There’s no better time than now to start planning your family’s New Year’s Eve fun in Denver! There are so many options–from checking out fireworks, blockbuster museum exhibitions, stunning light displays like Zoo Lights and art shows all over town.
Reminder: 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.
Plan Ahead: Don’t wait until the last minute for all your New Year’s Eve party favors. Check out these goofy 2025 New Year’s Eve glasses, plastic disposable champagne flutes for your kids’ Martinelli, and this fun New Year’s Eve party kit for kids.
Scroll down for our Denver guides to the holidays!
Family-Friendly New Year’s Events
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Over Downtown
WHEN: Dec. 31, 2024; 9 p.m. and midnight
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: Dec. 31, 2024; 9 p.m.
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!
Mile High Drone Show
WHEN: Nov. 22–Dec. 31, 2024
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: Nov. 29–Dec. 31, 2024
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. larimersquare.com/events/larimer-square-lights
Zoo Lights – Sensory-Friendly Night
WHEN: Dec. 31, 2024
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. denverzoo.org/low-sensory-night/
Noon Year’s Eve
WHEN: Dec. 31, 2024
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. mychildsmuseum.org
Skate the Lake
WHEN: Dec. 31, 2024, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
WHERE: Evergreen Lake
Join the Evergreen Parks and Recreation and our local mountain community for the family-friendly, alcohol-free 25th annual New Year’s Eve Skate the Lake event at Evergreen Lake The event will go on regardless of weather. Ice skating (weather permitting) with skate rentals while supplies last. Food trucks on site with snacks and dinner available. Hot chocolate, roasting marshmallows, fire pits, and fun. Free parking and free shuttles from various locations. members.evergreenchamber.org.
More Holiday Events & Activities
Winter Holiday Trains
WHEN: Nov. 8, 2024–Jan. 5, 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 Lights. https://www.georgetownlooprr.com
Downtown Denver Rink
WHEN: Nov. 21, 2024–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. winterindenver.com/rink
Blossoms of Light
WHEN: Nov. 20, 2024–Jan. 12, 2025 (closed Dec. 25)
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. botanicgardens.org
Zoo Lights
WHEN: Nov. 23, 2024–Jan. 5, 2025 (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas)
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. denverzoo.org
Trail of Lights
WHEN: Nov. 29, 2024–Jan. 1, 2025; 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (closed December 25)
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. botanicgardens.org
Luminova Holidays
WHEN: Nov. 29–Dec. 31, 2024
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.luminovaholidays.com
Hudson Holidays
WHEN: Nov. 29, 2024–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. hudsongardens.org/holidays
McGregor Skate
WHEN: Nov. 29, 2024–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. (Featured image) mcgregorsquare.com
Music & Performing Arts
Note: Be sure to fit in these performances before NYE!
‘A Christmas Carol’
WHEN: Nov. 22–Dec. 29, 2024
WHERE: Wolf Theatre
Celebrate 30 years of “A Christmas Carol” at the Denver Center! Essential to the holiday season in Denver, “A Christmas Carol” is a joyous and opulent musical adaptation for the whole family that traces money-hoarding curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge’s triumphant overnight journey to redemption. Based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel, the DCPA Theatre Company’s production is “a splendidly festive tradition” (BroadwayWorld) that illuminates the meaning of the holiday season in a way that has resonated for generations.denvercenter.org.
Colorado Ballet: ‘The Nutcracker’
WHEN: Nov. 30–Dec. 29, 2024
WHERE: Ellie Caulkins Opera House
The beloved holiday favorite returns in a dazzling production like no one’s ever seen, featuring all-new sets and costumes created especially for Colorado Ballet. A sellout every year, this magical tale of Clara, the Nutcracker and the Mouse King is going to be dreamier than ever.coloradoballet.org
‘Little Women’
WHEN: Dec. 5–29, 2024
WHERE: Dairy Arts Center, Boulder
“Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents.” And so begins one of the most beloved classics of American literature — a story that has warmed generations of readers since it was first published in 1868. With the men off fighting the Civil War, Marmee and sisters Jo, Beth, Amy and Meg are left to fend for themselves. They learn how to grapple with poverty, sickness and death as they each discover and embrace their destinies. Bring your family to the Dairy this holiday season and spend some time with the March family. Relive their adventures, their passionate loves, their ups and downs and their joy in being together.thedairy.org/series/little-women
‘The Story of the Nutcracker’
WHEN: Dec. 7–28, 2024; Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
WHERE: Miners Alley Playhouse, Golden
When Marie’s gift from her Godfather Drosselmeier on Christmas Eve gets broken, she tries to find and fix the Nutcracker. Instead, he comes alive, and a story within the story begins! Become a part of the Nutcracker tale and see if everyone gets to live happily ever after in this Theatre for Young Audiences performance. minersalley.com
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Author: Mile High Mamas
