Glittering in the distance like a row of crystals, the buildings of the Seattle skyline give off an electric vibe. While the scenic ride from Victoria on the Clipper has had its fair share of breathtaking views, this is one that dictates venturing out on the deck of the ship for a photo op that will give your friends a serious case of FOMO.
The energy increases at the various party venues as you close in on the beginning of the new year. At midnight, there will be another layer of lights in the night sky as you usher out 2016 and ring in 2017 with fireworks and music. Much like the new year, the weekend is full of potential, with endless opportunities for exploration even if you’re in town for a mere 36 hours.
NEW YEAR’S EVE
Cozy Up Near the Heart of All the New Year’s Eve Action
Make your way up from the waterfront to the sophisticated, Warwick Hotel. Located in the heart of downtown Seattle, the hotel allows you to relax in comfort and style. With plush bedding and furniture as well as an Italian marble bath, your room invites you to hole up, cozy and warm, with a bottle of bubbly. And it’s okay if you do, since the floor to ceiling glass window wall gives you a front row seat to the Space Needle’s spectacular fireworks show. For a closer look at the action, open the slider and step out on to your own private balcony.
Once you manage to escape your room, take a dip in the hotel’s heated indoor pool (a rare luxury in Seattle) or unwind with a rejuvenating soak in the whirlpool. If your stomach starts to rumble, stop by the hotel’s popular French-themed restaurant, Margaux. Sink into one of the couches in the lounge and choose from an array of creatively curated cocktails (hello Seattle Sidecar and Margauxrita) while you nosh on tapas, such as barbecue pork sliders, Thai curry prawns and Dungeness crab cake. Made with fresh, locally sourced Northwest ingredients, they’re a must-try.
If you want to be at the center of the action, the affordable Holiday Inn Express & Suites Seattle Center is another excellent option. Situated a few blocks away from the Space Needle, some of the most popular New Year’s festivities in the city are just a quick walk away. This allows you to skip the hassle of getting an Uber or designated driver after celebrating. In the morning, stop by the hotel’s Emerald Grill for a delicious, complimentary hot breakfast.
Toast to the New Year with Fantastic Sips and Eats
Make your last meal of 2016 one for the books and fuel up on delicious eats before toasting to the year to come. Number six on Drinks International magazine’s list of the World’s Best 50 Bars, the bottle-adorned Canon is a fantastic place to kick off your New Year’s Eve celebrations. Snack on small plates of Taylor Shellfish oysters or funnel cake paired with perfectly poured cocktails or stay for the six-course pre-fixe New Year’s dinner.
If you’d rather stay out of the fray and avoid the crowds at the Space Needle, but still want to see the fireworks, there are several restaurants that provide a prime viewing location for the show. Head to the award-winning Westward off the northern shores of Lake Union to and feast on tasty seafood with a Mediterranean flair. Kick back, relax in their nautical-style digs and soak in the fabulous view of the fireworks as they reflect and shimmer in the water.
For another perspective on the display, venture across the West Seattle Bridge to ring in the new year at Salty’s Waterfront Seafood Grill. Enjoy an evening of delicious drink and eats, and then watch from the across the Sound as the fireworks fill the sky above the city.
Dance till Dawn While Soaking in Jaw-Dropping Views
As one of the city’s defining architectural structures, the striking and iconic Space Needle is an easy choice, and the most popular, for ringing in the new year. Follow the sounds of festive music to the giant, free party on the expansive grounds below the Space Needle. Practically a rite of passage for someone from the Pacific Northwest, you should experience New Year’s Eve this way at least once.
A unique way of watching the fireworks display is at the Chihuly Garden and Glass’ New Year’s Eve pARTy. Wander through Dale Chihuly’s impressive, glittering, multi-hued glass sculptures, vases and chandeliers before you gather to watch the pyrotechnics show from inside the museum’s stunning Glasshouse.
Another option is to spend your New Year’s under the Seattle Science Center’s iconic arches at the sensational Spectra party. Flashes of brilliant laser lights and smoldering fire sculptures set the room aglow. Aerial performers with nerves and grips of steel ignite your sense of wonder as they hang from the ceiling, while combusting science demonstrations satisfy your inner geek. When the clock strikes 12, race out to the Center’s famous courtyard for an unobstructed view of the fireworks. When it comes to viewing locations, this is about as spectacular as it gets, so don’t forget to Instagram a shot or two.
NEW YEAR’S DAY
Resolve to Begin Your Year with a Mouthwatering Brunch
A night of celebrating is likely to cause you to snooze past your hotel breakfast time even if you are the earliest of risers. No worries, Seattle is chalk full of great brunch options. After all, if New Year’s Eve is all about partying with your good friends, New Year’s Day is all about choice eats. Make good on your resolution to eat healthier with Café Flora’s annual vegetarian brunch buffet. Pull up a chair in the light-filled bustling hot spot and feast on mushroom crepes, deep fried French toast, poblano and yam tamales and mimosas made from grapefruit, rosemary lemonade and orange juice.
Craving something a little heartier? Head to the bright, sophisticated London Plane for a mouthwatering brunch. Brimming with plenty of pastries (including their famous, buttery, handmade croissants) and array of beautifully created dishes such as poached eggs and London Plane yogurt and stewed tomatoes combined with pepper and chickpeas, this one brunch that is sure to satisfy the largest of appetites.
Shop Pioneer Square’s Bounty of Boutiques
After satiating your appetite, take a leisurely stroll along the historic brick storefronts of Pioneer Square, and stop in the many unique boutiques and galleries for a little retail therapy. Visit Bon Voyage Vintage for quirky, thrifty finds that run the gamut from men and women’s clothing, local art and accessories from nearly every decade imaginable. For new threads, the open, modern Velouria is a must-visit for small production, independently-made clothing and delicate, handcrafted jewelry from Pacific Northwest artists.
If you need a quick pick-me up, pop next-door to the eclectic and adorable Cone & & Steiner. Grab a cup of joe or a growler full of beer from the rotating tap selection and browse the carefully curated shelves of this urban “general store,” for artisanal meats and cheeses, old-fashioned sweets, modern kitchen accessories and unique gifts. After a day of hoofing it around town, swing by the small, sophisticated Clemintines boutique and reward yourself with a pair of beautifully crafted shoes that toe the line between stylish and comfortable.
As the sun melts into the ocean at end of day one of 2017, call it an early night and grab a quick dinner and return to your hotel to get ready for the return trip home in the morning. A brand-new year, full of possibilities stretches before you. Resolve to travel more this and start gearing up for you next adventure.
Clipper Recommends:
- If the sweet sounds of classic soul are more your jam, celebrate the new year at Benroya Hall with the Seattle Symphony’s New Year’s Eve Classical Soul of Motown performance.
- Looking for more things to do on New Year’s Day? Check out the array of excellent museums in the city, such as the Seattle Art Museum (SAM), Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), Seattle Asian Art Museum, Museum of History and Industry and more.