Happy (almost) New Year! In need of some last minute plans? Here are a few events over the next day to keep you busy.
New Year’s Eve
Totally Radical New Year · Sky View Observatory at Columbia Center
Celebrate the new year like it’s 1985 – the year Columbia Center opened! Enjoy live versions of classic 80’s songs performed by Free Rain. Then catch the New Year’s fireworks from one of the best views in town. There’s no dress code, but ‘80s attire is strongly encouraged.
New Year’s Fireworks at the Space Needle
Bundle up and find the best view for the firework display at the Space Needle. Earlier in the night you can catch the 10 minute light show at the top of every hour from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
New Year’s Eve pARTy · Chihuly Garden and Glass
Ring in the New Year below the Space Needle at Chihuly Garden and Glass. The $250 pARTY ticket includes a tour through the exhibition, appetizers and desserts, music, one complimentary drink ticket and a champagne toast at midnight.
INDULGENCE New Year’s Eve Bash at MoPOP
Head over to MoPOP for an evening full of music, dancing, cocktails, and museum exhibits. Enjoy over 12 of MoPOP’s museum exhibits and galleries, including The Science Fiction & Fantasy Hall of Fame, The Horror Exhibit, The Fantasy Myth and Magic Exhibit, Nirvana, Prince, Jimi Hendrix, Pearl Jam, Sound Lab, Guitar Gallery, Indie Game Revolution and the Brand New: Minecraft Exhibit!
Roaring ‘20s 2.0 · Smith Tower
Celebrate the New Year at the Observatory! All tickets include a buffet dinner, bottle or glass of Dom Pérignon 2006 (varies by table size selected at checkout), midnight champagne toast, photo booth, and live entertainment by DJ Vodka Twist.
Moulin Rouge! · SIFF Cinema Uptown
SIFF continues its annual tradition of ringing in the New Year with Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge! The film will end with time to head over to the Space Needle fireworks show. $15 ticket purchase includes coupon redeemable at concession stand for one non-alcoholic beverage.
Public transportation around downtown: King County Metro will be offering free bus rides from 7 p.m. through 4 a.m. Wednesday; and the Seattle Monorail will be open until 1 a.m., with the last service from Westlake Center to Seattle Center at approximately 10:45 p.m. and service resuming around 12:20 a.m.
New Year’s Day
Free State Park Day · Washington State Parks
Take part in a First Day Hike at one of Washington’s State Parks. Given that it is a free day a Discover Pass won’t be needed for parking.
Resolution Run 5K and Polar Bear Dive · Magnuson Park
Start the year off with a 5k and then an optional polar bear dive into Lake Washington. The post-race activities include a free kids dash; a beer garden for those 21+; and free chili, coffee, hot chocolate and more.
Polar Bear Plunge · Matthews Beach Park
Join the 18th annual Polar Bear Plunge at noon at Matthews Beach. A 2020 Commemorative Polar Bear Badge of Courage will be given to all participants that enter neck-deep in the water.