Seattle New Year's Eve

Destination 01

Seattle Center & Queen Anne

9 places

The 1962 World's Fair grounds under the Space Needle; 2 nights for the show, Queen Anne views and dinner.

• New Year's at the Needle

  Seattle's free midnight show, with drones and fireworks launched from the 605-foot Space Needle itself.

  Tip The main show starts about seven minutes before midnight; the earlier light shows run on the half hour from 10 pm.

  SeeSeattle CenterFree30 min11:53 pm – 12:10 am
• Photo: DimiTalen · CC BY-SA 3.0

  International Fountain

  Domed fountain at the heart of Seattle Center whose lawn becomes a dance floor with projections on New Year's Eve.

  Tip The lawn and Fisher Pavilion roof are the closest public views; arrive before 10 pm.

  DoSeattle CenterFree3 hrFrom 9 pm
• Photo: Dllu · Public domain

  Kerry Park

  Small Queen Anne viewpoint with the classic view of the Space Needle in front of downtown and, on clear days, Mount Rainier.

  Tip It fills by 11 pm on New Year's Eve; on Dec 30 you will have room for photos.

  SeeQueen AnneFree45 minBlue hour
• Photo: WikiPedant · CC BY-SA 4.0

  Gas Works Park

  Lakeside park around the towers of a 1906 gasification plant, with a grassy hill facing the skyline across Lake Union.

  Tip The fireworks are far off but the whole skyline and the Needle line up; it is less crowded than Kerry Park.

  OutdoorsWallingfordFree60 minBefore midnight

• Canlis

  Family-run fine dining since 1950 in a mid-century glass house on a hillside above Lake Union.

  Tip Reservations open months ahead, and guests dress up; New Year's Eve is one of its most sought-after nights.

  EatQueen Anne$$$$3 hrDinner
• Photo: Joe Mabel · CC BY-SA 3.0

  The Pink Door

  Italian-American trattoria behind an unmarked pink door in Post Alley since 1981, with cabaret acts and a terrace.

  Tip Book an early seating, then ride the Monorail from Westlake to Seattle Center before it pauses at 10:30 pm.

  EatPike Place Market$$2 hrEarly dinner
• Photo: Benjamin Robert Dougherty · CC0

  Zig Zag Café

  Cocktail bar tucked into the Pike Street Hill Climb, credited with reviving the Last Word cocktail.

  Tip It is small and fills fast; go for a drink before heading up to Seattle Center.

  DrinkPike Place Market$$75 minEarly evening

• Chihuly Garden and Glass

  Dale Chihuly's blown-glass works in galleries, a glasshouse and a garden at the foot of the Space Needle.

  Tip Go after dark on Dec 30, when the glasshouse and garden pieces are lit.

  SeeSeattle Center$$$1.5 hrEvening
• Photo: Joe Mabel · CC BY-SA 3.0

  Fairmont Olympic Hotel

  Seattle's grand hotel since 1924, an Italian Renaissance building downtown with a marble lobby.

  Tip It is a short walk to Westlake for the Monorail and to the Market on Jan 1.

  StayDowntown$$$$

Destination 02

Pike Place Market & Waterfront

6 places

The 1907 public market above Elliott Bay; New Year's Day for pastries, brunch and a bayside walk.

• Photo: Madi Fawcett · CC BY-SA 4.0

  Pike Place Market

  Farmers market, fishmongers and small shops on several levels under the Public Market clock and neon sign.

  Tip Open on Jan 1; arrive before 10 am, when the arcades are still quiet.

  ShopPike Place Market$2 hrMorning
• Photo: Another Believer · CC BY-SA 4.0

  Le Panier

  French bakery on Pike Place since 1983, known for croissants and baguettes baked on site.

  Tip Open every day from 7 am; take pastries to the rail overlooking the bay.

  EatPike Place Market$30 minBreakfast
• Photo: Masohpotato · CC BY-SA 3.0

  Cafe Campagne

  Parisian-style cafe in Post Alley, known for oeufs en meurette and croque madame at brunch.

  Tip Book a late-morning table; holiday hours can change.

  EatPike Place Market$$75 minBrunch
• Photo: Dietmar Rabich · CC BY-SA 4.0

  Olympic Sculpture Park

  Free outdoor park of the Seattle Art Museum, zigzagging down to Elliott Bay past Calder's red Eagle.

  Tip Walk the waterfront path from the Market to the park and back, about 3 km.

  OutdoorsBelltownFree60 minMidday
• Photo: Antony-22 · CC BY-SA 4.0

  Seattle Aquarium

  Waterfront aquarium on Pier 59 with a domed underwater room, sea otters and the new Ocean Pavilion.

  Tip Check the holiday hours before going; it closes early on Dec 31.

  DoWaterfront$$$2 hrAfternoon
• Photo: Cody Logan · CC BY-SA 4.0

  Discovery Park

  The city's largest park, with bluffs, forest trails and a beach walk to the 1881 West Point Lighthouse.

  Tip The Loop Trail is about 4.5 km; add the South Beach Trail down to the lighthouse.

  OutdoorsMagnoliaFree2.5 hrLate morning