# New Year’s Eve in Downtown Minneapolis: Your Ultimate Guide > Downtown Minneapolis offers a vibrant New Year's Eve celebration with various events and parties, making it an ideal destination for ringing in 2026. Visitors can choose from premier countdown parties like The Crystal Ball at the IDS Tower, a retro dance party at First Avenue, or a multi-level celebration at Union Rooftop Bar & Grill. For a more immersive experience, the Through The Looking Glass masquerade promises a fantastical night. Additionally, those seeking elegance can enjoy a performance by the Minnesota Orchestra or upscale dining options. To ensure a smooth experience, it's recommended to book accommodations with MINNeSTAY early, secure event tickets, and utilize the Skyway system for easy navigation in the winter weather. *Generated: 2026-01-26T06:42:39.078Z* ## Page Information - **Canonical URL:** https://www.minnestay.com/blog/new-years-eve-in-downtown-minneapolis-your-ultimate-guide - **Type:** post - **Last Updated:** January 11, 2026 --- ## Content # New Year's Eve in Downtown Minneapolis: Your Ultimate Guide ![People celebrating New Year's Eve in Downtown Minneapolis](https://minnestaycom.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1.jpg) Looking to ring in the New Year with a bang? Downtown Minneapolis transforms into a vibrant hub of celebration. To experience the best of the city without the stress of logistics, make your home base with MINNeSTAY, the premier vacation rental option in Minnesota. This guide covers the must-attend events for ringing in 2026, all accessible from the comfort and convenience of your MINNeSTAY property. ## Premier NYE Countdown Parties (Tickets Required) These are the largest, most popular events in downtown, offering diverse experiences from high-rise elegance to retro dance floors. Book your tickets early, and secure your MINNeSTAY property right away to be within minutes of the action! ## The Crystal Ball New Year's Eve Ring in the New Year at the city's longest-running and most spectacular celebration, hosted on the 50th floor of the iconic IDS Tower at Windows on Marquette. The event runs from 8:00 PM on December 31st to 2:00 AM on January 1st. Expect a sophisticated atmosphere with four distinct entertainment rooms featuring top DJs, live music, and crowd-favorite dueling pianos. Every guest enjoys breathtaking panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows and a complimentary midnight champagne toast. Early bird tickets start around $99.00+ for general admission, with options to upgrade to reserved tables and pre-event dinner packages. Find Tickets Here: https://crystalballmpls.com/tickets/ ## A Totally Rad New Year's Eve at First Avenue If you prefer a high-energy dance party with a retro twist, head to the legendary First Avenue Mainroom. This 18+ event, presented by Transmission and DJ Jake Rudh, kicks off at 9:00 PM on December 31st. Expect an all-night celebration fueled by the best 80s and 90s music. It's a massive, nostalgic party that promises to keep the floor moving until 2026. General admission tickets start at approximately $32.00+. Find Tickets Here: First Avenue NYE Tickets. ## 3 Level New Year's Eve Party at Union Rooftop Bar & Grill Celebrate on Hennepin Avenue with a multi-level party experience at Union Rooftop. Starting at 10:00 PM on December 31st, this event offers high energy across three unique floors, including their famous rooftop (which is enclosed and heated for the winter). It's a guaranteed fun night with a strong focus on great music and a lively countdown atmosphere. Early bird tickets start around $29.41+. Find Tickets Here: Union Rooftop NYE Tickets. ## Through The Looking Glass: A New Year's Eve Masquerade For an immersive and fantastical experience, step into the extraordinary at the Metropolitan Ballroom & Clubroom, located just outside downtown. From 7:00 PM on December 31st to 1:00 AM, this Alice in Wonderland-inspired 21+ event features aerialists, burlesque, costumed performers, and decadent revelry. The night includes live lounge vocals, transitioning into a DJ spinning a mix of Top 40, dance, and house hits for the countdown. Early bird tickets start around $48.87+. Find Tickets Here: Looking Glass Masquerade Tickets. ### The MINNeSTAY Advantage No Post-Midnight Transportation Panic: Skip the stress of hailing an expensive post-midnight ride! Our downtown properties mean a short walk or quick Skyway trip back to your comfortable, private, and fully equipped vacation home, where you can easily host your own low-key afterparty or simply fall into bed. ## Arts, Culture, and Refined Celebrations If your New Year's Eve preference leans toward elegance, music, and sophistication, these options are minutes away from your MINNeSTAY rental. A New Year's Celebration with the Minnesota Orchestra Start your evening with a stunning performance at Orchestra Hall. The Minnesota Orchestra's celebration begins at 8:30 PM on December 31st (running for approximately 2 hours). The program features vibrant classical works, followed by a post-concert party with live vintage jazz, dancing, and a complimentary Champagne toast at midnight. Ticket prices start at around $78.00+ and vary widely based on seating. Find Tickets Here: Minnesota Orchestra Tickets. ## Upscale Dining - The Gilded Feast (Tavola): Indulge in an upscale, multi-course Chef's Tasting Menu experience, often featuring inspired winter preparations and curated wine pairings. The perfect way to begin the celebration before returning to your MINNeSTAY rental to get ready for the late-night parties. - The Hewing Hotel (North Loop): Located just outside downtown, The Hewing typically hosts distinct parties-a high-energy Lobby Dance Party and a sophisticated rooftop gathering-with tickets available on their official website. ## Planning Your MINNeSTAY New Year's Eve Trip To ensure a successful celebration, especially for visitors, plan your stay and logistics early. 1. Book Your MINNeSTAY NOW Demand for short-term rentals spikes drastically for NYE. - The MINNeSTAY Difference: Our properties offer more space, privacy, and amenities than traditional hotels. Ensure you have the perfect place to gather with friends for pre-party drinks and a comfortable, quiet sanctuary to recover on New Year's Day. 1. Book Event Tickets Immediately Most major parties require advance tickets, and they frequently sell out by mid-December. Once you book your MINNeSTAY property, prioritize locking in your event tickets. 1. Utilize the Skyway and Transit Minneapolis winters are cold! Dress appropriately! - The Skyway System is your key to navigating downtown. This climate-controlled system connects many venues, hotels, and restaurants, allowing you to move around without having to face the elements. - Transportation: Rely on public transit (bus/light rail) or ride-sharing services. Parking is severely limited and often prohibitively expensive on New Year's Eve-don't waste time hunting for a spot when you could be celebrating! Ready to Secure the Perfect Vacation Rental for Your Minneapolis New Year's Eve Adventure? 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