Free Winterfest activities at Seattle Center

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 delightful diversion will find virtual performances, videos highlighting holiday traditions, some kid-centric activities, and our annual campus lighting display.

Most activities are open 10am-6pm, 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.

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Holiday lights photo by MrHamster – Depositphotos.com

Seattle Center Winterfest activities

ICE SCULPTING. Saturdays at noon watch as a world-class ice sculptor creates a new vision in ice each week! Master carvers Chan Kitburi and Janson Iwakami will join us to carve seasonal and holiday-themed sculptures, a perfect backdrop for your holiday photos! November 27, December 4, 11 & 18.

WINTER TRAIN & VILLAGE. Delight in viewing a late 19th-century model train and village display, installed inside the Armory Food & Event Hall. This annual tradition has been on display for over 40 years! The public is invited to interact by participating in our Scavenger Hunt. Pick up your entry sheet at the Train Station, and see how many clues you can spot. The train operates 10am to 6pm daily from November 26th through December 31st. Donations accepted to keep the train operating.

ARMORY STAGE ENTERTAINMENT. Each weekend from November 26-December 26 there will be live performances on the Armory Stage, providing visitors with fun, seasonal entertainment while they check out our Winterfest Train & Village, or grab a bite to eat at an Armory food merchant.

SEATTLE CENTER LUMINATA. In keeping the annual tradition of decking out the Seattle Center campus with twinkling lights in the trees and other specialty light features across the grounds. Pop by Seattle Center after dark and delight in the wonderland of light! Sponsored by Climate Pledge Arena.

WINTERFEST FESTÁL VIDEO SHOWCASE. Celebrate the diversity of our Festál community partners in this Winterfest Festál Video Showcase. You’ll find performances, cooking and craft demonstrations and other holiday traditions presented in video form. Available online as well as live screenings weekdays inside the Armory Food & Event Hall starting at noon. Enjoy learning about seasonal traditions from around the globe!

WINTERFEST COLORING CONTEST. Download any of the special coloring pages and enter a contest to win prizes! Winterfest decor designer Jeffery Cook has created these fun images, suitable for artists of all ages. Each Saturday throughout December they’ll do a random drawing to pick a winner who will receive a digital prize package.

Virtual Winterfest 2021

VIRTUAL STUDENT SHOWCASES. Seattle Center offers Student Showcases in order to provide entertainment as part of seasonal events, and to give public and private schools and youth performance groups the opportunity to share their artistic accomplishments with family, friends and the public. We invite you to participate in this Virtual Student Showcase platform, featuring video content from schools and youth arts training programs. Content available at the link below.

PTSA REFLECTIONS EXHIBIT. Scroll through an online exhibit of student artwork centered on the theme “I Will Change the World By . . . ” Reflections is a National PTA arts competition that provides an opportunity for students to use their creative talents. PTA believes all children deserve a quality arts education and encourages students to pursue artistic expression through participation in its annual arts Reflections Program. The program offers students the opportunity to create works of art for fun and recognition. For more than 40 years, the program has encouraged millions of students across the nation and in American schools overseas to create works of art.

More info about Winterfest activities: Winterfest (seattlecenter.com)