Preparations are well underway for the largest structurally-launched firework show in North America to ring in the new year.
SEATTLE — Preparations are well underway for the largest structurally-launched firework show in North America: Alaska Airlines New Year’s at the Needle celebration.
Organizers are excited to put on an even bigger broadcast to ring in 2025 than in years past.
This year, the firework and drone show will be televised in Seattle, Spokane, Portland and San Diego.
“We are so excited to partner with Alaska Airlines to bring New Year’s at the Needle to even greater heights,” said Ron Sevart, Space Needle president and CEO. “Travel has the incredible power to inspire, and Alaska Airlines has been connecting the West Coast to the world for 92 years. As we ring in 2025, I can’t think of a better sponsor to help the entire Pacific Time Zone dream even bigger for the year ahead.”
The drone show will kick off seven minutes before midnight, with 500 taking to the sky creating formations that will take viewers around the wonders of the West Coast, from San Diego to Seattle. A drone countdown will lead up to the firework show that will launch from the Space Needle at midnight.
Leading up to the big event, there will be 10-minute light shows happening at 10 p.m., 10:30 p.m., 11 p.m., and 11:30 p.m.
Seattle’s hometown airline is excited to get in on the celebrations this year.
“As the only West Coast-based airline, we look forward to ringing in the New Year with our loyal guests, from Seattle to San Diego,” said Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Airlines.
For those who want to attend in person, the best viewing is at the International Fountain Lawn and the Fisher Pavilion. Attendees can also check out giveaways at Alaska Airlines pop-up booths at the Armory and surrounding outdoor areas, including a special giveaway for Alaska Airlines credit card holders.
For those watching from home, the live broadcast beings at 11:30 p.m. PST on KING 5 in Seattle, KGW 8 in Portland, KREM 2 in Spokane and CW 8.2 in San Diego. Bonus coverage will start at 11 p.m. on streaming, KING5+, KGW8+, KREM2+ and over the air in San Diego on CW 8.2.
For those watching the show from the ground in Seattle, the can tune into a live simulcast of the soundtrack on HITS 106.1 in Seattle. The broadcast will include behind-the-scenes coverage of the New Year’s celebration, and musical performances by Seattle-based band Sugar Bones who will go live from the top of the Space Needle.
There are no New Year’s Eve events atop the Space Needle; however, the tower does have extended hours on December 31 and will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.