Where to Watch the Space Needle Fireworks

We’re heading into the final hours of 2010, full of memories of the year to go and full of bright optimism of the year ahead.  It’s an exciting time of year.

The biggest New Year’s Party in town is the one around the Space Needle, where upwards of 50,000 people gather to watch the fireworks off the Space Needle.  The fireworks are regularly listed among the top 10 fireworks displays in the country.  You’d better bundle up, though, as the weather forecast calls for weather below freezing.

The fireworks go off at midnight, and if you don’t live with a view of the Needle, or have friends who’ve invited you over, here’s a list of other spots where you can get a good view:

• Seattle Center:  If you’re anywhere on the Seattle Center campus, all you have to do is look up and appreciate the display lighting up the sky.  It will be crowded, but you’ll be right in the heart of the action, and there’s a certain energy that comes from being at the heart of it all.  The Space Needle itself is closed to the general public and if you want to watch the fireworks from there you’ll need to buy a ticket for one of the parties.
• Hotel:  Any of the hotels near the Seattle Center will give you a view, and most of the downtown hotels as well.  If you’re fortunate enough to have a room with a view of the Needle or the sky above, you can watch for the warmth and coziness of your room.  If not, you can watch from outside the hotel or try a bar or restaurant on the top floor.  Plenty of other people will be doing the same thing.  If you’re outdoors bundle up with coats and hat, and bring along a cup of cocoa to keep warm.
• At the Office:  If you can get access to an office downtown, you may be able to get a view of the Needle to rival any of the hotels.  Time to start calling all your friends that work downtown!
• On the water:  You’ll always get a great view of the city and the Space Needle from anywhere on Elliott Bay, and the fireworks is just a little icing on the cake.  Get yourself invited on a boat or try to time the ferry just right.
• Queen Anne Hill:  From this vantage point you’ll actually be overlooking the city and Space Needle.  Pack up the car, bring some blankets and hot beverages, and find a place in the neighborhood to park.  Bring some lawn chairs, or lie on the on the hood of your car, and start out early in the day to find a perfect spot to enjoy the view.  And please respet private property!
• Alki:  West Seattle is another spot that provides postcard perfect views of the city, and if you’re content watching the fireworks off in the distance, Alki is a great viewing spot.  It won’t be quite as spectacular, but the crowds will be smaller.
• East Side: There are some office buildings and hotels in Bellevue that have views of the city, and by extension, you’d be able to see the fireworks.  This is quite a ways away, and I can’t personally confirm it, but if you’re staying out of the city that night it may be worth considering.

I’ll be spending the evening having a late dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, and then spending the night at a hotel.  Although I won’t have a view of the Needle from my room, I’ll put on a few layers of clothes, a hat and gloves, and grab a cup of cocoa from the lobby, and join a bunch of other folks out on the street.  All of us will be looking up, at the fireworks and the year ahead.

I hope you enjoy your New Year’s Eve, and that 2011 brings you much joy and happiness.

Photo credit:  Kashyap Hosdurga via flickr