Fireworks of color explode against the dark, crisp skies. Champagne glasses cling as friends and family cheer to the new year. The end of 2018 is upon us as New Year’s Eve fast approaches. Celebrate by saying goodbye to another year in the books and hello to a fresh, new start in 2019. The Hood Canal has a variety of unique experiences to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Get the party started early by stopping in at Hoodsport Winery. During their annual Holiday Open House and Wine Specials, guests can come to explore the unique flavors available at one of the state’s oldest wineries. Hand-dipped raspberry wine truffles and locally roasted coffees are also available while perusing the wine selection. The flavors of the Hood Canal are on full display until 6:00 p.m.
The next stop on our Hood Canal New Year’s celebration tour gives you a chance to get lucky. The Drift at Lucky Dog Casino will have music beginning at 9:00 p.m. and will rock the game floors all night long. A prime rib dinner will be available to patrons as well – only $16 for an eight-ounce portion or pay $3 more for the 12-ounce plate. The party goes until 2:00 a.m. and is sure to be a New Year’s extravaganza.
Union City Market brings the taste of the Hood Canal to life to help ring in the New Year. As part of their monthly Canal Cookout series, a rustic, locally grown dinner will be available on the final day of 2018 for $45. Area-based chefs bring new life to well-known canal ingredients including oysters, mushrooms, and salmon. It’s an experience that can’t be missed! The market is also a great stop to pick up specialty grocery items and snacks to add to your own canal cookout at a local park or firework viewing spot.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind feast to treat yourself, check out Alderbrook Resort & Spa’s New Year’s Eve Dinner. This five-course dinner includes locally harvested clams, salmon, rock fish, and a double chocolate cake made with Hood Canal porter. Without the wine pairing this dinner is $95 per person. While the cost seems steep, it also includes front row seats to one of the best fireworks shows around and a midnight champagne toast.
If the dinner at Alderbrook isn’t in your price range but you still want a front row seat to their fireworks, be sure to get there early. Bundle up and be prepared to walk to the property to watch the show. It’s well worth the work to see the midnight celebration.
New Year’s Day
So, you partied the night away along the canal and now it’s time to jump on into the new year. Yes, you heard right – dive into 2019 with the Hama Hama Polar Plunge Party. Just 12 hours after counting down with a glass of champagne, jump into the icy waters of the canal to refresh and begin the new year. The plunge is free, but an optional ticket is encouraged. Twenty clams ($20) will get you a half dozen oysters (raw or grilled) and a hot drink. All of the proceeds from the event will go to Hama Hama’s friend Dylan, who who was diagnosed with ALS this past April. This all ages party begins at noon and ends at 2:00 p.m.
Make your New Year’s Eve more than just another party. Make it an opportunity to kiss 2018 goodbye with confetti and the canal. So, go out to dance, cheer, and celebrate in our community as the clock strikes midnight on what has been a year to remember!
Thrifty Thurston highlights inexpensive family fun in Thurston County. The weekly series focuses on family-friendly activities throughout our community. If you have a suggestion for a post, send us a note at submit@thurstontalk.com. For more events and to learn what’s happening in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and the surrounding area, visit our complete events calendar.
