Seattle New Year's Eve Events and Parties 2017

Top NYE Celebrations from Seattle to Tacoma

Updated 12/04/16

You can spend your New Year’s Eve in Seattle partying or spending time with the family, or even having a quiet evening at home. The biggest New Year’s events in Seattle are at Seattle Center, where thousands of people gather to watch the fireworks that blast off the Space Needle at midnight, and thousands more gather at private parties at the top of the Needle, Pacific Science Center, Gardens and Glass, and EMP Museum. Area nightclubs also host parties, if you seek adult-only affairs, while family-friendly First Night to the south in Tacoma is the biggest family-friendly party in the region.

Many events require advance tickets!

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New Year’s Seattle Center

••• New Year's at the Needle. Copyright Wonderlane

The largest NYE celebration in the Seattle-area is at the base of the Space Needle. Hang out with a few thousand of your new best friends and watch a spectacular set of fireworks at midnight. If you don’t want thousands of new best friends, there are several ticketed parties at the Seattle Center too (listed below).
When: December 31, 8 p.m.
Where: Space Needle
How much: Free
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New Year’s at the Needle

If you want to head to Seattle Center for New Year’s, but do the night right, book tickets for either the SkyCity Soiree in the Sky or Observation Deck Dance Party at the Space Needle. No one else in town has a better view!
When: December 31
Where: Top of the Space Needle
How much: $275 for SkyCity Soiree/$130 for Observation Deck Dance Party
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New Year at Chihuly Gardens and Glass

••• Gardens and Glass at Seattle Center. Rob Wynne

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style at Chihuly Gardens and Glass. Attendees will get to enjoy a night of appetizers and desserts, live music by the Craig Lawrence Band, and a toast as they watch the Seattle Center fireworks from one of the best vantage points in town.
Where: Glasshouse, Chihuly Gardens and Glass at Seattle Center
When: December 31, 8 p.m.
How much: $225/person
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SPECTRA: New Year’s Eve Under the Arches

Seattle Center is crawling with parties! At the Pacific Science Center, you’ll find fire sculptures, drinks, live music by live DJs. For entertainment, check out the Science Center exhibits or aerial performances. At midnight, the view of the fireworks at the Space Needle is the closest private outdoor view you’ll find.
When: December 31, 9 p.m.
Where: Pacific Science Center
How much: $80+ general admission/$175+ VIP

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INDULGENCE New Year’s Eve Bash at EMP

••• Calvin Hodgson

That’s right. Yet another option to party at the Seattle Center. EMP hosts one of Seattle’s largest parties with four areas of live entertainment, three performance stages, VIP areas, more than 25 bars, and a special singles cocktail hour before the party.
When: December 31, 8 p.m.
Where: EMP Museum, Seattle Center
How much: $79 general admission/$450VIP Platinum
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New Year’s Countdown at the Seattle Children’s Museum

There’s a countdown to the New Year every hour at Seattle Children’s Museum! Great if you want the kids in bed well before midnight! Kids and families will also get to learn about New Year’s traditions from around the world.
When: December 31, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Seattle Children’s Museum
How much: Check website for admission cost
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Tacoma’s First Night

••• Glassblowing at Tacoma's First Night. Joe Mabel

First Night is a dry, family-friendly celebration in downtown Tacoma. Attendees buy a button that works in two ways—by day, you can get into some of Tacoma’s museums with the button for free (individual museum admission is generally $10+ for each); by night, enjoy a parade, about 20 live music stages, fire performance, and more. All outdoor events are free for all. Indoor events require the button for entry.
When: December 31, 6 p.m.
Where: Downtown Tacoma, centered in the Theatre District (9th and Broadway)
How much: $10 for a button that gains you entry to all music stages, as well as many of Tacoma’s museums during the day. $14 day of event.
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Resolution - New Year's Eve Party

Dance the night away at WAMU Theater with live music, drinks and more. Open to 18+, but bar is obviously 21+ only.
When: December 31, 6:30 p.m.
Where: WAMU Theater
How much: $97+

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New Year's Eve Nighttime Party for Families

If you've got older children, this is the perfect NYE party for you, with comedians and other live entertainment, hat makers, balloon makers, and more--all family friendly. The fun culminates at 9 p.m. with a ball drop! Pizza and other snacks available.
When: December 31, 7-9 p.m.
Where: Imagine Children's Museum
How much: $10 members/$15 non-members
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Slammin' Jammin' New Year's Eve Party

Sometimes parties are best when a hotel is attached to the party venue. This party rings in the new year with R&B, Old School, hip hop and jazz and has hotel packages available with your ticket purchase if you don't want to worry about sobering up to drive home.
When: December 31, 9 p.m.
Where: Doubletree Hotel Suites in Southcenter
How much: $45 - $299
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NYE Comedy Classic

Ring in the New Year with a comedy act at one of Seattle best comedy clubs.
When: December 31, 7:30 and 10 p.m.
Where: Parlor Collection, Bellevue
How much: $25
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New Year's Eve at Neumos

New Year's Eve with live music at Neumos night club. Live entertainment includes Thunderpussy
When: December 31, 8 p.m.
Where: Neumos
How much: $15+

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New Year's Eve with Ivar's

If the crowds at Seattle Center aren't your thing, but you'd like to watch the fireworks, head to Ivar's on Northlake where you can enjoy live music, tasty food and a view of the fireworks.
When: December 31, 9 p.m.
Where: Ivar's Salmon House on Northlake Way
How much: Free (food not included)