Seattle New Year's Eve Events and Parties 2018

The largest NYE celebration in the Seattle-area fills the spaces of Seattle Center with one big party. Hang out with a few thousand of your new best friends and watch a spectacular set of fireworks at midnight. Venture into the Armory or head to the International Fountain for live music. 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

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 Michael Benson 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. - 1 a.m.
How much: $250/person

Seattle Center is crawling with parties! At the Pacific Science Center, you’ll find fire sculptures, drinks (plus a midnight toast donated by Chateau Ste. Michelle), live music by live DJs. There's plenty of special entertainment on, or check out the Science Center exhibits. 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. - 2 a.m.
Where: Pacific Science Center
How much: $85+ general admission/$180+ VIP (discounts for members)

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 20 bars, and a special singles cocktail hour before the party. If you're a go big or go home kind of person, this is the party for you.

When: December 31, 8 p.m.
Where: EMP Museum, Seattle Center
How much: $69 general admission/$350 VIP Platinum

There’s a countdown to the New Year every hour at Seattle Children’s Museum, making this perfect if you want the kids in bed well before midnight! Each countdown coincides with whatever part of the world is hitting midnight that hour. Kids and families will also get to learn about New Year’s traditions from around the world as they toast with apple juice.

When: December 31, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Seattle Children’s Museum
How much: Museum admission starts at $11.50

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, live music stages, kids performances 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-$15 for a button that gains you entry to all music stages, as well as many of Tacoma’s museums during the day. Button cost increases as the festival gets closer.

Dance the night away at WAMU Theater with live music, drinks and more. Open to 18+, but the bar is obviously 21+ only.

When: December 29
Where: WAMU Theater
How much: $97-$167

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

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

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. - 12:30 a.m.
Where: Ivar's Salmon House on Northlake Way
How much: $85