Seattle Center is the scene for Winterfest — five weeks of free and affordable family activities and holiday-inspired fun. The festivities begin the day after Thanksgiving and go until New Year’s Eve. The Seattle Center grounds are open 365 days a year. The Armory, Fisher Plaza and other buildings are closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Throughout the five weeks of Winterfest, those in search of uplifting seasonal spirit or diversion will find holiday-themed performances, Winter Train & Village, an annual campus lighting display, and a New Year’s Eve Celebration.
Most activities are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., though some have shorter or longer hours. Many of the activities take place indoors at the Armory Main Level and Fisher Pavilion. There are also some outdoor activities on the plaza in front of Fisher Pavilion and around the International Fountain.
Seattle Center Winterfest train and village 2015 photo by Steverelei (CC4)
Seattle Center Winterfest Activities
Armory Stage Entertainment
Every weekend there will be exciting live performances providing merriment for visitors all around the Armory. All performances are FREE.
- November 27: Zaniac Comedy Show, 12:30 p.m.; Holiday Harmony Pop, 2 p.m.; DJ Fishlure, 3:30 p.m.
- November 28: The Twelve Tones of Christmas, 12:30 p.m.; School of Rock Seattle, 2:30 p.m.
- November 29: Xmas Maximus, 12:30 p.m.; Luis Cano Sings Mariachi, 2 p.m.; Bailadores de Bronce, 3:30 p.m.
- December 5: SANCA, 12:30 p.m.; Northwest Boychoir, 2:30 p.m.; KlezKidz, 4 p.m.
- December 6: Garfield Jazz Band, 12:30 p.m.
- December 12: Rain City Tap, 12:30 p.m.; The Swedish Singers of Seattle, 2:30 p.m.; Classical Holiday Sing-Along, 6 p.m.
- December 13: Northwest Junior Pipe Band, 12:30 p.m.; Zje Mongol, 3 p.m.
- December 19: Lexi Nguyen, 12:30 p.m.; Michael Cagle & JP Cates, 2:30 p.m.; Rainbow City Concert Band & Orchestra, 5 p.m.
- December 20: Northwest Tap Connection, 12 p.m.; Washington Trumpet Guild, 2 p.m.; Tubachristmas, 5 p.m.
- December 26: Dickens Carolers, 12:30 p.m.; Seattle Civic Band, 3 p.m.
- December 27: Zaniac Comedy Show, 12:30 p.m.; Tlalokan, 3 p.m.
- Ice Sculpting Series: Saturdays during Winterfest from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Mural Ampitheatre. FREE event. Live ice carving by artists including, but not limited to, Chan Kitburi and James Royal.
Photo: Deposit Photos
Seattle Christmas Market
The Seattle Christmas Market is open November 20 to December 27. Admission starts at $7.69. The Fisher Pavilion and South Fountain Lawn will be transformed into a European-inspired outdoor Christmas village and community marketplace. Festive decorations, daily live entertainment (check the website for the official performer schedule), sweet and savory treats, hot chocolate and Glühwein (hot mulled wine), and beautifully handcrafted gifts by more than 60 local and international vendors make up the market.
Symetra Movie Nights
Holiday movies are shown Fridays during Winterfest starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Armory Stage/Dance Floor. Admission is FREE, and there will be refreshments provided.
- November 27: The Polar Express
- December 4: Prancer
- December 11: Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
- December 18: Elf
Winter Train & Village
The Winter Train and Village will be open November 27 to December 31 from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. A 19th-century model train and village display will be on display inside the Armory Food & Event Hall. This annual tradition has been on display for more than 40 years. Guests can even get a chance to operate the train from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Donations are accepted to keep the train operating.
More info: Seattle Center Winterfest and Campus Map (seattlecenter.com)
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