We know there are hundreds of cultural superstitions out there about New Year’s Eve, dictating what to do (or what NOT to do) to start the new year off the best way possible. This year, why not do as the Washingtonians do, and spend your New Year’s Eve in the South Sound? You’ll greet the new year full of great food, surrounded by beauty, and immersed in the culture of the Pacific Northwest—a surefire recipe for an excellent 2025.
Check out our three plans below to see which fits your NYE aspirations.
NYE Plan #1: Culture, Cuisine, and Champagne
For those looking for that wild combination of food, drinks, and entertainment that totals up to a classic New Year’s Eve experience
Lunch: Chez Lafayette
This newly-opened Creole Brasserie is already a hit in Tacoma! Enjoy collard greens, fried chicken, grilled oysters, and much more to get a nice baseline going in your stomach for the partying ahead!
Afternoon: Tacoma museums
Close out the year looking at whatever moves you: Chihuly’s whimsical curlycues at the Museum of Glass, gleaming vintage sports cars at LeMay Car Museum, Western American art and Japanese woodblock prints at the Tacoma Art Museum, or the extensive birds’ wings collection at The Puget Sound Museum of Natural History.
Check into Hotel Murano
Located downtown and within walking distance of many bars and restaurants, Hotel Murano is both a solid bet and completely unique. Their permanent collection of glass sculptures from 45 artists around the world makes the hotel itself feel like a museum destination, and the sleek bar in the lobby helps to get the party started whenever you’re ready.
Cuerno Bravo
If you’re looking for the full New Year’s experience, it’s hard to beat steak dinner! But Cuerno Bravo doesn’t just serve steak—they have wagyu, aka the best steak money can buy—from the US, Australia, and of course, Japan.
Tacoma Light Trail
Every year on New Year’s Eve, the streets of downtown Tacoma are transformed with illuminated works of art made by local artists. Though the display can be seen until Jan. 12, the kickoff night is the most fun with a dragon parade, a traditional New Year blessing from the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, live DJs, arts and crafts, and much more.
Pick Your Party
Looking for a nice spot to hang out, drink, and enjoy the occasional snack? Head to the Boom Boom Room on Tacoma’s super fun 6th Ave to feel like you’re in a 60s/70s cocktail bar…in hell! Kitschy fixtures are alight with a haunting crimson red, which is both extremely vibey and flattering. Did you pack your dancing shoes? Then opt for the Nite Wave: Back to the 80s dance party at the Spanish Ballroom. Whether or not you grew up in the 80s, the incredible pull of a New Order song is undeniable. Dance til the ball drops!
Breakfast Next Morning
Good morning! Drag your reanimated corpse just 10 minutes south to Side Piece Kitchen, where you’ll decide how you want your biscuit—covered in gravy? With a swipe of housemade jam? Or our favorite, The Hot Hitter, with sharp cheddar cheese, bacon, egg, pickled jalapenos, and tomato jam? These merciful carbs are certain to help queasy stomachs and bleary eyes; for best results, take two (biscuits) and then head back to Hotel Murano for a nap.
NYE Plan #2: A Fun Night for a Young Family
Because New Year’s isn’t just for the young and single!
Lunch: Art House Cafe
In addition to kid-friendly standbys, this beloved Tacoma brunch spot has the elevated dishes parents are hoping for, like a chorizo hash; a turkey, bacon, and brie sandwich; and an Italian benedict with prosciutto and polenta patties. They also have an espresso machine on site and a full bar!
Afternoon: Trains and Playscapes
Can anything capture the heart of a child (and most dads) quite like elaborate model train layouts? The Annual Model Train Festival is back at the Washington State History Museum, and if ever there was an event for the whole family, this is it. Then, if young hands are getting itchy for play, head to the Children’s Museum of Tacoma where kids can run and tumble through nature-inspired playscapes, craft to their heart’s delight, and wind down with a book in the extensive library of kid’s books.
Check into McMenamins Elks Temple
In addition to the signature hand-painted whimsy of the McMenamins aesthetic, you’ll find local history woven throughout the hotel if you stop to look. But the greatest charm of McMenamins lodging will be discovered tonight, when your room is just down the hall from several bars and restaurants. Adult fun awaits! But first…
E9 Firehouse and Gastropub
As the name suggests, E9 Firehouse is a gastropub located inside an historic 1906 firehouse—historic as in old-timey enough that horses were pulling the equipment! Tell your kids that they’re sitting in what used to be horses’ stables, then eat a big delicious handful of herb garlic fries.
The Party Starts at Bedtime
Depending on the age of your kids, odds are they won’t make it to midnight. But that’s ok! With baby monitor in hand, you can be just down the hall at one of the many bars and restaurants located in the hotel, including The Old Hangout, an excellent tiki bar. Or get some food and drinks to go and bring them back to your room to enjoy them worry-free from your couch.
Breakfast Next Morning
Don’t complicate things for yourself! Before you check out, head upstairs to McMenamins Pub at Elks Temple for sweeping views of the Salish Sea and chicken and waffles.
NYE Plan #3: Trade Nightlife for Nature
All the fun, none of the chaos
Brunch at Tides Tavern
Before you retreat to the peace of a remote mountaintop, get yourself a lovely square meal while overlooking Gig Harbor. Contemplate the journey of the water you are viewing; the Puget Sound is an estuary, meaning the Pacific Ocean mingles here with freshwater runoff from nearby glaciers and snowfall…Snow from the top of Mt. Rainier, where you yourself will be before the day is over. Makes that Prime Rib Dip and Warm Bread Pudding taste even better, right?
Stock Up on Something Special
Want to make merry tonight? Gig Harbor is the perfect place to stock your cooler for tonight’s party; simply choose your adventure. Cider savant? Locust Cidery. Beer believer? Wet Coast Brewing, 7 Seas Brewing, or Gig Harbor Brewing. Cocktail crazy? Heritage Distilling. Wine wild? Moreso Wine Shop. Dry Dorothy? Visit Harbor Greens, a locally-owned grocery store with an excellent stock of fun N/A beverages as well as a bangin’ deli.
Make the < 2-Hour Drive to Mt. Rainier National Park
Use the Nisqually entrance near Ashford, which is open year-round. As you climb elevation, reflect on 2024, or just sing along to some tunes with whoever is with you in the car.
Have an Outdoor Adventure of Your Liking
Go on a snowshoe tour from a ranger if available (more info here), taking time to really appreciate the mountain and snow. Or, take the Trail of Shadows hike, less than a mile long and located super close to tonight’s lodging. Either way, breathe deeply and listen to birdsong rather than the typical bar noise and chaos of New Year’s Eve. (Remember, no snowplay, sledding, or tubing in Mt. Rainier National Park this year.)
Check into National Park Inn
Tucked into the historic and remote town of Longmire, the National Park Inn is open year-round and features cozy rooms, a great restaurant, and plenty of fireplaces to gather around. This is an excellent opportunity for thick woolen socks, that book you’ve been meaning to read, and/or conversation with someone you’re terribly fond of.
Dinner at the Inn
Tuck into cozy favorites like meatloaf or pot roast, and chat with other guests who have also chosen to celebrate in the relative isolation of the mountain.
After Party!
Greet the new year fireside, your Gig Harbor beverage in hand, with views of a snowy mountain. This is totally going to be your year.
Did we forget a great NYE destination? Tag us on Instagram or Facebook @visittacomapiercecounty!
