13 Ways to Celebrate New Year's Eve in Denver

New Year’s Eve is not for sitting at home. It’s for going out with family and friends, eating good food and drinking a toast at midnight. Whether you like dining or dancing, with all these amazing events happening in the Mile High City, you have no excuse for sitting on the couch watching holiday reruns. Heck, you don’t even need a car. RTD Light Rail is offering free rides to downtown starting at 7 PM New Year’s Eve until 6 AM New Year’s Day. The only hard part is picking which of these great events to attend.

Downtown Denver Fireworks: Everyone can join in this Denver holiday custom of lighting up the sky with fireworks and live music along the 16th Street Mall. Not only is it free, the city offers two shows to watch. Forget the sitter and bring the kids to the early bird fireworks at 9 PM, or party with your friends and enjoy the traditional midnight fireworks. With all the great bars and restaurants along the mall, there will plenty of places to get a nip if the weather is chilly. FYI, 16th Street Mall buses will not run between 8 PM and 1 AM on New Year’s Eve.

Avalanche vs Blue Jackets: This year the Colorado Avalanche will be at Pepsi Center for New Year’s Eve and they will be taking on the Columbus Blue Jackets. Tickets start at only $21 and the puck drops at 6 PM. Afterwards head to the 16th Street Mall for fireworks (1000 Chopper Circle; 303-405-1100).

Black Tie Party: Enjoy a formal evening at the Black Tie Party at the Sherman Street Event Center starting at 8 PM. The Sherman Street Event Center is a historic building in the heart of downtown and will provide the perfect backdrop to this elegant affair. Although encouraged, tuxedos are optional. Tickets are $95 for VIP and $124 for Ultra VIP (1770 Sherman St.; 720-319-8441).

Cherry: Cherry Bar & Dance Parlor in Cherry Creek will host a party sponsored by Chandon with DJ dance music. No cover before 10 PM followed by $20 per person, or $30 for couples after. For bottle service or private tables, call in advance (231 Milwaukee St.; 303-362-1144).

Decadence: A party so nice they are having it twice. Colorado Convention Center is the place to be for this extravagant New Year’s Eve event. Not one, but two nights of music and entertainment. Start the new year early with a pre-eve party on Monday, December 30, or ring in 2014 on Tuesday, December 31. Entertainment includes Tiesto on Monday and Pretty Lights on Tuesday. Tickets are $85 for general admission, and $200 for VIP. Or get a two-day pass for only $160 general admission, and $350 for VIP and party half the week. Hotel packages for the event are also available (700 14th St.; 303-228-8000).

Denver’s Grandest New Year’s Eve: For a grand New Year’s Eve, join radio station Mix 100 at the Grand Hyatt for Denver’s Grandest New Year’s Eve Party. The event includes open bar with premium pours, four areas of entertainment, a dinner buffet and music. Tickets start at $149 per person or upgrade to VIP for the special Grand Gatsby Party in the 38th floor Pinnacle Club. Overnight packages available (1750 Welton St.; 303-295-1234).

Masquerade Countdown at Fado: What might be the cheapest NYE party is at Fado Irish Pub in LoDo. Starting at 7 PM guests are invited to dance the night away to That 80s Band and a Champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are $15 in advance and can be ordered online. Or just pay $20 at the door on New Year's Eve. What a bargin! (1735 19th St.; 303-297-0066). 

Hazel Miller Band at Coohills: Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Denver’s own musical treasure, Hazel Miller. The restaurant will offer a Prix Fixe NYE menu with early seating from 5 to 6:30 PM and cost is $75 per person. Starting at 8:30 PM is the late seating dinner featuring the soulful Hazel Miller Band and cost is $135 per person. Guests can also enjoy an evening in the bar for $40 per person, or $75 per couple (1400 Wewatta St.; 303-623-5700).

La Biblioteca and Zengo:  Next door neighbors La Biblioteca and Zengo in the Riverfront Park area are joining forces for a NYE dinner and party. The East-West kitchen at Zengo is offering a three-course menu, dessert and glass of champagne for $65 per person. This menu will also be offered at La Biblioteca until 7 PM. Then La Biblioteca’s NYE Bash starts at 9 PM. For $60 per person, guests can enjoy unlimited passed appetizers and select cocktails. Those who dine at Zengo and want to join in the party will receive a $20 discount off the cost of the bash. Make reservations early (Zengo, 1610 Little Raven St.; La Biblioteca, 1610 Little Raven St., Suite #200; 720-904-0965).

Old Major: Enjoy a meaty New Year’s Eve with a prix fixe dinner at Old Major. Cost is $100 for a 3-course dinner with dessert and caviar. Courses will feature such delicious delights as lobster bisque, venison tartare, and grilled beef tenderloin. For a wine or bubbly pairing, add $50 or $100 for special sommelier selections to go with the meal (3316 Tejon; 720-420-0622).

TAG: Celebrate New Year’s Eve with an international flare at TAG Restaurant in Larimer Square. Chef Troy Guard will serve a creative menu including down under kangaroo, roasted duck salad, butter poached black cod, red velvet cheesecake and more (1441 Larimer St.; 303-996-9985).

Tamayo: This Larimer Square restaurant and rooftop bar will be offering a Mexican NYE feast in the diner and a Countdown Party on the terrace. The three-course dinner includes a glass of champagne and costs $69 per guest while the terrace party is $25 per guests and includes unlimited cocktails from 10 PM to midnight. For those who party all night long, Tamayo will have a New Year’s Day bottomless brunch featuring unlimited small plates and free-flowing cocktails for $35 per person from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM (1400 Larimer St.; 720-946-1433).

The Corner Office: The creative folks at The Corner Office are having an exclusive NYE party and you are invited. Celebrate Mad Men-style with food and drink from 9 PM to 2 AM. The party includes live entertainment from Digital Pocket, valet parking and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased directly from The Corner Office by phone or online (1401 Curtis St.; 303-825-6500).

White Rose Gala: Bring out your inner Flapper Girl or Gatsby Guy at the White Rose Gala at the Hyatt DTC on New Year’s Eve. This 1920s-inspired event will feature the music and décor of the swing era. This event is taking over the entire hotel with 10 DJs, five ballrooms, 40+ performers and topped off with a 10-story balloon drop at midnight. Tickets are $59 for general admission and $99 for VIP and hotel packages at the Hyatt are also available. Party starts at 9 PM and proceeds will benefit Women’s Global Empowerment Fund (7800 E. Tufts Ave.; 303-779-1234)