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These unique things to do in Denver for New Year’s eve offer unconventional events for travellers seeking a different celebration. Denver, one mile above sea level, hosts unique parties, live music and street festivals on New Year’s Eve. The city draws thousands with community gatherings, public art displays and local food markets. Visitors enjoy safe atmospheres and a chance to explore offbeat traditions. Each event provides a simple way to welcome the new year differently from typical celebrations for every eager visitor.
10 Best Things To Do In Denver For New Year’s Eve
These things to do in Denver for New Year’s eve present offbeat celebrations, local parties and community events offering unique experiences.
1. Experience The Mile High Tree Countdown
Photo: Iurii Laimin / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Things to do in Denver for New Year’s Eve start with the Mile High Tree Countdown Experience. This event, presented by Xcel Energy and Xfinity, features a seven‐story, 110‑foot immersive art installation at Civic Centre Park. It hosts a special New Year’s Eve show beginning at 9 p.m. with a 60‑second cascading countdown. The spectacular light display serves as the perfect prelude to the first downtown fireworks show, creating a seamless transition between celebratory events for those planning an evening of multiple activities.
Location: Civic Centre Park, Denver
Traveller Tip: Arrive early and use public transit to secure a good viewing spot
2. Get Mesmerised By The Spectacular Fireworks Displays
Photo: Juan Soler Campello / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Denver’s downtown fireworks displays represent a two-decade tradition that continues to draw crowds from across the metropolitan area, with two separate shows illuminating the sky at 9 p.m. and midnight, making it one of the significant things to do in Denver. These free shows, presented by the Downtown Denver Partnership and co-sponsored by VISIT DENVER and the Downtown Denver Business Improvement District, have become the cornerstone of the city’s New Year’s celebration, attracting thousands of spectators who line the pedestrian mall in anticipation.
Location: Downtown Denver near the 16th Street Mall
Traveller Tip: Use RTD’s free rides to travel conveniently between celebration spots
3. Enjoy The Mile High Drone Show
Photo: Preetam.choudhury / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The innovative Mile High Drone Show is one of the best things to do in Denver, presenting a cutting-edge celebration option, featuring 400 drones that create breathtaking holiday-themed animations visible from locations throughout the city. Scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on December 31, this early evening spectacle serves as the perfect opening act for a night of festivities, particularly for those planning to attend the Colorado Avalanche game later in the evening. The choreographed drones form intricate patterns depicting iconic Denver landmarks like the Mile High Tree and Denver Union Station, alongside seasonal imagery such as Santa and his reindeer.
Location: Various downtown viewing points, Denver
Traveller Tip: Opt for a rooftop venue for an unobstructed view of the drone formations.
4. Spend Your Noon Year’s Eve At Children’s Museum
Photo: ZoeO / Wikimedia Commons
The Children’s Museum of Denver hosts a delightful Noon Year’s Eve celebration specifically designed for families with young children who can’t stay awake until midnight but still want to participate in New Year’s traditions. This daytime event features hourly ball drops from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., creating multiple opportunities for children to experience the excitement of a countdown without disrupting bedtime routines. This thoughtfully designed event has become a tradition among other things to do in Denver, providing a way to include even the youngest children in the cultural practice of celebrating the transition to a new year.
Location: Children’s Museum of Denver, downtown area
Traveller Tip: Arrive early to avoid queues
5. Experience The Denver Zoo’s New Year’s Eve
Photo: Donlammers / Wikimedia Commons
The Denver Zoo transforms into a magical wonderland on December 31, offering a sensory-friendly experience with reduced crowds and low-volume music—perfect for families seeking a calmer environment while still enjoying festive celebrations. The zoo’s holiday lights create an enchanting atmosphere as visitors stroll through exhibits specially decorated for the season, providing both entertainment and a peaceful setting for families with children. The familiar setting of the zoo, combined with holiday enhancements, creates a comfortable yet special atmosphere, making it one of the unique things to do in Denver for New Year’s Eve.
Location: Denver Zoo, Denver
Traveller Tip: Check the zoo’s closing time to plan your visit
6. Enjoy The Creative Celebration At The Denver Art Museum
Photo: Ray Tsang / Wikimedia Commons
The Denver Art Museum offers an artistically inclined New Year’s Eve experience featuring creative activities, snacks, and special giveaways designed specifically for children and families. This cultural venue transforms its spaces with festive decorations while maintaining its educational mission, combining art appreciation with New Year’s celebrations in a way that enriches the experience beyond mere entertainment. The combination of creative activities and celebratory atmosphere makes it one of the best things to do in Denver for New Year’s Eve.
Location: Denver Art Museum, Denver
Traveller Tip: Take time to explore both the temporary celebration events and the museum’s permanent exhibits.
7. Live Music Extravaganza
Photo: AppalachianCentrist / Wikimedia Commons
In the list of things to do in Denver for New Year’s Eve, The Fillmore Auditorium takes the top spot. Concerts feature bands such as Band of Horses and Umphrey’s McGee, offering a diverse range of genres from rock to electronic music. Meanwhile, jam band aficionados can head to the Boulder Theatre where Umphrey’s McGee delivers their signature improvisational style in what has become a regional New Year’s tradition for many dedicated fans. This is an excellent option for those who want a dynamic, time-bound experience to end the year.
Location: Fillmore Auditorium, Boulder Theatre (downtown/nearby)
Traveller Tip: Book concert tickets in advance as popular events often sell out
8. Indulge In Adventurous Alternative Celebrations
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For more adventurous things to do in Denver for New Year’s Eve, Denver offers options like rage rooms, splatter rooms, and axe-throwing. The physical exertion involved in these activities provides natural stress relief during a holiday sometimes associated with pressure and expectations, offering a therapeutic component alongside the celebratory atmosphere. Additionally, these unique experiences provide distinctive photo opportunities and conversation starters as participants share their unconventional celebration choices with friends and colleagues.
Location: Special venues in Denver’s entertainment district
Traveller Tip: Book activity slots in advance and wear comfortable clothing suitable for physical activity.
9. Experience The Culinary Best On New Year’s Eve
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Numerous restaurants throughout the city create prix fixe menus specifically for the occasion, often featuring luxury ingredients like truffles, caviar, and premium cuts of meat that might not appear on their regular menus. Many establishments offer multi-course tasting menus paired with champagne or wine selections, creating comprehensive dining experiences that extend over several hours and culminate with midnight toasts for those choosing to remain at their tables until the new year arrives.
Traveller Tip: Make dinner reservations well in advance as these exclusive New Year menus have limited seating
10. Enjoy Themed Celebrations Across The City
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Denver’s nightlife venues embrace diverse themes for New Year’s Eve, creating specialised experiences that transport attendees to different eras and atmospheres, making it one of the best things to do in Denver for New Year’s Eve. These specialised parties allow attendees to choose environments that resonate with their personal preferences and memories, providing more focused experiences than generic celebrations while still incorporating traditional New Year’s elements like midnight toasts and countdowns.
Location: Various nightlife venues, downtown Denver
Traveller Tip: Choose a theme that matches your style and check for any cover charges
Planning for the best things to do in Denver for new year’s eve? This blog offers a range of offbeat celebrations that suit different preferences. The city’s events, from community gatherings to street festivals, provide practical alternatives to mainstream parties. Each experience is exciting and engaging, letting visitors enjoy safe local traditions. For travellers looking to explore unique things to see in Denver for New Year’s eve, TripXL offers tailored travel packages to enhance your visit. Book now with TripXL to ensure your journey to Denver is planned, affordable and truly memorable.
Cover Photo: Jolly2bjolly / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
