Whirl around the indoor ice, stroll beneath the sparkling tree lights, control the switches on the Centerville train and take in the holidays. Festive, fun-filled entertainment abounds at Seattle Center Winterfest now through Jan. 6, 2013 including live music and a dazzling New Year’s Eve fireworks display.
The newly renovated Seattle Center Armory, festively decorated for the season, serves as a festival hub. Here you will find the Winter Train & Village, live entertainment, warm roasted nuts and other fine edibles at 14 Armory food merchants. Outside, the colorful light display of Luminata sponsored by T-Mobile leads to Fisher Pavilion and Winterfest Ice Rink.
Here is a list of remaining activities at Seattle Center Winterfest; and look online at www.seattlecenter.com/winterfest for a complete list of Winterfest Student Showcase. Activities are offered free-of-charge, unless noted otherwise.
Ongoing Activities:
Winterfest Ice Rink, through Jan. 6, 2013, Fisher Pavilion. Closes at 4 p.m. on Dec. 24; closed on Dec. 25; closes at 11:30 p.m. on Dec. 31. Admission includes skate rental: $7 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12, and $2 children ages 5 and under. Cash only. www.seattlecenter.com for hours.
Winter Train & Village, view the train, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. through Jan. 6, 2013, Seattle Center Armory/Center House. Special hours to control the model train: 10:30 am – 12 noon, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. daily. $2 suggested donation. Closes at 4 p.m. on Dec. 24; closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. www.seattlecenter.com.
Winterfest Student Showcases, Nov. 26 – Jan. 6, 2013, varied times, Armory. Public and private school students provide seasonal entertainment and share their artistic accomplishments with family, friends and the public. www.seattlecenter.com for a showcase schedule.
Ice Sculpting, Saturdays, 12 noon, Dec. 8, 15, 22 and 29, Outside Fisher Pavilion.
The Magic of the Moment: PTSA Reflections, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Dec. 10 – 31, Harrison Street Gallery, 3rd Floor, Armory. The exhibit features selected artwork of Seattle Public School students created within a theme of “The Magic of the Moment.” www.seattlecouncilptsa.org.
Weekend of Dec. 15
Bailadores de Bronce, 12:30 p.m., Dec. 15, Armory. Breaking down cultural barriers and building bridges through Mexican folkloric dances. www.bailadoresdebronce.org.
Klez Kidz, 12:30 p.m., Dec. 16, Armory. Intergenerational musicians, singers and dancers in an interactive concert of world Jewish music and mirth. www.templebetham.org/music/klezkidz
Weekend of Dec. 22
SANCA Youth Performance Company, 12:30 pm, Dec. 22, Armory. SANCA Youth Performance aerial arts, juggling, tightwire, clowning, unicycle and acrobatics. www.sancaseattle.org.
Garfield High School Jazz Band, 1 p.m., Dec. 23, Armory. Under the direction of Seattle’s own jazz great, Clarence Acox. www.garfieldjazz.org.
Weekend of Dec. 29
The Dickens Carolers, 12:30 pm, Dec. 29, Armory. www.dickenscarolers.com.
Eastside Modern Jazz Orchestra, 12:30 pm, Dec. 30, Armory. Mix of funk, Latin, fusion and contemporary jazz. www.woodinvilleband.org/index.php.
New Year’s Eve and Weekend of Jan. 5
New Year’s Eve Celebration, 8:15 p.m. – 11:45 p.m., Dec. 31, Armory. The Rhythm Nation playing a diverse mix of popular dance, R&B and rock from the 1970s to today. www.therhythmnation.net.
Microsoft Jumpin’ Jive Orchestra, 12:30 p.m., Jan. 5, Armory. Current and former Microsoft employees performing the great standards and original works. www.gandalfe.net/mjb.htm.
Seattle Center Winterfest, produced by Seattle Center, presents spirited programming for children, families and friends in search of entertaining and enriching activities during this festive time of year.
Seattle Center Winterfest is part of Holidays in Seattle. For more information, visit www.seattecenter.com or call 206 684-7200.
