Sparkle and Ski for the Last Day of 2023: How to Spend New Year’s Eve in the Vail Valley

Celebrate the New Year with powder and parties in the Vail Valley. The mountains are the most magical way to ring in 2024 — from prestigious parties to family-friendly fireworks, there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

As you bid farewell and welcome in the new year, you’ll find that there is so much more to experience in the Vail Valley after the clock strikes midnight. Whether you’re looking for some quiet reflection in the woods while snowshoeing or want to find fresh tracks in the trees at Beaver Creek or Vail Mountain, Edwards is a hub for adventure, relaxation, and fantastic dining. Edwards is surrounded by National Forest and just a short distance from the world-class skiing resorts of Vail and Beaver Creek. It’s the perfect New Year’s Eve destination if you’re looking to ski and celebrate under snow-capped peaks.

Here’s a local’s tip: Beat the crowds on New Year’s Day by getting up early to enjoy solo skiing — most people don’t show up until late morning.

How do you want to ring in 2024? Check out our guide for what to expect this New Year’s Eve:

New Year’s Eve in Vail

For a New Year’s Eve filled with glitz and glamour, head into Vail Village, where numerous venues host elaborate affairs.

Before heading inside for dinner and drinks, swing by the Golden Peak base area to watch Vail Mountain sparkle. At 6:15 pm, a torchlight parade lights up the mountain as the Vail Ski and Snowboard School ski in formation with flares. Immediately following the Torchlight Parade at 6:25 pm, a fireworks display will be viewable throughout Vail Village and each of the base areas. 

Dance your way, disco style, into the New Year's at Chasing Rabbits. The venue, an immersive entertainment experience with themed and secret rooms (including a speakeasy), will be filled with DJs, disco dancers, and magicians reminiscent of the Studio 54 era. Dress your best in 70’s glam attire while enjoying passed snacks, sweet treats, and a midnight champagne toast for $300. 

Deca + Bol is hosting an out-of-this-world party to send off 2023. The space-themed Galactic Groove New Year’s party encourages guests to wear silver metallics, sparkles, and more. Dance the night away to DJ sets, including Jeff Franca of Thievery Corporation, spinning at 10:00 pm. Tickets are $150.

Celebrate the end of the year with an elegant dinner and dancing at Larkspur. Dine on a buffet of lobster, wagyu beef, foie gras, caviar, and more starting at 8:00 pm. General admission opens at 10:00 pm, where guests can expect the Greatest Dance Hits by DJ O, a photo booth, party favors, passed desserts, a confetti countdown and sparkling beverages at midnight. White, black, and gold attire is encouraged. The cost is $595 for dinner and dancing, or opt for just the DJ starting at 10:00 pm for $245.

Additionally, numerous restaurants throughout the Vail Valley offer a pre-fixed, multi-course New Year’s Eve menu if you want to dine without dancing. 

New Year's Eve in Beaver Creek Village

Beaver Creek Village offers a family-friendly experience to ring in the New Year with early festivities and entertainment. 

Watch Beaver Creek Ski Resort shine as over 200 skiers and snowboarders light up the slopes for the annual New Year’s Eve Ski Down at 6:00 pm. Enjoy an outdoor winter circus in Beaver Creek Village with aerialists, contortionists, jugglers, break dancers, and fire dancers. It’s best enjoyed with a warm, rich hot chocolate from Rimini or a tropical rum cocktail from Hooked’s Tiki Bar. Finally, a dazzling fireworks display will occur over Beaver Creek Mountain at 10:00 pm. 

New Year's Eve in Edwards

If you’re looking for a low-key evening without the crowded countdowns and cover charges, Edwards is the place to celebrate. Enjoy a laid-back, yet still decadent, evening at these favorite dining spots: 

Start your night early at the Mountain Fish House & Oyster Bar with a $10 Bubble Special, which includes oysters and a glass of bubbles, during their daily happy hour from 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm. Dine on the freshest seafood in the Rocky Mountains, from lump crab cakes to lobster rolls served three ways or seared sea scallops.

Indulge for your last meal of 2023 at Juniper, a long-time staple for fine dining in Edwards. With white tablecloths and an elevated menu of contemporary, seasonal dishes, Juniper has been a long-time local favorite for special occasions. 

Wine and cheese connoisseurs will love the Drunken Goat. Their menu features tapas and dozens of cheeses to build a cheese board. With an extensive wine list and a lively atmosphere, the Drunken Goat is a fun place to fill your belly before the end of the year.

Head to Main Street Grill for a casual bar scene.

Last Minute NYE Supplies

Do you need some sequins and shine? Wild Heart and Valley Girl Boutique both have fun, sparkly pieces in store for an evening out.

Are you heading to a party? Riverwalk Wine & Spirits has a great selection of craft beer, wine from around the world, and cocktails in a can. 

If you prefer to celebrate sober, visit Free Spirit in Riverwalk, which offers a unique alternative to traditional cocktails. Their non-bar and dry goods boutique offers a selection of non-alcoholic spirits so you can drink differently and live fully.

Where to Stay

No matter how extravagant or easy-going you spend your New Year’s Eve, The Inn at Riverwalk provides a comfortable place to rest and reset. Close to the action, yet away from it all, The Inn is an independent hotel in the heart of Edwards, just minutes away from both Vail and Beaver Creek Ski Resorts. 

A wide selection of rooms and one- or two-bedroom condos offer mountain or river views. Each unit has modern amenities, plush, feather-bed-topped mattresses, and luxurious bath products. Refuel at the 24/7 self-serve Lavazza Coffee and Tea Bar, offering lattes, hot chocolate, and herbal teas, before catching a complimentary ski shuttle to Beaver Creek Ski Resort.

Book your stay at The Inn at Riverwalk today.

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