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Sight Seattle Center & Queen Anne

New Year's at the Needle

A sight in Seattle Center & Queen Anne, free to visit and worth about 30 minutes. Best time to go: 11:53 pm – 12:10 am.

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Why go

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

It is one of 9 curated places we feature in Seattle Center & Queen Anne, alongside 2 places to eat, 2 sights and 1 activity. 6 more of our picks sit within about half a mile in a straight line, so it pairs easily with Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass. At about 30 minutes, it slots neatly between bigger plans.

Type
Sight
Neighborhood
Seattle Center
Price
Free
Time needed
30 min
Best time
11:53 pm – 12:10 am

Nearby

Our closest curated picks, including 4 beyond Seattle Center & Queen Anne. Distances are straight-line, not walking or driving.

  1. 1
    Space Needle

    1962 tower with a rotating glass floor at 500 feet.

    Sight · Seattle · 0.0 mi straight-line
  2. 2
    Chihuly Garden and Glass

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

    Sight · 0.0 mi straight-line
  3. 3
    Chihuly Garden and Glass

    Dale Chihuly's glasswork in galleries and a garden beside the Space Needle.

    Sight · Seattle · 0.1 mi straight-line
  4. 4
    International Fountain

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

    Activity · 0.2 mi straight-line
  5. 5
    Pacific Northwest Ballet's Nutcracker at McCaw Hall

    Pacific Northwest Ballet's annual Nutcracker, staged at McCaw Hall at Seattle Center from late November through late December.

    Activity · Seattle · 0.3 mi straight-line
  6. 6
    Olympic Sculpture Park

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

    Outdoors · Pike Place Market & Waterfront · 0.4 mi straight-line

On these curated routes

New Year's at the Needle is a stop on our Seattle New Year's Eve route. Open it to see the full day-by-day plan.

More sights to see in Seattle Center & Queen Anne

Another curated sight in Seattle Center & Queen Anne. See the full Seattle Center & Queen Anne guide.

When to go: weather by month, based on Seattle

Our climate figures for Seattle Center & Queen Anne come from nearby Seattle. Average daily highs in Seattle run from 44°F in December to 75°F in August; November is usually the wettest month. For New Year's at the Needle itself, we suggest: 11:53 pm – 12:10 am.

Modelled monthly averages for Seattle from NASA POWER, not a forecast. Seattle weather by month (covers Seattle Center & Queen Anne).

Getting there

Map links open a live search for New Year's at the Needle, so hours and directions come straight from the map app.

Coordinates
47.62040, -122.34910
Destination
Seattle Center & Queen Anne, Washington
Website
spaceneedle.com

New Year's at the Needle: quick answers

How much time do you need at New Year's at the Needle?

Plan on about 30 minutes at New Year's at the Needle. That is our curated estimate for a typical visit; groups that linger will want more.

When is the best time to visit New Year's at the Needle?

Our pick: 11:53 pm – 12:10 am. Insider tip: The main show starts about seven minutes before midnight; the earlier light shows run on the half hour from 10 pm.

Is New Year's at the Needle free?

Yes, we list New Year's at the Needle as free to visit. Check the official website before you go, since special exhibits, parking or tours can carry a fee.

Which TripsCircle routes include New Year's at the Needle?

New Year's at the Needle appears on Seattle New Year's Eve, a curated route you can open on TripsCircle and plan with your group.

Add New Year's at the Needle to your crew's plan

Save it to a shared TripsCircle itinerary, settle the timing with a quick poll, and split the costs with everyone going to Seattle Center & Queen Anne.

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Also in Seattle Center & Queen Anne

Curated recommendation, not live listing data. Confirm hours, prices, bookings and access before you go.