Seattle Center Winterfest opens on Friday, Nov. 25 with a long weekend of live entertainment featuring time honored traditions, high energy performances and hilarious antics sure to lift the spirit and ease one and all into the festive holiday season. The five-week festival, running through Dec. 31, welcomes the return of Winter Train & Village, Winterfest Ice Rink and a wonderland of sparkling lights and fun-filled, family activities in Seattle Center Armory, Fisher Pavilion and on the grounds of Seattle Center.
Here is a listing of opening weekend activities:
Winterfest Ice Rink; Nov. 25-Jan. 2, 2017, Sunday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Closes at 4 p.m. on Dec 24, closed Dec. 25, open until 11:30 p.m. on Dec. 31, Fisher Pavilion. Glide through the season with the greatest of ease. Winterfest Ice Rink offers icy fun for all. Admission: $8 for adults, $6 children ages 6-12, $2 children ages five and under, includes skate rental. Cash, check, visa or mastercard. More information at: Seattle Center Winterfest.
Winter Train & Village; Nov. 25-Dec. 31, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Seattle Center Armory. A Winterfest favorite, an exquisite, miniature turn-of-the-century village and train. Gaze into the wintry scene — or take a turn running the model train between 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. daily. $2 suggested donation. More information at: Seattle Center Winterfest.
Puget Sound A Cappella; Nov. 25, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Armory. Reflecting the amazing creativity and talent found at one of the nation’s top visual and performing arts institutions, this Cornish College student ensemble delivers incredible harmonies of jazz standard favorites. More information at: Puget-Sound-A-Cappella.
The Zaniac Comedy Show; Nov. 25, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., Armory. This Guinness World Record holder, voted Seattle’s Funniest Prop Comic, has appeared on prime-time TV in three countries. Alex, a Hacky Sack World Champion, was ranked Seattle’s 3rd Best Air Guitarist! Audiences freak out in a good way when they see Alex perform. More information at: Zaniac Comedy.
Kristin Chambers “Snow Globe;” Nov. 25, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m., Armory. This prolific, acclaimed singer-songwriter floats effortlessly between genres, from bluesy ballads and folksy anthems to spirited pop songs. For Winterfest, she shares the warmth and joy of the holiday season with excerpts from her album. More information at: Kristin Chambers.
Filipino Youth Activities Drill Team; Nov. 26, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Armory. This nationally acclaimed drill team marches into Winterfest opening weekend with a high energy bang. More information at: FYA-Drill-Team.
Winterfest Ice Sculpting; Nov. 26 and Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m., Fisher Apron. Watch internationally acclaimed, award-winning artists at work as they create seasonal sculptures – or stop by later to see the glistening result. Featured sculptor on Saturday, Nov. 26 is Janson Iwakami. More information at: Seattle Center Winterfest.
XMAS MAXIMUS; Nov. 26, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. and Dec. 17, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., Armory. XMAS MAXIMUS stuffs your stocking and gives good cheer. XMAS MAXIMUS is Seattle’s premier XMAS band performing familiar and not so familiar tunes. More information at: Xmas Maximus.
Bailadores de Bronce; Nov. 26, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m., Armory. Dedicated, energetic dancers perform intricate footwork and refined choreography, expressing the richness of their culture in beautiful costumes from the varied regions of Mexico. More information at: Bailadores de Bronce.
The Magic of Budd & Durgin; Nov. 27, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Armory. Get ready for a high energy, award-winning comedic act presented by two highly talented gentlemen who make comedy their lives. With quick wit and lightning fast hands, Michael and Cary boast multiple 1st place awards in magic and numerous awestruck audiences.
Lelavision; Nov. 27, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., Armory. Lelavision completely integrates music and movement, with choreography emerging from ingenious musical sculptures in a dynamic display of physical agility and musical prowess buoyed by an intrinsic sense of humor. Performances are centered around themes of invention, discovery and play. More information at: Lelavision.
Hot Dog USA; Nov. 27, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m., Armory. The Hot Dog USA Jump Rope Team inspires, motivates and educates people of all ages, while fostering jump rope competitions, workshops and performances around the world. The team consists of about 50 boys and girls ranging in age from six years old to adult. More information at: Hot Dog USA.
Winterfest Student Showcases; Nov. 27 – Dec. 31, various times, Armory. The Showcases provide entertainment as part of our seasonal offerings, and they offer public and private school groups the opportunity to share their artistic accomplishments with family, friends and the public. Seattle Center Student Showcases.
Seattle Center Winterfest, produced by Seattle Center, presents spirited programming for one and all in search of entertaining and enriching activities during this festive time of year. For more information, visit Seattle Center or call 206 684-7200. Winterfest images are available upon request.
About Seattle Center Winterfest – Connect to the sights, sounds and spirit of the season at Seattle Center Winterfest, five weeks of free and affordable, fun-filled activities and entertainment, Nov. 25 – Dec.31. Visit the festive Seattle Center Armory, displaying its winter finest, and explore the olden Winter Train & Village. The Winterfest Ice Rink returns, along with ice sculpting, student showcases and more. Seattle Center Winterfest is part of Holidays in Seattle, and is sponsored by Coca-Cola, T-Mobile, Alaska Airlines, Seattle Center Monorail and the City of Seattle.