If you’re looking to wrap up the year with fresh air, fun energy, and mountain magic, Winter Park is the place to be on December 31. This town doesn’t just count down the clock—it makes every hour from sunset to midnight feel unforgettable.
At the heart of it all is the New Year’s Eve Celebration at the Rendezvous Event Center, where families, couples, and travelers come together to glide, dance, and cheer into the new year. This free community event delivers that perfect mix of winter wonderland charm and high-altitude excitement, right in downtown Winter Park.
Celebration at the Rendezvous Event Center
From 5:00 PM until midnight, the Rendezvous Event Center transforms into a hub of winter celebration. What makes this event stand out isn’t just the fireworks or the countdown—it’s the joy people share on the snow itself. Sledding, tubing, and tobogganing are the stars of the early evening. Whether you bring your own gear or grab one of the provided sleds, the slope is open and ready.
Families with kids laugh their way down the hill while parents grab hot cocoa or a warm drink and soak in the festive setting. The tubing hill at the event center gives everyone a reason to stay moving and stay smiling as temperatures drop. It’s one of the few places you can glide under the stars and feel like a kid again, no matter your age.
As the night builds, energy shifts from playful to electric. That’s when the Silent Disco kicks in, hosted by Big Little Sound. Grab a headset, choose your music channel, and start dancing in your own world while surrounded by others doing the same. From the outside, it looks like a quiet crowd. But once you slip on those headphones, the celebration roars to life.
Where Else to Celebrate Nearby
While the main event in downtown Winter Park is a highlight, nearby towns also throw their own unique New Year’s Eve parties. If you’re up for a bit of exploring, Granby Ranch hosts a Fireworks Show and Mountain Light Parade at 7:00 PM, lighting up the slopes with a visual performance.
Later in the night, Grand Lake delivers a fireworks show of its own at midnight, timed with the first moments of 2025. You can also catch a more artistic celebration at Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, where a New Year’s Eve special begins at 9:00 PM.
These options give you plenty of ways to shape your perfect celebration, whether that’s action-packed, family-friendly, or more laid back. And the best part is that everything is close enough that you won’t have to spend your night driving or navigating unfamiliar roads. You’re already right in the middle of it all.
Tips for a Smooth Night Out
This is Colorado in late December, so come layered and prepared. You’ll be outside most of the night, and the fun only lasts as long as you’re warm enough to enjoy it. Gloves, hats, insulated jackets, and snow boots aren’t just helpful—they’re essential. Hand warmers and a thermos go a long way, especially if you plan to be out until the final countdown.
Transportation is easy thanks to The Lift, Winter Park’s free shuttle. It runs throughout the area and eliminates the hassle of parking or navigating crowded roads. If you’re planning to drink, skip the car and ride the shuttle so everyone can relax safely and fully enjoy the night.
For those planning to visit Granby or Grand Lake, just keep travel time in mind. It’s best to head out earlier in the evening and circle back before midnight if your home base is in Winter Park.
A Place to Land After the Countdown
After the fireworks fade and the last song plays out, there’s one more thing you’ll be glad you arranged early—your stay. Nothing makes a holiday night feel complete like returning to a warm, quiet place that feels like home.
The Jabberwocky is that place. It’s not just about location, though being just minutes from downtown certainly helps. It’s about the atmosphere. It’s peaceful. It’s personal. It’s exactly where you want to be when the crowds thin out and you’re ready to wind down. Whether you spent the evening tubing with your kids or dancing under silent disco lights, The Jabberwocky gives you the space to relax and reflect on the year that was.
Step inside, kick off your boots, and settle into a space where comfort meets character. The Jabberwocky knows how to balance the excitement of mountain events with the calm of a private retreat. It’s the kind of place you come back to every season—not just because of how well you slept, but because of how right it felt.
Book Your Stay Before It’s Gone
New Year’s Eve is one of the most popular times to be in Winter Park, and rooms fill quickly. If this celebration is on your list, now’s the time to reserve your stay. Make your end-of-year plans simple, smooth, and memorable.
Book your stay now at The Jabberwocky and start 2025 the right way—from the heart of Winter Park, surrounded by snow, lights, and everything that makes this place so special.
