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Salt Lake City New Year's Eve Events for Families 2026
New Year's Eve doesn’t have to be about spending a huge amount on booking a babysitter and reserving a seat in an expensive hotel. Making memories with your family is the best way to mark the beginning of a new year with happiness. Salt Lake City offers an exceptional selection of family-friendly SLC NYE events for 2026. These events provide a safe, welcoming environment for families with kids. Have a look at these early countdown celebrations that can accommodate your routine with kids and still let you enjoy the magic of New Year's festivities.
Last Hurrah - Perfect for All Ages
Last Hurrah is Utah's largest all-ages countdown celebration. The highlight of Salt Lake City's family-friendly New Year's Eve celebrations, this free event is celebrated at The Gateway from 8 PM to midnight on December 31st. the setup accommodates guests of all ages, making it the perfect choice for families. The celebration features kid-friendly live performances, interactive buskers who engage with children and family-oriented activities throughout the evening. Parents can enjoy hot cocktails while children sip hot chocolate in the main plaza. The midnight fireworks show and the early entertainment and festivities make it an enjoyable experience.
Early Countdown Celebrations with Noon Year's Eve
As midnight is too late for young children, many Salt Lake City venues offer early countdown celebrations for 2026. Instead of midnight, various venues celebrate Noon Year’s Eve with fun-filled afternoon creative activities for the whole family. Children, along with adults, can make noise-makers, decorate crowns, design wild glasses and take part in exciting science experiments. At 12 noon, the New Year’s confetti drop creates a fun-filled experience for all. Local community centers, libraries and family entertainment venues host these early celebrations, allowing families to participate in the excitement of counting down to a "new year" before heading home for reasonable bedtimes.
Après-Ski Experience
New Year’s Eve celebration becomes more enjoyable when you enjoy a cozy Après-Ski experience at Alta’s Albion Grill. The timing is from 4 to 6 PM. You can enjoy an exciting evening with delicious bites like boneless hot wings, pizza by the slice and chile verde nachos. Whether you are planning to wrap up early or wait for the evening festivities to begin, the Albion Grill is the perfect place to relax and enjoy with your family. Several Salt Lake City entertainment venues organize Salt Lake City New Year's Eve Events for families. Ice skating rinks host special New Year's themed skating sessions with music, games and activities designed for all skill levels. Bowling alleys include games, food and New Year's festivities in a comfortable indoor environment.
Alta’s Fireworks at 6
Salt Lake New Year's Eve Events include Torchlight Parade and fireworks show at Alta’s iconic New Year’s Eve celebration that starts at 6 PM. Watching skiers light up the slopes with torches, creating a mesmerizing display against the snowy backdrop, is a stimulating experience for onlookers. The outdoor bonfire adds to the cozy, festive atmosphere, and the night sky comes alive with a spectacular fireworks display.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last Hurrah at The Gateway, Alta’s Fireworks at 6 and early countdown celebrations with Noon Year's Eve at various community centers are some family-friendly SLC NYE events offering free admission and all-ages entertainment from 6 PM onward. Many venues also host fun activities and early countdowns at 8 PM or 9 PM.
Yes, families with young children can choose from numerous venues like pools and game rooms, bowling alleys, ice skating rinks, museums and science centers for indoor family celebrations. Certain hotel family packages with extended holiday hours offer warm, comfortable environments for families to celebrate indoors in winter weather conditions.
Yes, Last Hurrah features interactive buskers who engage with children, kid-friendly live performances and family-oriented activities throughout the evening. The event provides hot chocolate for children while parents can enjoy hot cocktails, creating an inclusive atmosphere.