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Must List: 5 Ways to Ring in the New Year Around Seattle

Fireworks, fancy parties, and a plunge that’ll wake you right up for 2025

By Sarah Stackhouse December 26, 2024

In a dimly lit room with decorative metal walls, a group of people in vintage attire joyfully celebrate, some with raised arms, discovering new ways to ring in the New Year while echoing the vibrant spirit of Seattle.
Photo courtesy of Smith Tower

Hey there, hope you’re having a great holiday! The days between Christmas and New Year’s always feel like a little gift — slower, cozier, good for catching up with family and friends. Last night, we hosted our annual Christmas dinner of Mexican food in honor of my grandfather, who owned a Mexican restaurant for 35 years. Since he passed in 2000, we’ve kept his traditions alive, cooking his enchiladas, tamales, rice, Monterey beans, and carnitas. It’s my favorite night of the year, and this time we had a new baby at the table — so much fun.

Seattle Central Library is making space for writers in residence to share their stories — a thoughtful initiative for a city that values creativity. And have you seen the news about Nordstrom going private? It feels like a big shift for such a Seattle institution.

 

A disco ball reflects colorful lights under draped fabric, crafting a vibrant atmosphere that's a must-list addition for party planners, especially on 12-26-2024.

Sing-Along Dance-Along: Noon-Year’s Eve Party

Tuesday, Dec. 31, Noon-12:05 p.m.
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
$20.25

This is one for the kids (and the grown-ups who’d prefer to be tucked in bed by 8 p.m.). Play at the museum, sing, dance, and count down to noon with all-ages fun at MoPOP.


Poster for Pink Martini concert at The Paramount on December 31, 2024. Featuring a woman singing into a microphone with a purple background, it's a must-list event this holiday season. Mark your calendars for 12-26-2024 to kickstart the festivities!.

Pink Martini featuring China Forbes – 30th Anniversary Tour

Tuesday, Dec. 31, 7 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.
Paramount Theatre
$49.50+

What better way to glide into 2025 than with Pink Martini’s infectious, globe-trotting sound? China Forbes leads the group in a set that feels like a cocktail party for the world. Two showtimes, same energy.


A must-list event, a group of six in festive attire celebrates New Year's Eve at Smith Tower. Surrounded by decorative lights and a "NYE 110th Celebration" sign, this gathering is the epitome of joy you'll want to experience on 12-26-2024.

Smith Tower’s NYE 110 Celebration

Tuesday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Smith Tower
$250+

Smith Tower turns 110 this year, and it’s celebrating with a Roaring ’20s-themed New Year’s bash. Expect cocktails, live music, and unbeatable views of the fireworks. Dress up — this one’s swanky.


The Space Needle illuminated by colorful fireworks against a dark sky on 12-26-2024, with smoke and bright lights creating a vivid spectacle that tops any must list.

New Year’s at the Needle

Tuesday, Dec. 31, 10 p.m.-12:09 a.m.
Space Needle
Free

Seattle’s most iconic New Year’s event is back with fireworks, lights, and live music from Sugar Bones at the top of the Needle. Tune in on KING 5 or grab a spot nearby for the full spectacle. We watched the show from a friend’s houseboat last year — dreamy, but it took hours to get out afterward. This year we’ll be staying the night. 


A group of energetic individuals burst forward at the start of a race, with the "Resolution Run & Polar Bear Dive" logo prominently overlayed. This exhilarating event is a must-list for 2024—a perfect way to kickstart new year resolutions while optimizing SEO keywords for maximum reach.

Resolution Run 5K and Polar Bear Dive

Jan. 1, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Magnuson Park
$40+

Start the new year on the right foot with this annual 5K run followed by a polar bear plunge into Lake Washington. Refreshing? Definitely. Regrettable? Maybe. You’ll have to let me know.

Visit our events calendar for more ideas.

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