From one of the most spectacular fireworks displays to decadent five-course dinners and shows, Seattle is one of the best places to be on New Year’s Eve. With so many exciting options, we’ve rounded up some of the top ways to say goodbye to 2024 and hello to 2025. All you have to do is pick one! Whether you’re a local or traveling on the fast and scenic ferry from Victoria, B.C., now is the time to cement those plans for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve in Seattle.
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1. New Year’s at the Space Needle
The Seattle Center serves as the heart of the biggest event for New Year’s Eve in Seattle. And, it’s all free! The drone show kicks off at 11:53 p.m. featuring 500 drones. Seven minutes later, boom! The top of the Space Needle explodes with color during the fireworks extravaganza, often named among the best displays in the entire country.
2. International Fountain Dance Party
Get to the Seattle Center early to enjoy even more free entertainment. The Armory will host the Pacific Northwest’s own Blue Wave Band starting at 8 p.m. followed by the Fountain of Light Show at the International Fountain. Get up on your feet and dance to the rhythms of DJ Baby Van Beezley while enjoying a stunning visual with imagery projected onto the water.
3. Seattle Symphony Party
For a slightly mellower celebration without the big crowds, join the Seattle Symphony party at Benaroya Hall. The symphony invites vocalists for a night of Disco Fever, with non-stop dancing to the classics. Think everything from the Bee Gees’ Stayin’ Alive to K.C. & The Sunshine Band’s That’s the Way (I Like It). Afterward, a DJ will spin dancing tunes and host the midnight countdown.
4. Xtreme Theatre Sports Battle of Improvised Comedy
If you’re in need of a good laugh, how about laughing your way to the New Year? Doors open at 9 p.m. for the Xtreme Theatresports New Year’s Eve Party, hosted by Unexpected Productions Improv. Twenty comedy improvisers are split into four teams to battle it out for an epic event complete with hats, streamers, gifts, and a champagne toast.
5. Penthouse Party at Hotel Sorrento
The Penthouse New Year’s Eve party at Hotel Sorrento is a glamorous Black Tie event, hosted with breathtaking views of the Seattle skyline from the 7th-floor penthouse. Enjoy live entertainment, dine on Chef Paolo Pezzali’s mouthwatering light bites, and sip your favorite beverages with a backdrop of the sparkling Emerald City before raising your glass for a midnight toast.
6. Capitol Hill Ballroom Dance Party
Into ballroom dancing or interested in learning how? Put on your dancing shoes and enjoy an elegant New Year’s Eve at the Century Ballroom in Capitol Hill. Even the newbies can join in as a free intro lesson is included. An optional dinner is served before dancing and a midnight champagne toast will be enjoyed afterward.
7. Fireworks Cruise
There are multiple NYE cruises for a memorable evening on the water. Argosy Cruises hosts a 21+ cruise, showcasing stunning city skyline views before the vessel makes its way to a perfect location for watching the Space Needle fireworks. It includes a DJ for music and dancing along with a full-service bar with plenty of champagne for toasting. Or, join Waterways Cruises, also 21+, for a party that also includes a DJ and dancing, specialty appetizers, desserts, and a midnight champagne toast, along with views of Seattle’s top fireworks display.
8. Roaring ’20s Party at Gatsby’s Penthouse
Gatsby’s Penthouse will host a sophisticated NYE party with a roaring ’20s theme and a magnificent backdrop of Seattle and the Puget Sound. Some of the city’s top DJs will be spinning Top 40 hits, with a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system. There will be multiple bars for enjoying four hours of prepaid drinks, party favors, and casino games with prizes. Perhaps you’ll start 2025 on a lucky streak!
9. Black & White New Year’s Ball
Dress to the nines, donning your finest black and white for the Black & White Ball at the Metropolist. You can dance and sway to the vocalist and 10-piece orchestra, including everything from swing and contemporary to Sinatra classics, followed up by the DJ at midnight. For the 21 and over crowd only, your ticket includes party hats, noisemakers, a cocktail, and midnight champagne.
10. Pier 57 & Waterfront Park Celebrations
For a family-friendly celebration, head to Pier 57 and Waterfront Park. The two combine to provide a wealth of festive activities on New Year’s Eve, with food vendors, live music and entertainment. Can you imagine watching the fireworks at midnight from the Great Wheel?
11. Four Seasons NYE Bash
Ring in the New Year in style at Goldfinch Tavern, renowned for its breathtaking Puget Sound views and its delectable dishes. Located at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Seattle, nestled between the Seattle Art Museum and Pike Place Market, this opulent NYE bash includes a four-course dinner, live music, and a midnight champagne toast. Book one of the opulent rooms, and after ringing in 2025, you can practically fall right into your ultra-luxe bed, just steps away.
12. Crawl ‘Til The Ball Falls: Seattle NYE Bar Crawl
Can’t decide where to celebrate? Your Seattle NYE Bar Crawl ticket includes over 10 parties, all enjoyed in just one night at multiple venues. You’ll hop from bar to bar in the downtown area enjoying perks like free welcome shots and exclusive drink specials for one of the best values in the city. Just a few of the participating bars include the Pine Box, Q Nightclub, Sam’s Tavern, and the Cha Cha Lounge.
13. Smith Tower NYE
Start 2025 right by joining the NYE celebration at the top. The top of one of the most iconic landmarks in Seattle that is. From curbside to the top of its pyramid, it rises 522 feet, with 360-degree views of the city from the 21st and 35th floors. By day, or by night with all the twinkling lights reflected in the water, it’s truly unforgettable. The stylish celebration itself includes an open bar with signature cocktails, hors d’ oeuvres, a buffet, party favors, DJ dancing, and a midnight champagne toast.
14. Pink Martini at The Paramount
A music-filled New Year’s Eve always makes for a great time! Pink Martini will be playing its unique blend of “old-fashioned pop, classical, and jazz” at The Paramount Theatre, complete with a countdown to 2025.
15. Tango Bash at Dance Underground
Tango dancers, put on your best black, white, and red for Dance Underground’s annual NYE Tango Bash. The masquerade ball-themed event features live music, a tango performance, and dancing ’til 1:30 a.m. If you’ve never tangoed before, a 30-minute lesson is included to get you confidently out on the dance floor for one of the most romantic ways to start the coming year!
Whether you’re coming from near or far, there are few better places to embrace the saying, “Out with the old, in with the new,” than Seattle.
