New Year's Eve in Seattle

It's been said that there are two kinds of New Year's Eve celebrations in Seattle - those that include views of the iconic Space Needle fireworks and those that don't. Whatever you're looking for, you'll find it here.

If you're in the mood for some music, The Triple Door is featuring LeRoy Bell & His Only Friends for two shows. The early one, beginning at 7pm, is all ages while the 10:30 performance is 21 and over. Tickets are $70 and $100.

Looking for some country music? For $10, Green Lake's Little Red Hen features the Buckaroo Blues at 9:00 with party favors and a midnight toast. Dinner is available from 5-10 for an additional cost.

How about classical instead? The Seattle Symphony is performing Brahms and Beethoven beginning at 9:00 in their Benaroya Hall home. Tickets range from $50 to $150 and include a post-concert celebration that features salsa music by Orchestra Zarabanda. A pre-concert three-course dinner is also available for $69.

You can sail aboard the Royal Argosy and enjoy a four-course meal with live music on all decks, and a view of the city fireworks. The price is $139 and the ship boards at Pier 56 starting at 7:30 with the cruise beginning an hour later.

If you want to bring in the New Year with some gambling, the area casinos are also offering festivities. On the Eastside, for $179 per couple, you can enjoy the New Year's Eve Stay & Play Package which includes a $75 dining credit at Basil's Kitchen, overnight accommodations at the Bellevue Hilton and roundtrip transportation to Snoqualmie Casino in North Bend.

Further south, the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma is offering two no-cover celebrations. You can party at the I-5 Bridge Night Club beginning at 8:30 or head over to the Showroom for a free concert featuring Raeann's Groove and 80's sensation, Loverboy. Both are 21 and over only.

If you're looking for a gala instead, Indulgence 2010 proclaims itself to be Seattle's largest and hottest New Year's Eve Bash. Taking place in 140,000 square feet at the EMP, the party features 4 areas of live entertainment, 3 dance floors, over 25 bars, full access to EMP and the Sci-Fi museum, party favors, and more. Tickets start at $59 and go up to $350 for the VIP experience.

Now, back to the Space Needle; probably the most recognized spot in Seattle. In addition to the free fireworks display, the landmark features two parties. For $250, you can enjoy a six-course dinner at the rotating restaurant, SkyCity, followed by dancing to the music of Grüvbox on the Observation Deck. Or, if you already have dinner plans, come just for the dancing and cocktails for $125. Reservations are required and can be obtained by calling 206-905-2100 or 800-937-9582.

Since its inception in 1982, the Space Needle's annual New Year's Eve celebration is now considered the West Coast's premier New Year's Eve celebration. Designed by Pyro Spectaculars, also responsible for Macy's 4^th of July display in New York City and several Olympic events, it combines music with more than 2,000 pieces of pyrotechnics for an incredible display attracting upwards of 50,000 visitors to the base of the Needle annually. Another 40,000 or so watch from surrounding neighborhoods, and it is broadcast on local television for those who prefer to watch from the comfort of their home.

So, whatever you're in the mood for, Seattle offers a wide array of choices to ring in the new year. Enjoy!