Not sure you can make it to midnight? These Seattle New Year’s Eve events happen a few hours earlier
2023 is almost here. While it’s always fun to pop open the sparkling cider and break out the silly string at home, there are lots of kid-friendly Seattle New Year’s Eve events happening around the city. If you’re looking to get out and celebrate with the kids, we’ve got the scoop on the best parties in town—from Noon Year’s Eve events that let you get home at a reasonable hour to events that will let you see the strike of midnight. Let’s get this party started!
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1. New Year’s Eve at the Needle
For over thirty years, local families have been ringing in the new year at the base of Seattle's iconic Space Needle. This year, we have a feeling tons of folks will be gathering for the first in-person show since the beginning of the pandemic. In addition to the traditional fireworks and lights show, families can enjoy an 11-minute choreographed drone show highlighting pop culture moments from the past year. Consider this your 2023 celebratory trifecta.
Date: Dec. 31, 11:35 p.m.
Space Needle
400 Broad St.
Seattle
Online: spaceneedle.com
2. New Year’s Eve Kindiependent Show
Enjoy this Seattle-based family concert on New Year's Eve at Mount Baker Community Club. You'll hear dynamic music from Harmonica Pocket that the kiddos will love and just might do a jig to. Your family will ring in the New Year on a happy note with this music in your ears. Doors at 10 a.m. Show starts at 10:30 a.m. Please note, families can either purchase tickets for $5 per person at the door, or subscribe to the concert series.
Date & Time: Dec. 31; 10:30 a.m.
Mt. Baker Community Club
2811 Mount Rainier Dr. S.
Seattle
Online: mountbaker.org
3. New Year’s Eve Pajama Party
The Seattle Children's Museum is throwing a daytime New Year's Eve pajama party you won't want to miss. This event will be filled with special activities, a dance party, and even materials for everyone to make a time capsule. This will be such a fun and memorable way for your kids to ring in 2023 and it's included with your admission fee.
Date & Time: Dec. 31; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Seattle Children's Museum
305 Harrison St.
Seattle
Online: seattlechildrensmuseum.org
4. New Year's Eve Countdown at KidsQuest
For an all-day celebration, join the staff of KidsQuest as they ring in 2023. Activities will happen every few hours, ensuring the delight and joy never ends for your kids. Kids can get some fabulous face paint, hear a sensational story time, and experience the famous bubble wrap stomp. Tickets are required, and families can reserve times at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., or 4 p.m. to celebrate.
Date & Time: Dec. 31; 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
KidsQuest Children's Museum
1116 108th Ave. N.E.
Bellevue, WA
Online: kidsquestmuseum.org
5. Candyland Family NYE
The theme says it all at this family-friendly celebration that includes face painting, balloon artists, music, Disney princess appearances, and a major balloon drop that'll have your kids squealing with delight. And that's all before (or after) you play a round of mini golf on one of the coolest indoor courses around—they have unicorns and a throne. Tickets are just $25 per person for anyone over 6 years old and free for anyone under 5.
Date & Time: Dec. 31; 5-8 p.m.
Forum Social House
700 Bellevue Way N.E., #700
Bellevue, WA
Online: forumsocialhouse.com
6. Noon Year's Eve at KiDiMu
Put a scenic ferry ride on your list of New Year's Eve activities and make your way to Bainbridge Island for this kid-friendly celebration. Kids will have a chance to play at the museum, sure, but the highlights of the day include fireworks science and New Year's-themed crafts. Add in a celebratory countdown to noon to get 2023 started in the right direction. You'll need tickets to attend.
Date & Time: Dec. 31; 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Kids Discovery Museum
301 Ravine Ln. N.E.
Bainbridge Island, WA
Online: kidimu.org
7. Rockin' Rockfish Noon Year's Eve
Everyone is invited to virtually join the staff at Seattle Aquarium for their third annual Noon Year’s Eve celebration. It's a super-fun way to welcome 2023 with new animals, music, and dances—even more fun than last year. The event will be hosted by Diana Cardiff with music from Mikey the Rad Scientist. Plus kids can learn amazing facts about some of the animals at the Seattle Aquarium. Register online (it's free!) and you'll be sent the YouTube link so your crew can participate from home. The site has bonus activities so you can get your kids jazzed up for all the fun in advance.
Time: Dec. 31, 2022; 11:30 a.m.
Online: seattleaquarium.org
8. Noon Year's Eve Party
Bring the kids to Olympia for the Hands On Children's Museum's unforgettable Noon Years Eve Party. This year's theme is "Shine Bright in the New Year." Expect lots of sparkle, shine, glimmer, and glow activities that tie into the theme like Dr. Science experiments, bioluminescence, shooting star launching, glitzy crafts, and a photo booth. The Noon Year’s countdown includes a dance party, ball drop, and parade every hour throughout the day. Our tip? Make your online reservations in advance and save $2 on admission.
Good to Know: The museum will have a sensory-friendly room and art space set up from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. so kids of all abilities can join in the fun throughout the day.
Date & Time: Dec. 31; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Hands On Children's Museum
414 Jefferson St. N.E.
Olympia, WA
Online: hocm.org
9. New Year's Eve Pajama Party
2023 is almost here and that's as good a reason as any to celebrate with a kid-friendly cooking class. Welcome 2023 with color, style, and flavor—with a cooking party for kids ages 4-9. Kids will toast to the end of 2022 with a homemade cheese quesadilla, confetti cupcakes, hot cocoa, and more. They'll even come home with cinnamon rolls to bake up on New Year's Day. Be sure to register in advance for this class. Two sessions are available on New Year's Eve—one in U Village, one at the Kirkland shop.
Date & Time: Dec. 31; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
FrogLegs
2643 N.E. University Village St.
Seattle
Online: froglegskca.com
10. Princess Noon Year's Eve Party
Princess fans of all ages will jump at the chance to celebrate the new year at noon with their favorite princesses! Kids will enjoy games, crafts, snacks, a grand celebration, and more as the princesses from The Painted Palace countdown to 2023 at noon.
Date & Time: Dec. 31; 11:15 a.m.-12:30 pm.
Painted Palace
1813 130th Ave. N.E.
Bellevue, WA
Online: paintedpalaceparties.com
Additional reporting by Taylor Clifton
