New Year's Eve in Salt Lake City is bigger than ever this year. The Utah Mammoth host the NHL Winter Classic at Rice-Eccles Stadium, and Post Malone headlines a festival at the Delta Center the same night. Here's our guide to NYE 2026 in Salt Lake, from the big tickets to free fireworks and noon countdowns for the kids. We'll keep updating it as more events announce their plans.
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The big nights out
NHL Winter Classic: Utah Mammoth vs. Colorado Avalanche
When: Thursday, Dec 31, 2026 (start time TBA).
Where: Rice-Eccles Stadium, University of Utah.
Tickets: Ticketmaster.
Utah's first outdoor NHL game ever, against the Mammoth's closest rival. Bundle up: it's an outdoor stadium on the last night of December.
New Year's Eve Festival with Post Malone and Alesso
When: Thursday, Dec 31, 2026, after the Winter Classic.
Where: Delta Center, 301 S Temple.
Tickets: On sale now at utahwinterweekend.com, with 6,000+ tickets priced under $125.
The headline NYE party in Salt Lake this year. Check the ticket page for start time and age rules before you buy.
Torchlight parades and fireworks in the mountains
Solitude Torchlight Parade & Fireworks
When: Dec 31, 2026, 3–7:30pm; the parade runs 6:30–7:30pm.
Where: Last Chance Lodge, Solitude Mountain Resort, Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Cost: Free.
Skiers carry torches down the mountain, followed by fireworks. There's also an alphorn concert, a magic show and a lasagna dinner. Tip: park at the Moonbeam lot and take the free shuttle, which runs until 8:30pm. Check UDOT for canyon road conditions and traction rules before you go.
Snowbird, Alta, Deer Valley and Park City
These resorts usually hold their own torchlight parades and fireworks, but 2026 schedules aren't out yet. Last year Alta held a torchlight parade and fireworks, Deer Valley's parade was Dec 30 around 6pm, and Park City's Canyons Village had NYE music and fireworks. We'll add 2026 details as they're announced.
Downtown fireworks
The Gateway
In past years The Gateway has hosted a free, all-ages party with downtown's midnight fireworks. 2026 plans haven't been announced yet.
Family-friendly New Year's Eve
Not staying up until midnight? Last year Clark Planetarium threw an "After Noon Year's Eve" (noon–4pm) and the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium held countdowns at noon and 3pm. Both are good bets for this year too; check their sites in December.
Games around New Year's
Utah Jazz vs. New York Knicks: Wednesday, Dec 30, Delta Center
Utah Jazz vs. Boston Celtics: Friday, Jan 1, Delta Center
Utah Mammoth vs. Vancouver Canucks: Saturday, Jan 2, Delta Center
NYE tips
Skip the drive. Downtown events are walkable from TRAX, and rideshare surge pricing peaks right after midnight.
Layer up. Rice-Eccles and the resort parades are outside after dark.
Buy early. With the Winter Classic and the festival on the same night, downtown hotels and dinner reservations will go fast.
More holiday guides
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