How To Ring In The New Year In Colorado

There are many spectacular New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day celebrations across Colorado this year.  Below is a sampling of ways to celebrate the holiday throughout the state.

Beaver Creek – Celebrate the new year at Beaver Creek’s Family New Year’s Eve Carnival, which features a public glow stick ski down, torchlight parade and fireworks over the village. The Family Carnival begins at 8 p.m. with games, a DJ, dancing, raffle prizes and two ball drops.

Boulder – Welcome 2014 with bravery in Boulder at the annual Polar Bear Plunge on January 1, 2014 at the Boulder Reservoir with hundreds who have faced the icy 39-degree water for more than 30 years. Boulder County AIDS Project is hosting this year’s event.

Breckenridge – The town of Breckenridge will pull out all the stops this New Year’s Eve with live music, special restaurant menus, bar parties and a traditional torchlight parade on the Breckenridge Ski Resort slopes. An impressive fireworks display and concert help ring in 2014 in style.

Cañon City – Before the countdown to 2014 begins, toast to the new year during New Year’s Eve Dinner in the Dome on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. on December 31. The train’s executive chef will serve a three-course award-winning dinner in the Vista Dome while patrons take in the beauty of the canyon at night.

Crested Butte – Greet 2014 during ArtWalk Evening on December 31 from 5 – 8 p.m., with light refreshments, music and on-site artists in Crested Butte’s historic downtown. Visitors can also enjoy a memorable night at the Crested Butte Nordic Center for its New Year’s Eve Yurt Dinner. Guests will ski or snowshoe to Magic Meadows to imbibe and feast on a five-course dinner and dance the night away to live music from 7 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.

Denver – Watch two spectacular fireworks shows light up the Mile High City on New Year’s Eve at 9 p.m. and midnight. For optimal viewing opportunities, spectators are encouraged to watch the light show along the 16^th Street Mall.

Durango – Even on the first day of 2014, a ride on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad’s 2014 New Year’s Day Train will feel reminiscent of a more romantic era of train travel. For Premium and Deluxe class passengers, a hot brunch buffet, live music and desserts help usher in the new year while ambling along the Animas River’s serene winter landscape.

Fort Collins – Join in the 18^th annual First Night Fort Collins on December 31 for a family-friendly New Year’s Eve festival. This non-alcoholic event will feature diverse entertainment that includes performing acts, interactive craft projects, street performers, storytelling, international dancing and more.

Glenwood Springs – Those seeking an alcohol-free and family-friendly New Year’s Eve event should head to Glenwood Hot Springs’ annual New Year’s Eve Celebration on December 31. Patrons can relax in the calming waters and enjoy party favors for revelers and a countdown to 2014.

Greeley -  Downtown Greeley has a host of options to choose from on New Year's Eve.

Loveland - First National Bank’s New Year’s Eve Extreme Rodeo Challenge at the Budweiser Events Center on December 31 at 7:30 p.m.  This year’s event will bring action packed bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding and bull fighting along with the crowd friendly mutton bustin’. Tickets, $15 – $25 and can be purchased at the Budweiser Events Center Box Office, online at ComcastTIX.com, or by phone at 877.544.TIXX (8499).

Telluride – From 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., celebrate the start of 2014 on Main Street in Telluride to take in the annual torch light parade and grand fireworks display. Telluride Ski and Snowboard School instructors will light up the night as they glide down the mountain carrying illuminated flares.

Vail – Vail’s Family Holidaze will wrap up its annual December bevy of celebrations with the New Year’s Eve Torchlight Ski Down and fireworks. A beloved tradition in Vail, Vail Ski and Snowboard School skiers and boarders will form a glowing train as they ski down Golden Peak. Fireworks will directly follow the skier and boarder parade down the mountain. To get the best views, huddle with fellow onlookers at the base of Golden Peak at 6:15 p.m. on December 31.

[Colorado.com]