Home
»
TRAVEL EVENT NEWS
»
New Year’s at the Needle Returns for 2026: A Spectacular Celebration in Seattle
Published on
December 11, 2025
Seattle’s iconic New Year’s Eve event, New Year’s at the Needle, is back to ring in 2026 with an unforgettable pyrotechnic and light show. Sponsored once again by Alaska Airlines, this annual celebration will captivate viewers along the West Coast with a thrilling 18-minute show that will be broadcast in Seattle, Spokane, Portland, and San Diego. This beloved tradition brings the entire region together to witness an impressive display of drones, fireworks, and lights, culminating in the largest structurally launched firework show in North America.
The 2026 New Year’s celebration promises to be a truly spectacular experience for travelers and residents alike. Featuring cutting-edge technology and breathtaking visuals, the Space Needle’s towering presence will serve as the perfect backdrop to welcome in the new year.Advertisement
A Drone Show Like No Other
The New Year’s Eve celebration will kick off at 11:53 PM PT with 500 drones taking to the sky. These drones will form intricate, mesmerizing patterns, guiding viewers through the skies before landing back in the Pacific Northwest. The high-tech countdown will culminate in an exhilarating pyrotechnic display, with fireworks launching from the Space Needle as the clock strikes midnight. This is a not-to-be-missed event for those in Seattle and surrounding areas.
In addition to the main show, there will be pre-show light displays happening every half hour, starting from 10:00 PM PT. These 10-minute light-only shows will build the excitement leading up to the grand finale, offering a brilliant preview of what’s to come.Advertisement
Celebrating Together at Seattle Center
New Year’s at the Needle is not just a viewing event, it’s an entire celebration at Seattle Center. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to join the festivities at the Seattle Center, which will feature a lively atmosphere with live music from the Blue Wave Band, a DJ, and light shows near the International Fountain. There will also be Alaska Airlines pop-up booths at the Armory offering fun giveaways, adding to the energy of the event.
For those looking to enjoy the best view, the International Fountain Lawn and the Fisher Pavilion rooftop will provide front-row seats to the light show and fireworks. Seattle Center offers an unforgettable experience for both locals and tourists to celebrate the arrival of the new year together.Advertisement
Broadcasting Across the West Coast
For those unable to attend in person, the celebration will be broadcast live on KING 5 in Seattle, KGW 8 in Portland, KREM 2 in Spokane, and CW 8.2 in San Diego. The show will also be available for streaming on KING5+, KGW+, KREM2+, and CBS8+, allowing viewers across the region to join in on the festivities from the comfort of their homes. In addition, a liv …