As 2025 draws to a close, Denver is gearing up to celebrate 2026 in style! From unforgettable parties to spectacular firework shows, the Mile High City knows how to do things up big. Whether your vibe is a rooftop hangout or an elegant gala, there’s something for everyone. The lineup also includes family-friendly festivities, lively downtown bashes and exciting countdowns to midnight. Give a warm welcome to 2026 and get ready to embrace new beginnings!
Sensory-Friendly Night at Zoo Lights
Where? 2300 Steele Street
When? December 31st
This New Year’s Eve, enjoy a sensory-friendly experience at Zoo Lights. With 80 acres boasting a whopping 3,000,000+ lights, this is a holiday tradition that you won’t want to miss out on. A favorite amongst many area Denver families during the Christmas season, Zoo Lights is spectacular but it can be overwhelming for some. That’s where sensory-friendly nights come in. Join the zoo for an inclusive evening for guests living with sensory processing disorders and enjoy a variety of accommodations, including reduced crowd sizes, low volume music, quiet rooms and more. This special night will run from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM and sensory kits will be available upon request. Ring in the new year and welcome 2026 with an extra special experience at the Denver Zoo!
PRO Tip: Zoo members get 10% off their Zoo Lights tickets!
Ring in the New Year with Elway’s Downtown
Where? 1881 Curtis Street
When? December 31st
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style at Elway’s in Downtown Denver. Make your reservations now so you don’t miss out on what’s sure to be an extra special occasion with that extra special someone. Ring in 2026 with luxurious à la carte features, such as seared scallops or a Long Bone Tomahawk, alongside the regular menu. Elway’s has a commitment to culinary excellence, which transforms every meal into an unforgettable experience. Dive into Colorado hospitality at its finest, where moments can linger long after your final bite of the evening! Live music is played every Wednesday evening from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on the patio.
PRO Tip: Make your reservation ASAP because this is sure to be a popular dining experience for many in Denver!
Noon Years Celebration
Where? 8340 Northfield Boulevard
When? December 31st
Want to celebrate NYE with the kids but don’t want to keep them out past their bedtime? Check out this Noon Years Celebration at The Northfield Plaza! After all, who can tell the difference between noon and midnight anyway? Bring the whole family out for a festive countdown at noon that’s set to feature a dazzling balloon drop, fun activities, live entertainment, face painting and much more. This is the perfect way to usher in 2026 with the entire family, no matter how little some of its members may be! Who doesn’t love family fun without staying up late? Nobody wants to ring in the brand new year with a cranky attitude!
PRO Tip: This is a free event and no reservation is required. Simply head on over to The Shops at Northfield between 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM and enjoy a fun day of festive excitement.
White Rose Gala
Where? 1881 Curtis Street
When? December 31st
Toast to the Roaring ‘20s at Denver’s most exclusive New Year’s Eve celebration – The White Rose Gala at The Ritz-Carlton. Step into an immersive world of live bands, DJs, showgirls, and themed rooms bursting with art deco elegance and surprise performances. Experience the thrill of the Gatsby Casino, the allure of the Speakeasy dance floor, and the magic of a midnight balloon drop unlike any other. Everyone is a VIP at this 21+ event where luxury, style, and celebration merge into one unforgettable night. Dress to impress, stay the night and ride the elevator home.
PRO Tip: Grab your tickets to this NYE event ASAP, as they’re sure to sell out in advance! Invite that special someone and take a step into the past while you dance the night away dressed to the nines. Use the discount code “Remax” for 10% off your tickets!
NYE Masquerade at The Cooper Lounge
Where? 1701 Wynkoop Street
When? December 31st
Spend your NYE in The Cooper Lounge. From 8:00 PM to 1:00 AM, you’re invited to ring in the new year with your new closest friends! The lounge is located on the 3rd floor of Denver Union Station and tickets are on sale now. Slip behind the mask and slide into a night of timeless glamour. Cocktails are unlimited, and spirits and wines are elevated. There will be a midnight toast of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Champagne. Celebrate with an evening of mystery and refinement! Masks are encouraged.
PRO Tip: Reservations are required for the masquerade. Tickets start at $175 per guest before tax and gratuity. The Cooper Lounge food menu will be available until 11:00 PM.
New Year’s Eve at Denver Union Station
Where? 1701 Wynkoop Street
When? December 31st
What better way to celebrate the new year than at Denver Union Station? Enjoy a live DJ, festive drinks and a sparkling toast as midnight rolls around. From 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM, wander through the spectacularly decorated and newly renovated Great Hall, which is brimming with holiday magic as 2026 draws near. Get your groove on to beats from the live DJ and raise a glass at the Sparkling Station. Whether you’re meeting up with friends or enjoying a date night with that special someone, this is a welcoming space to toast to the new year. Join the festivities at the Terminal Bar and the Great Hall.
PRO Tip: RSVP to join the fun at Union Station this December 31st. No reservations are required and admittance is free.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Where? 1001 16th Street
When? December 31st
There’s nothing more classic than fireworks to celebrate the new year! This NYE, catch the show from 16th Street in Denver. The sky will be aglow with sparkling fireworks over downtown as 2025 comes to a close and 2026 welcomes new beginnings. There will be two 8-minute spectacular firework shows occurring at 9:00 PM and midnight, giving families with little ones a chance to get to bed on time! The identical fireworks shows can be viewed near the Sheraton Hotel and near the middle of downtown (Curtis Street).
PRO Tip: For the best experience this NYE, book a hotel downtown and stay the night! Who doesn’t want to wake up on the first day of a new year in a comfortable hotel bed with room service on the way?
A Night in Vienna
Where? 1400 Curtis Street
When? December 31st
The Colorado Symphony invites you to experience A Night in Vienna with Christopher Dragon. This Colorado cultural tradition will be returning with a symphony that waltzes audiences into the new year. Start 2026 in style with a celebration at the symphony, complete with a rousing selection of polkas, waltzes and marches. This is sure to be one of the most festive evenings in the Mile High City, so send 2025 off with a bang! This can’t-miss holiday mainstay will feature Christopher Dragon as conductor and will be held in the Boettcher Concert Hall. Prices for this performance range from $15 to $123 (plus taxes and fees), so snag your seats now! Prices may increase with demand or as the concert draws closer.
PRO Tip: Accessible seating in the concert hall can be located in Orchestra 2, Dress Circle 1 and Mezzanine 7.
2026 Denver All Access NYE Bar Crawl
Where? Various Locations
When? December 31st
If your idea of a good time on New Year’s Eve is celebrating downtown with hundreds of new friends, then the 2026 Denver All Access NYE Bar Crawl has your name all over it. This New Year’s Eve, raise a drink to your tribe as you explore Downtown Denver from dance parties, DJ sets, live bands and champagne cheers at midnight. This bar crawl is the perfect way to wrap the year and start the new year with a lively celebration. Sip on cocktail specials and snack on NYE treats and enjoy a complimentary midnight toast. There will even be a festive scavenger hunt for party favors and prizes to make the night that much sweeter! Participating venues include Disco Pig, One Shot Back, Ghost, Celtic on Market and many more.
PRO Tip: Get your ticket early! That way you can start your NYE adventure at any time or at any location.
2025 Trivia & Chill NYE
Where? 4361 South Broadway
When? December 31st
Who doesn’t love to trivia and chill? This NYE, head on over to Western Sky Bar & Taproom for a chill New Year’s Eve as you enjoy a lively round of trivia at 7:00 PM and a laid back after party until 1:00 AM. Take a look back on 2025 as you answer questions about the year and stick around after the game for the chillest celebration in town. Go ahead and wear your PJs, play some board games and avoid the madness of Downtown Denver!
PRO Tip: RSVPing does not guarantee you a seat or a table. All seating is open and first come, first serve. Arrive early, grab a drink and snag your preferred table.
10th Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration at Nocturne
Where? 1330 27th Street
When? December 31st
Ring in a decade of this annual tradition in Denver at Nocturne with the Jack Denlevie Quintet as they take the stage and play swinging arrangements of the music of the iconic George Gershwin. There will be two seatings to choose from (5:45 PM to 8:30 PM and 9:15 PM to 12:30 AM), so whether you’re getting your NYE kicked off or you want to enjoy Nocturne as your final New Year’s destination and join the countdown to 2026, there’s something for everyone! This is one of Nocturne’s most popular nights of the year, so reserve early.
PRO Tip: Those attending the second seating can enjoy a champagne toast to welcome 2026!
Mile High Drone Show
Where? Various Spectating Locations
When? Through December 31st
Catch Denver’s dazzling drone show as it lights up the sky! This will be the Mile High City’s second annual drone show due to its popularity last year. For 41 magical nights in November and December, 600 drones will soar into the sky and create holiday-themed animations. The show kicks off near the end of November and will continue through New Year’s Eve, giving you one final chance to catch the magic! The drone shows will take the sky at 7:00 PM every night and the show is completely free to watch.
PRO Tip: Watch the drone show from Tivoli Quad, the Sculpture Park at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, Peaks Lounge at Hyatt Regency Denver or 54thirty Rooftop at the Le Méridien in Downtown Denver.
Larimer Lights
Where? 1530 16th Street
When? Through December 31st
You’ll have one final chance to catch the Larimer Lights on NYE before they’re gone for the season! Take a stroll along the block in historic Larimer Square and enjoy this immersive projection mapping and the festive decor that will put you into the holiday spirit. Throughout the season, Larimer Lights will feature visits from Santa Claus, live holiday carolers, and seasonal treats from local restaurants and shops. Whether you’re celebrating New Year’s Eve with kids in tow or you want to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and skip the craziness of the bars, this is a great option for those wanting to hold onto the holidays for a minute longer!
PRO Tip: There is no fee to enjoy the lights and no reservations needed. When restaurants and parties are all booked out in advance, head to Larimer Lights instead!
Happy New Year’s Eve in Denver & Cheers to 2026!
No matter how you choose to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Denver, make it a night to remember! The city offers a vibrant array of events and celebrations, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to spend NYE in style. As the clock strikes midnight, get ready for what’s sure to be an exciting year ahead in the Mile High City!