Enjoy New Year’s Eve in the High Country
Trevor Phipps
It’s that time of year, when locals are ready to move on with a new year. After a rough election and much political fireworks on the local and national arena, many are ready to be “out with the old and in with the new.”
For the last few weeks, visitors have flocked to the high country to experience a plethora of Christmas-themed events. Teller County could own the Hallmark channel for creating the image of enjoying the holidays in a small, snowy mountain town.
Whatever the case, the Ute Pass region has always snagged the spotlight as a picture-perfect area to spend the holidays. With Christmas coming to a close, the festivities will now switch over towards welcoming the arrival of 2025.
Unfortunately, New Year’s Eve falls on a Tuesday night this year, which will limit some of the partying activity. Not any three-day celebrations are in store this year.
Many businesses, in fact, are opting to stay closed on the actual New Year Day, and others aren’t going to bother to stay open until midnight for the Eve celebrations.
As a result, many festivities are actually taking place this weekend on Dec. 27 and 28. The following is a look at the celebrations offered in the high country.
New Year’s in the Gold Camp District
For those who don’t wish to travel to Las Vegas or New York City for the ball dropping and other festivities, Cripple Creek has become a festive alternative. The gambling town is usually packed on New Year’s Eve and most casinos offer many give aways, champagne toasts and round-the-clock gambling and activities.
To please those who aren’t into gambling, Cripple Creek’s Butte Theater will have their last showing of the Christmas show, Miracle on Mistletoe Mountain, this weekend. The final weekend shows are often regarded as the best. And the Ice Castles opened for their second season in Cripple Creek on Dec. 19, and remain open through early March. The Ice Castles will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day but then they will be open every day until January 7.
Non-gamblers will also enjoy partying for New Year’s Eve at one of Cripple Creek’s local watering holes. The Creek Restaurant will be serving food and drinks that night and The District Saloon will also be open late to bring in the New Year.
The city of Cripple Creek also has something special planned from 8 to 11:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, but little details have been given. Their Visit Cripple Creek (tourism) website has relayed the message: “Welcome 2025 with a bang in the World’s Greatest Gold Camp!” Check with their website for more details.
Woodland Park New Year’s Gala
Since many saloons/eateries in town are closed on Tuesdays, the biggest event taking place in Woodland Park is the annual New Year’s Eve at the Ute Pass Cultural Center in downtown Woodland Park. This year’s theme is the “Last Disco of 2024” and partiers are encouraged don bell bottoms and sparkles at the event.
“Indulge in an evening filled with excitement, laughter, and joy as we bid farewell to the current year and welcome the new one,” the event post stated. “Our celebration promises to be a night to remember, with a live DJ, delicious food, and an energetic ambiance that will keep you dancing all night long.”
The festivities start at 7 p.m. and the tickets cost $55. The event is only for those older than 21 and the tickets include delicious food being served all night including desserts, a prize or activity every hour, two drinks and a champagne toast at midnight.
Most eateries in Woodland Park will be open only their normal hours on New Year’s Eve, but starting the party with dinner is always a good idea. The Jess’s Place Pool Hall in downtown Woodland Park will be open until 2 a.m. and they will be celebrating 2025 with a New Year’s Eve potluck.
Other New Year’s Festivities
Other places around the Ute Pass Region like the Crystola Roadhouse will be open to bring in the New Year. There is nothing currently scheduled for New Year’s Eve, but the Crystola is celebrating the last Friday of the year on Dec. 27 at 6 p.m. with live music from the rock band Blink Twice.
The Blue Moose Tavern in Green Mountain Falls is always a happening spot at night. Based on past traditions, they will host a lively New Year’s Eve party. They too will celebrate New Year’s this weekend with karaoke on Dec. 27 and live music on Dec. 28. Check their Facebook page for more details. Recently, they held an ugly Sweater contest, with a spree of winners.
With the variety of activities, the Ute Pass region provide a great way to end the year in style without heading down the Pass. If you do, make sure you have a designated driver if you plan on partying. This is one of the most patrolled times of the year. We don’t want you to end up in our law enforcement reports.
As for down the Pass highlights, we suggest Stargazers Theatre. On Dec. 28, it may be time to break out the Led, in the form of a great Led Zeppelin tribute band, Zeppelin Alive (with a lead female singer). Stargazers is also doing a big New Year’s Eve bash with Collective Groove.
