There’s a special kind of magic in St. George after the holidays and over New Year’s Eve. The town is still glowing with the twinkle lights of Christmas, the weather stays mild while much of the country is bundled up and/or shoveling snow, and you can enjoy a mix of outdoor adventure and festive celebration. If you’re considering a visit to St. George for New Year’s Eve, we’ve put together a guide that highlights what there is to do and how to ring in the New Year Southern Utah style!
Top New Year's Eve Activities in St. George
Washington City New Year's Eve Fireworks
Just minutes from St. George, Washington City lights up the night sky with a family-friendly fireworks show to welcome the new year. The fireworks go off at 10pm from the Washington baseball fields near the rec center. Bring blankets, hot cocoa, and get a good vantage point as local families and visitors gather to celebrate under the stars.
St. George New Year’s Eve Fireworks Celebration – Town Square Park
If you’re looking for a full evening of New Year’s Eve excitement, head to downtown St. George’s Town Square Park for the city’s signature New Year’s Eve event. The event kicks off at 4pm, and downtown St. George comes alive with live music, food vendors, DJ sets, dancing, photo booths, and a red-rock backdrop that makes this one of Southern Utah’s best annual celebrations. The early 9pm fireworks are perfect for families with young kids, followed by a midnight grand display for the official countdown. Entry is free and open to all—so bundle up (the nights get chilly this time of year in the desert) and join the community under the sky as 2025 ends and 2026 begins.
Local Restaurants and Nightlife Spots — Wood Ash Rye & Hive 435 Tap House
While event announcements for New Year’s Eve 2025 are still pending, in years past Wood Ash Rye has hosted New Year’s Eve dinners and celebrations (their 2024 party went from 10pm to 1am and featured seafood towers, drinks, and dancing), and Hive 435 Tap House has offered festive New Year’s Eve parties in past years (their 2024 party went from 4pm to 1am and featured live music and a champagne toast. Keep an eye on their social channels for 2025 editions—ideal if you’re looking for a more adult-oriented evening after the fireworks.
Family-Friendly St. George New Year's Events
St. George Children's Museum
The St. George Children’s Museum typically hosts a “Noon Year’s Eve” party featuring family-friendly activities, music, snacks, and a big balloon drop at Noon rather than Midnight. Make sure to check the Children’s Museum website as it gets closer to New Year’s for more info on tickets and this year’s celebration.
Confetti Kid's Club
Confetti Kid’s Club in St. George is planning a New Year’s Twilight Party from 6pm to 8pm on December 31st. This New Year’s celebration for the little ones includes bingo, karaoke, snacks and treats, and a ball drop at 8pm. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time on their website.
Cozy Night In - Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Your Vacation Rental
Sometimes the best way to ring in the new year is by staying in with the people you love. Many of our St. George vacation rentals offer spacious living areas, large TVs, board games, and fully stocked kitchens, making them perfect for a fun evening in. Order takeout from a local favorite like Benja’s Thai or Pizza Factory, pop some popcorn, and host a family movie marathon or game night. Whether you’re counting down to midnight with sparkling cider on the patio or watching fireworks from the comfort of your hot tub, a cozy night in your vacation rental can be just as memorable as a night out on the town.
Things to Do in St. George Before and After New Year’s
New Year’s in St. George isn’t just about fireworks—it’s also the perfect time to get outside and explore Southern Utah’s incredible landscapes. With mild winter temperatures, most days are ideal for hiking, biking, and sightseeing without the summer crowds.
Take a hike through Snow Canyon State Park, where the red sandstone cliffs glow in the low winter light, or venture a bit farther to Zion National Park for breathtaking views along trails like Canyon Overlook or Watchman. For a fun local experience, explore the Pioneer Park red rocks right in town or rent bikes and ride along the Virgin River Trail. Golfers will love teeing off at one of St. George’s many Championship golf courses (open year-round), while those seeking relaxation can unwind in a local spa or enjoy the warmth of a fire pit or hot tub back at your vacation rental.
Whether you’re staying for the weekend or stretching your holiday into a full-week escape, St. George offers the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and festive fun to start the new year right.
Where to Stay: Vacation Rentals around St. George
For your New Year’s getaway, nothing beats the comfort and space of a vacation rental. Red Rock Vacation Rentals offers a wide selection of vacation rentals across St. George—luxury properties with fully equipped kitchens, hot tubs, roomy living spaces, and easy access to downtown and the holiday action. Whether you’re a couple wanting cozy comfort for the holiday or a family gathering with multiple generations, our St. George rentals give you a home base to relax, celebrate, and explore without sacrificing style or convenience.
FAQ’s: Visiting St. George for New Year’s Eve
Q: What’s the weather like in St. George at New Year’s?
A: Expect mild daytime temps around the mid-50s to low-60s °F, cooling into the 30s–40s at night—comfortable for outdoor celebration with a light jacket.
Q: Will I need to reserve my fireworks viewing spot early?
A: For Town Square Park’s midnight show, arriving by 8:30–9:00 PM is smart to secure a good spot to sit. For the 9 PM family show, an earlier arrival (7:30–8:00) is helpful.
Q: Are there accommodations within walking distance to downtown events?
A: While the majority of our St. George rentals are not within walking distance to Town Square Park and downtown, we have many rentals that are a short drive away. You might want to consider looking at these resorts: La Estancia, Las Palmas, and The Lofts if you’re looking to be as close to downtown as possible.
Q: What if I’m traveling with young children?
A: Stick with the 9 PM fireworks at Town Square Park for an earlier, family-friendly version of a New Year’s Eve celebration.
Q: How busy is New Year’s Week in St. George?
A: It’s one of the busier winter holiday periods in St. George—make accommodation and dinner reservations early (2–3 months ahead is recommended for popular homes/dates).
Ready to Book Your New Year’s Getaway to St. George?
Explore our St. George, Utah vacation rentals today and lock in a home that suits your group for holiday fun and memories that last well past midnight. 🎉
