Seattle New Year's Eve Parties

Seattle is a city that loves to celebrate its diversity and its entertainment and nightlife is no exception. There is a flavor for everyone, even for the most "fringe" crowds imaginable.

From working and living in Seattle for seven years, these are what I would call the top five New Year's Eve celebrations in the Emerald City.

If you're looking for fine dining while taking in the best view in town, the most obvious place to look to is that giant needle pointing to outer space. On New Year's, the company Events and Adventures will be hosting Sky City at the Needle at 2100 Broadstreet. There, you will be in a comfortable, fine dining location where you can look down upon the biggest Seattle New Year's celebration every year at the Seattle Center, one that draws big crowds, the local media and local celebrities. It's basically like the northwest's version of Times Square. Tickets can be ordered online at www.thespaceneedle.com.

If you have kids and worried about what to do with them on New Year's, you don't need to look any further than right across the street from the Space Needle to the Pacific Science center where you can send them to a New Year's Sleep over. I've never met a kid who couldn't spend all day being mesmerized on any given day by what they have on display there. When I was a kid, the hours would fly by as I gazed at balls of lightning and the latest in robotic technology. Grades 2-8 are invited on New Year's Eve to witness hydrogen balloon explosions, the science of liquid nitrogen as applied to ice cream and a quick lesson in literal rocket science. The price is $150 for your first child and $135 for any siblings. To order tickets just call the registration office at (206) 443-2925

For the 21 and older crowd, you can't beat the Experience Music Project funded through the imagination, passion, and cash of Microsoft Co-founder Paul Allen. This Mecca to Seattle era Rock N' Roll is featuring the aptly named "New Year's Eve Indulgence" at The Seattle Center, 325 5th Ave North where you can dance and laugh the night away to live music and comedy. I went to one of these once and had a great time. The only thing you'll have to pay for is any drinks and food you may want to order, however these are high priced and the atmosphere is trendy and to fit in you'll need to look sharp. The coat rack crew is very formal and friendly, and act very much like a wealthy aristocrat's butlering service.

If you're looking for the ultimate in elegance and sophistication for this New Year's Eve, you'll need to travel to the city's center to the Fairmount Olympic Hotel on 411 University Street. This is where most of the visiting celebrities, dignitaries and American Presidents stay. Built in 1924, it stands as the Pacific Northwest's only AAA Five Diamond Hotel with 26,000 square feet of suites, spas, and other pampering amenities.

For their New Year's Eve special, they will start your evening with hors d'oeuvres and a seven course meal in the spectacular settings of the Georgian restaurant. You will also be treated to live entertainment, dancing and some complimentary champagne at midnight. Afterwards, you can retire to your Executive Suite until breakfast the next morning at the Georgian. You have until December 31st, 2008 to order this package by calling 1-800-223-8772.

Still, without a doubt, the biggest bash on New Year's is at the Showbox on 1426 1st Ave, Downtown, Seattle. They boast the biggest stage, and the best live music. Your cover charge will include your champagne and various "party poppers and toys". This is definitely not for the faint of heart as the crowd is young, and the atmosphere hot, energetic loud and sweaty all night long. For early bird ticket specials, you will want to sign up at http://dose.clubzone.com/events/event93849.html.

Sources -

Seattle Weekly

Clubzone.com