A chorus of “Happy New Year!” rang out across Seattle and the West Coast as the Space Needle welcomed 2025 with an unforgettable spectacle of lights, drones, and fireworks. Alaska Airlines New Year’s at the Needle made history by hosting the West Coast’s largest live New Year’s celebration, drawing viewers from San Diego, Portland, Spokane, and Seattle, while thousands gathered at the Seattle Center to take part in the festivities.
At 11:52 PM, 500 drones launched into the night sky beside the Space Needle, showcasing the wonders of the West Coast. The formations included the iconic Alaska Airlines tailfin, a surfer from San Diego, and a massive octopus wrapping around the Space Needle. As the clock struck midnight, an incredible light and fireworks finale illuminated the sky, creating the largest structurally launched pyrotechnic display in North America. Other show highlights included:
- The most powerful light show yet, with 160 unique light fixtures placed on the tower making the Space Needle brighter than ever before;
- Live musical performance by Seattle-based band Sugar Bones for viewers at home, including the premiere of their song “Leave the Light On”;
- Musical soundtrack full of 2024’s biggest stars like Beyoncé, Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, and Washington State’s Benson Boone. Plus, a feature from Seattle band Cytrus.
Alaska Airlines joined the party this year as the presenting sponsor. Viewers at Seattle Center were treated to giveaways at Alaska Airlines’ pop-up booths, including a special giveaway for Alaska Airlines credit card holders.
“It’s such an honor to ring in the New Year with the entire West Coast,” said Randy Coté, Chief Marketing Officer for the Space Needle. “This show is an annual tradition for so many in Seattle, and we’re thrilled to share the love across the Pacific Time Zone. Thank you to all our partners, from Alaska Airlines to the incredible technical specialists, that made this New Year’s event a huge success.”
The show was broadcast live on KING (Seattle), KREM (Spokane), KGW (Portland), and CW 8.2 (San Diego) with the show’s audio simulcast by iHeart Radio on HITS 106.1 in Seattle.
