The spirit of the season abounds this weekend at Seattle Center. The sparkling lights, child-sized diversions and live entertainment of Seattle Center Winterfest continue, and activities presented by campus residents provide additional delight and inspiration.
Pacific Northwest Ballet’s beloved production of The Nutcracker continues through Dec. 28. Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Book-It Repertory Theatre, Teatro ZinZanni, MoPOP, Seattle Children’s Museum, Pacific Science Center, Chihuly Garden and Glass and the Space Needle also invite the community to experience the mirth and merriment of this time of year.
Following are some of the offerings visitors will find this weekend at Seattle Center. All admissions are free of charge, unless indicated:
Winterfest Student Showcases: Through Dec. 30, various times, Armory. Student Showcases provide entertainment as part of our seasonal offerings and give aspiring young peformers the opportunity to share their artistic accomplishments with family, friends and the public. More information at: www.seattlecenter.com/studentshowcases.
Winter Train & Village: Through 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.
Winterfest Ice Rink: Through 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. Admission: $8 for adults, $6 children ages 6-12, $2 children ages five and under, includes skate rental. Cash, check, visa or mastercard.
PTSA Reflections: Through Jan. 8, 2017, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily, Armory Balcony. Students exhibit artwork reflecting on a common theme. More information at: www.scptsa.org.
CookieFest 2016: Dec. 10, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m., Seattle Center Armory Loft. Seattle’s ultimate pop-up bake sale! Local pastry artisans unite to sell thousands upon thousands of delectable, holiday-inspired treats for a good cause. All proceeds from CookieFest go to Seattle Milk Fund’s Child Care & Family Support Program.
GeekCraft Expo SEATTLE: Dec. 10, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Dec. 11, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Seattle Center Pavilion. This curated craft fair offers geek goods made by crafters from the Pacific Northwest. More information at: www.geekcraftexpo or geekcraftexpo on Facebook, twitter and instagram.
Garfield Jazz Band; Dec. 10, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., Armory. Nationally renowned Garfield Jazz Band performs a high energy, deeply harmonious holiday concert. More information at: www.garfieldjazz.org.
Winterfest Ice Sculpting: Dec. 10, 17, 24 and 31, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m., Fisher Apron. Artistry and ice unite in a glistening seasonal expression. Watch as acclaimed artists create seasonal sculptures – or stop by later to see the icy result. Featured sculptor on Dec. 10 is Chan Kitburi.
SANCA Cirrus Circus; Dec. 11, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., Armory. SANCA Youth Company creates and performs original acts in aerial arts, juggling, tightwire, clowning, unicycle and acrobatics. Watch these talented kids as they delight a transfixed Armory audience. More information at: www.sancaseattle.org.
Seattle Center Winterfest, produced by Seattle Center, presents spirited programming for families and friends in search of entertaining, enriching and fun activities during this festive time of year. Find more information at: www.seattecenter.com or call 206-684-7200.