandro Castaño on drums and will have you dancing the night away.
There are two seating options for this event, bar seats or a reserved table. Bar seating includes a complimentary welcome cocktail and provides guests with “a la carte” access to the craft cocktail and wine list, as well as the holiday menu. Reserved tables include a five-course dinner that has been crafted by Nocturne’s culinary team. Entrees feature confit duck legs and sea scallops. Early show seating begins at 5:45 PM and late show seating runs from 9:15 PM to 12:30 PM. If you can’t make it to this New Year’s Eve party, then check out the range of events Nocturne is hosting for the holidays and into the new year.
PRO Tip: As you book tickets, keep in mind that reservations are transferable but not refundable. This is one of Nocturne’s most popular events of the year, so selling out is a distinct possibility. Grab yours while they’re hot!
Sharkey’s New Year’s Eve Bash
Where? 700 Water Street
Aquatic animal fanatics rejoice because this year, you can celebrate 2024 at the Downtown Aquarium in Denver. Hang out with the aquarium’s mascot, Sharkey, while you say goodbye to 2023 and hello to 2024. Enjoy a delicious, family-friendly buffet and a balloon drop to commemorate the milestone. The aquarium will be hosting a variety of contests and giveaways for the kiddos to get them engaged. The event is slated to begin at 10:00 AM and run until noon. Pricing for adults is $45.99 and kiddos can get in for $35.99. Admission prices include validated parking and discounted exhibit admission.
Aside from this fun celebration, the aquarium hosts a range of other events throughout the year. Create a new family tradition by diving into a four-course Christmas dinner or register your child for the chance to be a marine biologist for the day. Wednesdays throughout January and February 2024 feature $0.99 kid’s meals, so take advantage of this deal and check out the exciting exhibits that the aquarium has to offer.
PRO Tip: Reservations for this New Year’s Eve event are required, so grab yours via the Downtown Aquarium website or call ahead to ensure that you’ll have guaranteed entrance to this event.