Denver explodes with New Year’s Eve festivities

December 20, 2013

When you have 26 breweries in your downtown, one free New Year’s Eve party is not going to be enough. So, The Mile High City throws two.

Denver’s 16th Street Mall, a mile long pedestrian promenade lined with 42 outdoor cafes, becomes ground zero as tens of thousands of people gather for two firework displays at 9 p.m. and midnight. This year’s show is even bigger and brighter than ever with a grand finale that will include more than 125 “thunderous salutes,” and DJ’s spinning music along the street.

RTD Light Rail trains will not cross the 16th Street Mall between 8 p.m. and 1 a.m., and the free Mall Ride shuttles will be suspended during the two fireworks shows. For full details go to www.rtd-denver.com.

Be safe in 2014 and take advantage of New Year’s Eve packages and deals at some of Denver’s finest hotels, ranging from the luxurious to the budget friendly.

And don’t forget to make a dinner reservation to soak up the festive atmosphere and fine fare. Load of local eateries are offering special menus (too many to list here). Your best bet is to check out availability, menus and prices at www.opentable.com.

Still stumped? VisitDenver, the city’s big booster, has compiled a countdown list of 10 other ways to ring in the New Year, Mile High style. Even more ideas can be found at www.MileHighHolidays.com.

10. Noon Year’s Eve

All the fun of New Year’s Eve without the late bedtime. The Children’s Museum of Denver is ringing in New Year’s Eve just like Times Square with five ball drops every hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., children of all ages can yell the countdown, watch colorful confetti splash the plaza and make fireworks with their feet when they jump on massive sheets of bubble wrap. Free with admission.

9. Night in Vienna

Colorado Symphony Orchestra keeps New Year’s Eve classy at Boettcher Concert Hall, with a Vienna-themed selection of the beloved waltzes, polkas and classics. The show starts early at 6:30 p.m., and ends in time for you to catch the first downtown fireworks display on the Mall at 9 p.m., just two blocks away. Tickets: $25 – $88.

8. Once Upon A Time: New Year’s Fairy Tale Ball

Watch the hands of the clock turn to midnight from the inside of Denver’s historic Daniels & Fisher Clocktower, high above the 16th Street Mall at Arapahoe Street. The 1909 Clocktower is hosting the magical Once Upon A Time: New Year’s Fairy Tale Ball, where guests will receive truly royal treatment with DJs, three open bars, food and eye-level views of the exploding rooftop fireworks shows. Tickets: $175.

7. Bunk With The Beasts: Zoo Year’s Eve at the Denver Zoo

It’s a win-win situation. Kids spend the holiday at the zoo exploring Zoo Lights, learning about animals and celebrating sleepover-style in a safe and fun environment. Parents get a night out on the town. Price includes a pizza dinner, evening snack and a full breakfast. Tickets: $65 per member; $75 per non-member.

6. Denver’s Grandest New Year’s Eve Party

At downtown’s Grand Hyatt Denver, enjoy the open bar with premium pour, buffet supper, champagne toast at midnight, party hats, favors and balloon drops galore. Revel in three parties in one as you move from one ballroom to another, just one block from the 16th Street Mall fireworks. Tickets: $139 – $429.

5. Party with a Purpose New Year’s Eve Ball

Give back at this year’s first ever “Party with a Purpose” New Year’s Eve Ball at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel. Ring in the new year with an array of delicious cuisine while partying with Colorado’s funk sensation Funkiphino with proceeds benefiting the American Red Cross and its Colorado relief funds. Tickets: $149.

4. Decadence New Years

Get decadent! Enter the sparkling Colorado Convention Center and indulge in two lavish rooms offering two acres of music, diamond-clad decor and over-the-top entertainers, all to the backdrop of some of the most amazing acts dance music has to offer. Tickets: $75 – $230.

3. NYE Block Party

NYE Block Party features the complete takeover of the Crowne Plaza Convention Center and hotel rooms at four nearby hotels. Step into a 2014-themed New Years Eve party providing a truly interactive experience including futuristic actors, performers, dancers, festival quality lighting and laser displays, confetti explosions, cryogenic blasts and many other surprises. Tickets: $89.

2. NYE 13: Hangar 6

Spend New Year’s Eve at the Wings Over The Rockies Museum’s giant airplane hangar. Expect high quality, locally crafted libations, great live music and all the glitz and glamour that comes with the NYE feel, complete with champagne toasts amidst life-size historic airplanes. All proceeds go towards SOUL Uganda. Tickets: $90 – $150.

1. Colorado Avalanche vs. Columbus Blue Jackets

Cheer on the Avalanche at the Pepsi Center for this special New Year’s Eve hockey game. Then stroll  over to the 16th Street Mall to join the countdown and see the fireworks. Tickets: $21 – $217.