Seattle welcomed 2026 with its signature Space Needle New Year’s Eve celebration, delivering a dramatic fireworks and drone show despite dense fog across the city. 

 

The annual event featured a choreographed drone performance that illuminated the skyline, building up to what the Space Needle describes as the largest structurally launched fireworks display in North America.

 

The main fireworks show lasted 18 minutes, with multiple 10-minute pre-shows leading up to midnight. 

 

Crowds gathered from across the Pacific Northwest, including visitors who traveled from Portland after seeing previews of the show on social media.

 

Although thick, low-hanging fog limited visibility and caused some concern among attendees, the atmosphere remained upbeat. 

 

Many spectators noted that previous foggy celebrations still resulted in an impressive experience. Alaska Airlines returned as the presenting sponsor for the event. 

 

Public viewing areas included the International Fountain Lawn and Fisher Pavilion, while the Space Needle offered extended hours on Dec. 31 from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

 

To support the event, the Seattle Department of Transportation implemented multiple street closures near the Space Needle starting Wednesday evening and warned of heavy congestion in the surrounding area.

 

Officials encouraged the use of public transportation, highlighting that several options, including the Seattle Streetcar, were free on New Year’s Eve.