Got kids? Don't drink? Enjoy these Seattle-area activities: Fireworks, ice skating, First Day hikes and polar-bear plunges.
Ring in 2018 at the big fireworks show at the Space Needle, a brave Polar Bear Plunge and First Day Hikes at Washington State Parks over the long holiday weekend.
Head to Seattle Center on Sunday, Dec. 31, to party before the Space Needle’s fireworks show to welcome the New Year at midnight. Along with Seattle Center crowds, people at venues around the area with views of the Needle and TV viewers locally and around the world will admire the colorful spectacle, one of the world’s largest structure-launched fireworks displays.
Seattle Center Winterfest continues through Sunday, open late with special activities for fun until the big fireworks show at midnight. Cover band Sway rocks an all-ages dance in Seattle Center Armory and there’s a DJ Dance Party with light show at the International Fountain, both for all ages, from 8 to 11:45 p.m. Sunday, and the indoor ice-skating rink in Fisher Pavilion is open until 11:30 p.m. Sunday.
Seattle Center Winterfest
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sunday, Dec. 31; all ages dance to live music, 8 to 11:45 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, Seattle Center Armory; Space Needle fireworks at midnight Sunday.
Ice rink: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 27-28, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Fisher Pavilion, Seattle Center, Seattle; $2-$8 includes skate rental.
More info: 206-684-7200 or seattlecenter.com/winterfest/.
Seattle Polar Bear Plunge
Time: Registration opens 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1, plunge at noon; Polar Cub Club event immediately preceding the main plunge.
Cost: Free.
Location: Matthews Beach Park, 9300 51st Ave. N.E., Seattle.
More info:parkways.seattle.gov/tag/polar-bear-plunge/.
First Day Hikes/State Parks Free Day
Saltwater State Park: 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1, 25205 Eighth Pl. S., Des Moines.
Notle State Park: 10 a.m. Monday, 36921 Veazie Cumberland Road S.E., Enumclaw.
Cost: Free, including free admission and parking Monday at all Washington State Parks.
More info:adventureawaits.com/
If you’re up for a bold start to the New Year, take a dip into Lake Washington at the Seattle Polar Bear Plunge on Monday, Jan. 1. Costumes are welcome at the festive event and everybody who submerges neck-deep in Lake Washington gets an Official Patch of Courage to commemorate their bravery. For younger participants or anyone who needs a bit more room, the more low-key “Polar Cub Club” dip precedes the official noon group plunge.
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Since 2003 when about 300 people participated in the first Seattle Polar Bear Plunge, the event has grown into a popular local tradition that hosted more than 1,900 brave participants last year. It’s best to come early since registration is required to earn your badge, and parking is limited, so carpools or arriving by bus or bike is suggested. Warm beverages are provided and costumes are encouraged for the festive event. There are other Polar Bear Plunges around the area, including planned events at Magnuson Park, in West Seattle, Renton, Tacoma and impromptu dips at beaches around the region; see our Datebook weekend calendar for organized Jan. 1 dips.
For another option to start the year outdoors, State Parks hosts First Day Hikes on Jan. 1 at locations around the state, a free day at all Washington State Parks. Nearby opportunities include a brisk, 1.8-mile stroll on Saltwater State Park’s Loop Trail, and a 1.25-mile hike for all ages at Nolte State Park in Enumclaw. Other scenic locations including Camano Island, Deception Pass, Hood Canal and wherever else you may be around the state for the holidays host First Day Hikes on Monday. All hikes are free, with no preregistration needed.
Happy New Year!