Celebrate the end of 2010 with one of many New Year’s Eve activities and parties at cities throughout Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Outdoor activities, concerts, performances, food, drink and dancing are featured in the major Northwest cities. Fireworks shows are included in many of these New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Washington State New Year’s Eve Events
Seattle celebrates the New Year at the downtown Space Needle, where the world’s tallest structure-launched fireworks show lights up the night sky. With more than 2,000 pyrotechnic effects, the 2010 show promises to be a must-see event. More than 50,000 people are expected to gather at the base of the Space Needle, making this event the West Coast’s version of New York’s Times Square. An estimated 400,000 people will view the fireworks show from surrounding neighborhoods.
Spokane, in eastern Washington, celebrates New Year’s Eve with First Night Spokane. Downtown venues host a variety of family-friendly concerts, cultural performances and other activities for all ages. Running races, snowboard rail jams and a midnight fireworks show are also featured. Hotel packages are available in downtown Spokane for the weekend, with First Day activities continuing the following day.
Oregon New Year’s Eve Activities and Parties
Portland has many private New Year’s Eve parties at clubs, hotels and restaurants, featuring DJs, costumes, food and drink. Take a New Year’s Eve cruise on the Portland Spirit that includes champagne, hors d’oeuvres, photos and a dance band. Northeast of Portland in Government Camp, a New Year’s Eve Fireworks Extravaganza at Mt. Hood’s Skibowl takes place, with live music, skiing and snowboarding until 2 a.m. and fireworks at midnight.
Astoria, on the Oregon Coast, has a Sane & Sober New Year’s Eve Celebration. This free event at downtown Astoria’s The Playhouse Theater, is an alcohol-free party for all ages. Astoria also has a Scandinavian New Year’s Eve Celebration at Cannery Pier Hotel, featuring an authentic Scandinavian New Year’s Eve event with award-winning musicians, dancers, vocalists, performers and holiday foods.
Idaho New Year’s Eve Parties and Activities
Boise, in south-central Idaho, offers a New Year’s Eve Trolley to various downtown clubs with Boise Trolley Tours. Party favors, beads, food and champagne are served on board. A New Year’s Eve Grand Opening Party at the Powerhouse Event Center in Boise includes food, drinks, comedy and magic performances. Or ice skate into the New Year at Idaho Ice World in Boise. This family-friendly event features ice skating with rentals on two rinks.
Coeur d’Alene celebrates New Year’s Eve with a Journey to the North Pole Cruise to see the floating holiday lighted displays on Lake Coeur d’Alene. Have dinner at the Coeur d’Alene Resort’s restaurants. Or take in the downtown Coeur d’Alene light displays and shopping on Sherman Avenue.
New Year’s Eve at one of the Northwest’s major cities offers exciting events, activities, partying and fireworks. From the Seattle Space Needle to North Idaho’s Lake Coeur d’Alene and the Oregon coast to eastern Washington, families and singles will find many ways to celebrate the beginning of a new year. Hotel package deals are available in these cities for the holiday weekend.
Susan Lynne Hamilton - Award-winning writer Susan Lynne Hamilton is the Topic Editor of Suite 101's Northwest U.S. travel section, showcasing its rich ...
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