New Year’s Eve is quickly approaching! Say goodbye to 2018 and cheers to a new year by having a memorable experience right here in the South Sound.

Whether you prefer to enjoy dinner and dancing, or activities and live entertainment, skip the stress of planning the perfect New Year’s Eve and know where to go in and around Tacoma.

Stanley and Seafort’s

Take in the panoramic views overlooking downtown Tacoma’s dazzling city lights at Stanley and Seafort’s this New Year’s Eve. Enjoy the final evening of their special holiday menu by choosing from some of their most-loved seasonal items available. From their warm baked macadamia nut crusted brie or oven roasted crab legs with warm bread and artichoke dip, to lobster tails and filet mignon, gather around the table to toast the coming year with your family and friends.

Stanley and Seafort’s is located at 115 East 34th Street, Tacoma, and reservations are strongly encouraged.

Melting Pot New Year's Eve
The Melting Pot’s delicious chocolate fondue will make you savor the final moments of the year. Photo courtesy: The Melting Pot

The Melting Pot

If you plan on dining out this New Year’s Eve, dip into a new year at Tacoma’s Melting Pot restaurant where you can enjoy an interactive dining experience and create memorable moments with the ones you love. From artisanal cheeses and irresistible entrees, to drool-worthy desserts, The Melting Pot is sure to help you savor the final moments of 2018. Indulge in an assortment of sweet treats and fresh fruits to pair with one of their warm chocolate fondues and a glass of bubbly.

The Melting Pot is located at 2121 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, and takes reservations online.

Pacific Grill

Also open and popular for dining out on New Year’s Eve is Tacoma’s Pacific Grill. Pacific Grill’s chef and owner, Gordon Narccaroto, is a previous winner of Food & Wine’s Top Ten Best New Chefs in America. Narccaroto’s specialty is cooking up the perfect meal for sharing with friends and family for special occasions like ringing in the New Year. Whether you like sharable and small plates or fresh and savory entrees, enjoy favorites like their fresh oysters or salmon dip, to braised lamb shank or a perfectly grilled ribeye steak.

Pacific Grill is located at 1502 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma. Call for reservations at 253-627-3535.

ReLive NYe

While Tacoma’s annual First Night event has been cancelled this year, The City of Tacoma has plans to throw a new celebration in downtown Tacoma called ReLive NYE. Dance your way into the New Year to live music by local musicians Kim Archer, “The Voice” competitor Cody Ray Raymond, Prog Rockers, Leah Justine, and their soulful funk headliner Tiffany Wilson. ReLive NYE is open to all ages, will feature a number of food trucks, and unlike First Night, will have a beer garden where adults can enjoy the show with a drink in hand.

ReLive NYE will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. in downtown Tacoma at Tollefson Plaza, located at 1548 Commerce Street, Tacoma, WA 98402.

Zoolights
Explore Zoolight’s fantastic annual light display at the Point Defiance Zoo. Photo credit: Point Defiance Zoo

Zoolights

Experience one of Tacoma’s favorite holiday traditions at Zoolights, which is open on New Year’s Eve and makes an ideal family evening out. With over 700,000 lights, bask in the glow of the Point Defiance Zoo as it is transformed into the perfect winter wonderland. Inside you’ll find dazzling light displays and twinkling animals like penguins, tigers, and bears, oh my! And don’t miss this year’s 100-foot giant LED octopus.

The Point Defiance Zoo is located at 5400 North Pearl Street, Tacoma, WA 98407. Tickets to are $10 if purchased online and $12 at the front gate.

Ocean5

This year, start a new tradition at Gig Harbor’s Ocean5, where the fun doesn’t wait until midnight. Ocean5 is the South Sound’s newest gaming complex for kids and adults, featuring a two-story laser tag arena, cutting-edge arcade games, and 22 bowling lanes, including the only Duckpin bowling lanes on the entire West Coast. Join them for an all-inclusive New Year’s Eve celebration, where all you need to worry about is having a blast. Select one of their party packages which includes a reserved bowling lane with unlimited bowling for a group of up to six people, unlimited laser tag challenge games, and 200 arcade game credits. Upon arrival, visitors will be greeted with champagne, snacks, and party favors. Each package also includes a fantastic meal at Ocean5’s farm-to-table restaurant, Table 47, featuring appetizers, salads, and hearty shareable bites. And be sure not to miss lively music and dancing in their Salish Lounge as you watch the ball drop at 12’oclock.

Ocean5 is located at 5268 Point Fosdick Drive NW, Gig Harbor. Different New Year’s Eve packages can be purchased online.

Frozen Fountain
Skate into a new year at Point Ruston’s Indigo Frozen Fountain Ice Skating Rink. Photo courtesy: Point Ruston

Frozen Fountain Ice Skating Rink

Bundle up, grab a hot chocolate, and head down to Point Ruston’s seasonal Indigo Frozen Fountain Ice Skating Rink. Skate your way into 2019 under shimmering lights as ice skaters make their way around the frozen rink to festive music. The Frozen Fountain is professionally managed by one of the nation’s leading ice skating rink event companies, and will be offering a fun and memorable experience for all this New Year’s Eve, as they stay open until 1:00 a.m.

Indigo Frozen Fountain Ice Skating Rink is located at The Point Ruston Grand Plaza at 5005 Ruston Way, Tacoma. Ticket prices vary between $12.50 and $14, and are only available to purchase at the ice rink.