Ring in the New Year in Denver with These Can't-Miss Parties, Events, and Dinners

Ring in the new year at these parties, events, and dinners.

Mile High Spirits
Courtesy of Mile High Spirits
Courtesy of Mile High Spirits

What a year 2023 has been for Denver—the Nuggets won their first NBA championship; the Michelin Guide officially recognized Denver as a culinary destination. Casa Bonita reopened its doors. That and so much more transpired this year, which sort of felt like five years crammed into one.

Whether or not you felt it’s been a tumultuous or joyous 365 days, a lot went down, and we’re looking ahead. 2024 is bright and full of possibilities, from outdoor adventure to cheering on your favorite Mile High sports teams to experiencing art, culture, pop-up events, and the best food and drink around. And what better way to ring in the new year than with some of Denver’s best New Year’s Eve offerings?

Some events, like Decadence and Denver’s Black Tie Party, are returning favorites, and others, like the Improper Circus, are debuting on the biggest night of the year. If you’re looking to dance, drink, or do something a little different, there’s a Mile High New Year’s Celebration waiting for you. Be sure to grab your tickets, gown, and whatever else you may need to have a rockin’ NYE this year—it’s time to have some fun.

New Year’s Eve Parties in Denver

Central Business District, $200+
Denver’s hottest NYE party is back for two nights in a row, this time with the theme, “The Digital City.” In a utopia of music, art, and unparalleled sensory experience, guests are invited to dance to some of the world’s best talent and witness production unmatched by any other concert, festival, or event. Dance into the new year to beats by Galantis, Skrillex, SOFI TUKKER, Steve Aoki, and Zeds Dead, to name a few. There’s a good chance it’ll be the most memorable NYE you’ve ever had.

Ballpark, $40+
On Sunday, December 31, Mile High Spirits is ringing in 2024 with a party for the books. Doors open at 9 pm and attendees receive a complimentary welcome cocktail if they enter before 10 pm. Party-goers can expect an epic DJ lineup, a specialty shot to celebrate 2024 at midnight, and the infamous Mile High Spirits New Year Balloon Drop.

LoDo, $100+
The White Rose Gala is nothing short of enchanting and will whisk you away to the golden era of the Roaring ‘20s. Dance the night away to jazz, ponder art deco designs, and engage in lively conversations like it’s 1924. Don your best (it is the Ritz Carlton, after all), and enjoy live entertainment, premium cocktails, and a midnight countdown.

LoDo, $250+
New Year's Eve 2023 will be warmed by Miami heat this year at The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa. Raul Murciano, world-renowned Latin jazz pianist, composer, orchestrator, and one of the founders of the famous Miami Sound Machine starring Gloria Estefan, will serenade guests in a smooth style of Cuban and Latin American Jazz until the clock strikes twelve. Snack on light bites, desserts, and a Champagne toast to complete the evening.

Ballpark, $150+
Glamour, Vegas-style casino games, and live music all night; that and so much more can be expected from Denver’s NYE Black Tie Party at Asterisk event venue. Expect an open bar, cover band and top DJs, plus a complimentary photo booth and custom selfie stations to capture all of your memories. When the clock strikes midnight, a giant, 2000-balloon drop will be unleashed upon the main floor, along with NYE party favors for everyone.

Special New Year’s Eve Events in Denver

Golden Triangle, Free
Denver’s version of the ball drop is gathering round the 110-foot-tall immersive holiday light fixture, the Mile High Tree. Beginning at 9 pm on New Year’s Eve will be a special ball drop-style countdown and light display that’ll be fun for the whole family. Free to visit, the tree is located in Civic Center Park and consists of 60,000 LED lights—the largest installation in North America.

Central Business District, Free
Denver will be dazzled in light given the double firework shows happening on the 16th Street Mall this NYE. The first begins at 9 pm and the second at 12am, and each show is free to watch. The eight-minute shows can be seen near the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, and if you’re savvy, you’ll book a restaurant reservation or find a cozy spot at one of the Sheraton’s lounges to get the best views, then book a room to eliminate the hassle of getting home.

RiNo, $35+
Come one, come all to the Improper Circus, a New Year’s Eve celebration featuring aeralists, fire-breathers, stilt walkers, tarot readers, jugglers, a fun house, and much more. Various kinds of live entertainment will be happening all night, and the price of admission includes a free welcome drink, snacks (including popcorn, cotton candy, peanuts, and pretzels), and a complimentary champagne toast with the midnight balloon drop to ring in the new year.

New Year’s Eve Dinners in Denver

Boulder, $150+
Ring in the New Year on Corrida's rooftop with a five-course prix-fixe menu, plus an optional wine pairing, a DJ, electric violinist, and midnight champagne toast. Dine luxuriously on caviar, sole, bison tenderloin, dry aged Wagyu strip, and blood orange sorbet for dessert, among other decadent options. Reservations required, priced at $150pp (+$100 pp for the wine pairing).

Boulder, Cost varies
Head to Stella’s Cucina this New Year's Eve for a night full of bubbles, bites, and an unforgettable musical experience by DJ jackLNDN. The celebration will include complimentary champagne at midnight, a digital art display with live visuals synchronized with the music, and so much more. Choose from two dinner options pre-event, complete with multiple-course tasting menus, wine pairings, and more.

Golden Triangle, Cost varies
FIRE Restaurant and Lounge inside the ART, a hotel, has everything you need for a satisfying and memorable New Year’s Eve. Start with a special dinner consisting of burrata, charcuterie, seared scallops, filet mignon, and desserts like an espresso graham cracker tart and berry cobbler with Bavarian ice cream. Then, head full-throttle into the second-annual FIRE & ICE New Year's Eve Bash, featuring beautiful views from above Broadway alongside stunning works of art housed in the hotel. Enjoy craft cocktails (including a complimentary welcome drink), bubbles, bottle service, a DJ and live music, dancing and more.

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Erica Buehler is a Denver-based freelance writer. Follow her @e_buehler on Instagram and @e_buehler_ on Twitter for more updates on Denver food and other Mile High shenanigans.