As the countdown to a new year begins, the vibrant cities along the West Coast come alive with a spirit of celebration. From the breathtaking landscapes of Vancouver to the bustling energy in Seattle, the Pacific Northwest offers a diverse range of New Year’s experiences that promise to leave lasting memories.
This is your ultimate guide to ushering in the New Year along the West Coast, where each city embraces the festivities in its unique way.
VANCOUVER
1. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Cross the world-famous bridge, lit end-to-end with a changing multi-colour display, and sway high above the illuminated Capilano River. Journey into a glittering rainforest and walk high above the forest floor on a transformed Treetops Adventure before strolling the Cliffwalk.
Capture an Instagram-worthy photo, sip a decadent hot chocolate to the sound of live festive tunes or get in on all the festive fun of the many kids activities around the Park.
Canyon Lights is included in the price of admission.
- When: Monday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Guests can stay in the Park an hour past closing time.
- Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge, 3735 Capilano Rd.
The illuminated Capilano Suspension Bridge Park outside Vancouver, B.C., is a highlight of the season.
2. Cirque NYE 2024 at Science World
One of the most recognizable landmarks in Vancouver, Science World is home to what has become the most prestigious and spectacular New Year’s Eve event in the Lower Mainland! Ring in the new year with 1,200 select people, overlooking beautiful False Creek and the Olympic Village!
- When: Sunday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.
- Where: Science World, 1455 Quebec St.
3. New Wave New Year’s Eve 2024
Step back into the 1980s and ’90s and groove to the beats supplied by D-Jhun with special guests. A ticket includes entry to the dance party and a welcome cocktail.
- When: Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, 9 p.m. to Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, 4 a.m.
- Where: Cold Tea Lounge, 1193 Granville St.
4. New Years Eve at Parker Rooftop
Step back in time to the glitz and glamour of the Roaring ‘20s, indulging in a night of excess, luxury and Wall Street-inspired opulence!. With panoramic views of the city skyline, Parker provides the perfect backdrop for a lavish NYE affair with the city lights twinkling below.
Get ready to don your most dapper suits and elegant flapper dresses for the party of the century, right in the heart of the city!
- When: Sunday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m.
- Where: Parker Rooftop, 1379 Howe St.
CALGARY
5. Fireworks at Prince’s Island Park
Celebrate the new year with the always-classic fireworks at Prince’s Island Park. The display is synchronized to music on CJSW 90.0 FM, highlighting the talents of Canadian artists.
Calgarians and guests can watch the fireworks from any location with a view of Prince’s Island Park or from home via a livestream. Tune into CJSW 90.0 FM at 11:55 p.m. on Dec. 31 for a blessing from Indigenous Elder Clarence Wolfleg, followed by a countdown to midnight with Mayor Jyoti Gondek and the accompanying fireworks soundtrack.
- When: Dec. 31, 11:55 p.m.
- Where: Prince’s Island Park, 98 Eau Claire Ave.
6. Calgary Flames vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Hockey fans, the Flames will be at the Saddledome on New Year’s Eve to take on the Philadelphia Flyers. For details and tickets, visit nhl.com/flames.
- When: Dec. 31, 6 p.m.
- Where: Scotiabank Saddledome, 555 Saddledome Rise.
Trooper guitarist Steve Crane, left, and singer David Steele at the 2023 Rock Maple Ridge festival. (Photo: Tom Zillich)
7. Trooper New Year’s Eve Gala
Of all the ways to celebrate the new year, one of the most unique may be doing so with iconic Canadian band Trooper.
They’ll be at the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino on Dec. 31 for a gala featuring a welcome drink, a booze luge, seafood palace station, charcuterie station, pasta station, candy shop dessert bar and a chocolate fountain station, as well as some of the best rock ‘n’ roll hits Canada has to offer.
Hear hits like Raise A Little Hell, We’re Here For A Good Time and The Boys in the Bright White Sportscar, all while ringing in 2024.
Ticket price includes admission to the Trooper concert and a gala-style dinner reception.
To buy tickets, visit Grey Eagle’s website.
- When: Dec. 31, 8 p.m.
- Where: Grey Eagle Resort and Casino, 3777 Grey Eagle Dr.
8. Free public transit on New Year’s Eve
Whatever your plans for Dec. 31, you’ll be able to get around without spending a penny.
Calgary Transit will provide free service on New Year’s Eve, sponsored by TD.
Extended night service continues as late as 4 a.m. on a number of bus routes and on the CTrain.
PRINCE GEORGE
9. NYE Five-Course Dinner at Northern Lights Estate Winery
Enjoy a walking tour of the estate orchard filled with thousands of Christmas light, festive holiday decorations and photo stations throughout.
Guests are also encouraged to book a gourmet dinner experience. This year, Executive Chef Rickie offers a tasting menu, perfect for everyone with its inclusive menu options. Expertly curated wines are available as pairings for an additional charge.
- When: Dec. 31, starting at 5:30 p.m.
- Where: Northern Lights Estate Winery, 45 Prince George Pulpmill Rd.
BELLINGHAM
Head to Boundary Bay Brewery on New Year’s where North Sound Soul entertains with its hard-hitting four-piece horn section and the talents of dynamic vocalists Diana Young and Margaret Wilder. This 9-member powerhouse from Bellingham starts at 10:15 p.m., ensuring you ring in the New Year dancing!
- When: Sunday, Dec. 31, 10:15 p.m.
- Where: Boundary Bay Brewery, 1107 Railroad Ave.
11. NYE at Twin Sisters Brewing Company
Ring in the new year with your favourite party band at Twin Sisters Brewing Company! Dance your way into 2024 at Bellingham’s favourite brewery!
- When: Sunday, Dec. 31, 9:30 p.m.
- Where: Twin Sisters Brewing Company, 500 Carolina St.
SEATTLE
Come dressed to impress and party in the heart of Seattle as you stop in at more than 10+ New Years Eve parties with one all-access pass!
- When: Sunday, Dec 31. 8 p.m.
- Where: The Pine Box, 1600 Melrose Ave Seattle
13. T-mobile New Year’s at the Needle
The Space Needle is set to dazzle viewers once again, as the beloved T-Mobile New Year’s at the Needle spectacular returns to Seattle for a drone, light and firework extravaganza.
Watch as 500 drones illuminate the skies next to the Space Needle and join thousands of spectators in counting down to the largest structurally launched firework show in North America – all set to a soundtrack of celebrating the biggest moments of 2023.
- When: Sunday, Dec 31. 8 p.m
- Where: Space Needle, 400 Broad St.
Enjoy a family-friendly evening filled with warmth and joy. Gather around cosy propane fire pits, indulge in delicious s’mores, sip on steaming hot cocoa, and enjoy many more surprises.
During the evening, write down your dreams, aspirations and positive affirmations for the coming year, or reflect on the lessons learned or things to let go of in 2023.
Place your notes into a specially crafted wooden boat, to be set ablaze in a spectacular display, symbolizing the launch of our hopes and dreams into the future.
- Where: Des Moines Beach Park, 22030 Cliff Ave.
- When: Dec. 31, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
VICTORIA
15. Speakeasy Soirée
At the Speakeasy Soirée, you’ll experience an evening filled with elegance, excitement and unforgettable entertainment. Dress to impress in your finest formal or 1920s attire and be swept away by the glitz and glamour of the era.
Surrounded by yachts, The Victoria International Marina will be transformed into an authentic speakeasy, a bygone era of luxury and excess. As midnight approaches, brace yourself for a grand celebration. Raise your glasses and toast to the New Year as guests countdown to 2024!
- When: Sunday, Dec. 31, 7 p.m.
- Where: Victoria International Marina, 1 Cooperage Pl
16. Cookeilidh at Craigdarroch Castle
Stop by the grand Craigdarroch Castle for an afternoon of Celtic music while enjoying the castle’s festive finery.
The concert from Cookeilidh is included in general admission and goes from 1 to 2 p.m. in the upstairs dance hall!
View admission rates here.
- When: Sunday, Dec. 3 from 1 to 2 p.m.
- Where: Craigdarroch Castle, 1050 Joan Crescent
17. Silent Disco Party in Esquimalt
To encourage the community to get together and celebrate the new year, the Township Community Arts Council is hosting a free silent disco party!
There will be 150 headsets given out on a first come, first serve basis – please bring photo ID as collateral for the borrowing of the headsets.
- When: Sunday, Dec. 31 from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m.
- Where: Esquimalt Town Square, 501 Park Pl.
18. New Year’s Eve at Hermann’s Upstairs
Say goodbye to 2023 and hello to 2024 in the best way possible – a stylish dance party!
Hermann’s Upstairs is bringing in an impressive lineup of 21 DJs performing in three rooms, bumping genres ranging from House to Techno to UKG to Liquid.
Bring your dance moves and dress to impress! Tickets are just under $55 and can be purchased online.
- Where: Hermann’s Upstairs, 753 View St.
- When: Sunday, December 31st from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m.
19. Quazar’s New Year’s Celebration
What better way to welcome the New Year than with an evening at Quazar’s playing nostalgic games with family and friends!
For $95 you can enjoy a free evening on 33 pinball machines and classic arcade cabinets – no tokens needed.
Other fun activities include a four-course Italian dinner featuring pizza, caesar salad, garlic knots, and polenta fries, and a toast with bubbles at midnight.
There will even be some music performances from DJs Anger and Jules_Uno.
Tickets can be purchased here.
- When: Sunday, Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
- Where: Quazar’s Arcade, 516 Fisgard St.
20. New Year’s Dinner and Bash at The Palms
The Palms Restaurant is thrilled to welcome guests back for another year of incredible food, plenty of refreshing drinks, and a great festive atmosphere!
Chef Kevin Cooper, will prepare a carefully curated three-course meal to delight your palate this New Year’s Eve.
Make sure you book your table to reserve your spot and pick your three-course dinner choices—price of your meal will depend on this choice.
- When: Sunday, Dec. 31, various times.
- Where: The Palms Restaurant, 1450 Douglas St.
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