It’s that time of year. Once again, we find ourselves excessively stuffed with holiday ham, minds full of new memories with loved ones and contemplating how we are already rapidly approaching the New Year. (Didn’t 2023 just start yesterday?) As you contemplate how you will ring in 2024, we recommend shaking off the post-Christmas hibernation with these awesome event and activity ideas to celebrate the new year, Loveland style.
EVENTS
One of Loveland’s newest best-kept-secrets, Rosie’s Barbershop & Bar, will be throwing a 1920’s-themed New Year’s Eve Prohibition Party with Classic Cocktails. Lead mixologist, Troy Sinatra, will be serving up a fine selection of classic cocktails, including those from the 1920’s. The party starts at 9pm and there is no fee for entry!
Grab 2024 by the horns! The Conduct All New Year’s Eve Extreme Rodeo Challenge, presented by Pedersen Toyota, is back and will ring in the New Year at Blue Arena on December 31! The event will return with rodeo events including Saddle Bronc Riding, Bareback Riding, Bull Riding, Bull Fighting, and the fan-favorite Mutton-Bustin’. You don’t want to miss this one! Tickets on sale at the Ranch Events Complex Box Office.
The Loveland Laser Tag NYE Party is back to start off 2024 with FUN! Come experience some of their brand new attractions, classic favorites, and everything in between before the ball drops. Food, drinks, activities, and more are waiting for you at the LLT New Year’s Eve Party! Tickets: $40 Online. Check-in begins at 7pm, with the party running from 8pm-1am.
Ring in the new year with Loveland Aleworks, 80s style! DJ Too Tall Chico will be there from 9pm to midnight spinning classic 80s tunes. Enjoy light snacks and a toast at midnight. Costumes and 80s style attire are encouraged. Event is free to attend!
Saddle up for a sparkling Countdown at Tom Davis Saloon for the Rhinestone Cowboys NYE Party. Enjoy beats by DJ DR3W, irresistible drink specials, an epic balloon drop, and a champagne toast to welcome 2024 in style. Dust off your best rhinestones and let’s two-step into the New Year! 8pm to midnight. 21+ only.
Ring in the New Year in glittering style at Wicked Tequila Room! Join them for an epic NYE party featuring a live DJ, balloon drop, tequila toast, exclusive drink specials, and an unforgettable night of shimmer and shine! 21+ only.
Join the Boot Grill for their annual NYE Bash with Live Music from Kelsey Jo & the Wildcards, a midnight toast and late night appetizers. Limited seating reservations are available so reserve your space soon. $30 per person.
ACTIVITIES
Winter Wonderlights
If you love Christmas lights and music as much as we do, you can enjoy the final nights of Winter Wonderlights on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day Eve. Each night, visitors can walk through Chapungu Sculpture Park and enjoy 180,000 lights. These include holiday string lights, twinkling bulbs, LED mappable snowflakes, illuminated African stone sculptures and 30-minute music and light shows every night. The light and music show features eight total songs and moving lights on the 23 foot tall LED mappable Christmas Tree and surrounding pine trees.
New Years Day Hike
It’s a long-standing Colorado tradition to take in a New Year’s Day hike. Fortunately, Loveland has plenty of options to take advantage of. If you’re the more urban type and prefer the consistency of the concrete or propulsion by way of pavement, Loveland has 26 miles of trails via the Recreational Trail System, which encircles Loveland and even connects to other regional trails. These trails consist entirely of paved trails with many access points across the entire area. It’s designed to accommodate many forms of travel, but is great for getting out for an urban jaunt to ring in the New Year.
For those that prefer more challenging terrain, check out some of Loveland’s awe-inspiring natural areas like Devil’s Backbone Open Space. Its 12 miles of trail connect to Rimrock Open Space and Horsetooth Mountain Open Space for a number of activities, including hiking. The Devil’s Backbone itself is one of the most impressive and visible geologic landmarks in Larimer County, as well as an important cultural feature with a rich and colorful history.
Know before you go: while many of the trails and parks in Loveland have access to water and restrooms in the warmer months, these amenities may not be available in the winter months, so be sure to pack water and plan accordingly.
Explore Public Art
More than 500 public works of art, including 200 bronze sculptures valued at nearly $9 million, are on display around Loveland. The best part? Most are accessible for free. Visitors can find locally produced paintings, photographs and murals integrated throughout town.
The city even has entire parks dedicated to public art, such as the Benson Sculpture Garden and Chapungu Sculpture Park. These great parks are fantastic places to explore year-round and are friendly for people of all ages and abilities.
Keep an eye out for public art such as smaller heart statues in the lawns of some homes, businesses, and along street corners. You never know what you will find as you explore the creativity that thrives within Loveland.
With that, we wish you a happy New Year and hope the best parts of your 2023 become the worst parts of your 2024. Here’s to 365 days of opportunities to find something special in Loveland. Cheers!
