New Year’s Eve 2026 Scavenger Hunt & Community Celebration

December 31, 2025 – January 1, 2026

Hanksville, Utah

Ring in the New Year with a small-town adventure under the desert sky. The Town of Hanksville invites residents and visitors to celebrate with a New Year’s Eve Scavenger Hunt paired with a cozy, family-friendly New Year’s Eve social.

New Year’s Eve Scavenger Hunt

Dates:

December 31, 2025 – January 1, 2026

How to Participate:

Pick up a scavenger hunt checklist on New Year’s Eve at a participating front desk or town location. Complete the challenges anytime between New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Completed checklists must be turned in by 5:00 PM on January 1, 2026 to be eligible for a prize.

This hunt is open to locals and visitors, is family-safe, and encourages participants to explore iconic spots, support local businesses, and enjoy the beauty of Hanksville.

Scavenger Hunt Challenges

Participants will be asked to complete fun activities such as:

• Take a selfie with Factory Butte in the background

• Visit Stan’s Burger Shak and photograph your favorite shake flavor

• Capture the first sunrise of 2026 anywhere in Hanksville

• Find a heart-shaped rock near the Bentonite Hills or another scenic pull-off

• Crack open a geode at Rockin’ Riddle Rock Shop

• Count the hidden unicorns near the Whispering Sands Motel office area

• Write down one thing you’re grateful for from 2025

• Photograph your favorite sculpture or feature at Carl’s Critter Garden

• Attend the New Year’s Eve Social and snap a selfie or collect the secret pickup item

• Make a purchase at Bull Mountain Market and include your receipt

New Year’s Eve Community Social

Date: December 31, 2025

Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Location: Hanksville Firehouse

Join friends, neighbors, and fellow travelers for a warm, relaxed evening celebrating the New Year together.

Event Schedule

7:00 PM – Welcome and Snacks

Guests are welcomed with soft background music, a hot cocoa and cider bar, popcorn, cookies, and light snacks. Festive New Year’s hats or glow bracelets will be available.

7:30 PM – Family Movie and Games

A family-friendly movie will be shown on a large screen or projector. Board games, cards, and trivia will be available for casual mingling.

9:15 PM – Dessert and Toast

A s’mores-style dessert table will be available, followed by a sparkling cider toast.

10:00 PM – Early Countdown CelebrationCelebrate the New Year with an “Eastern Time” countdown so families can participate and still head home comfortably.

Celebrate the New Year in Hanksville

Whether you are a long-time resident or visiting for the holiday, this event is an opportunity to explore the town, support local businesses, and welcome 2026 together as a community.