New Year's Eve Fireworks in Vail

Vail Mountain, where the fireworks are launched · Photo: 76 vortex via Google

• When: Thursday, December 31, 2026, 6 pm
• Where: Vail Mountain, visible from Vail Village, Lionshead and Golden Peak, Vail Village, Vail, CO 81657
• Cost: Free to watch
• Organizer: Discover Vail and the Town of Vail (Vail Apres)

Official Event Page

Vail sees in the new year early: the town's New Year's Eve fireworks go up from Vail Mountain at 6 pm on Thursday, December 31, 2026. The show is free, short, and part of Vail Apres, presented by Discover Vail and the Town of Vail.

The early start is what makes it work for families. Children can watch the fireworks and still be in bed at a sensible hour, and adults have the rest of the night for dinner or a party.

Where to watch

The organizers say the display is visible from every base area and across the valley floor, including Vail Village, Golden Peak, Lionshead Village and West Vail on the far side of I-70. The official event page includes a viewing map showing where the fireworks come off the mountain. Anywhere with an open view up the slopes works; you do not need to be in one spot.

Torchlight parade

In some years a torchlight ski-down has accompanied the fireworks. The official page still carries last season's note that the torchlight parade was cancelled for lack of snow, and no 2026 torchlight had been announced when we checked, so do not count on one.

Good to know

New Year's Eve is one of the busiest nights of the season. Parking structures fill early, so take the free in-town bus if you can, and reserve dinner well in advance. It will be cold after dark; dress for standing outside.

Details checked against the organizer's official event page on September 28, 2026. Dates and times can change; confirm with the organizer before you go.