Seattle Center Winterfest offers music and dance, comedy and acrobatics, dining and wintertime activities for anyone in search of uplifting spirit or delightful diversion from the hustle and bustle of the holiday routine. The five-week festival happens on the grounds and in Center venues, festively decorated for the occasion.
Winterfest kicked off the day after Thanksgiving and ends in a flash of New Year’s Eve fireworks. In between, you’ll find fun, free and affordable activities including Winterfest Ice Rink and Saturday ice sculpting, with a full day of ice carving mastery on Sunday, Dec. 16. Winter Train & Village returns, along with live weekend entertainment and daily student showcases.
Seattle Center Winterfest is part of Holidays at the Center inviting our community to partake in a variety of seasonal offerings across the grounds. Here is a schedule of Winterfest activities (unless stated, events are free of charge and held in Seattle Center Armory):
Here’s what you’ll find this week at Winterfest:
Winter Train & Village: An enchanting turn-of-the-century village and train presented in a wintertime setting. Nov. 23–Dec. 31, 10 a.m.– 6 p.m., Seattle Center Armory (special hours: Dec. 24 closes at 4 p.m.; Dec. 25 closed). Take a turn controlling the model train: 10:30 a.m.–12noon; 1 p.m.–2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. daily. $2 suggested donation.
Winterfest Ice Rink: Skate, glide and slide into the holiday season. Nov. 23–Jan. 6, 2019. Sunday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. (special hours: Dec. 24 closes at 4 p.m.; Dec. 25 closed; Dec. 31 closes at 11:30 p.m.) Fisher Pavilion. Admission/skate rental fees apply.
Winterfest Ice Sculpting: Masters of the ice carving world Janson Iwakami and Chan Kitburi create seasonal ice sculptures (alternating weeks) for the public to watched. Saturdays, Nov. 24; Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 12 noon–2 p.m., Outside Fisher Pavilion.
Winterfest Student Showcases: Artistic performances by youth from local schools and community organizations. Nov. 26–Dec. 23, various times.
Seattle Center Sculpture Walk: Temporary, site-specific installations themed Hidden Treasures by Seattle artists Cecelia DeLeon, Sarah Fetterman, Fulgencio Laza, Juliana Kang Robinson, Shann Thomas, Sophia Wheelwright and Carol Williams, in partnership with Seattle Office of Arts & Culture. Seattle Center Grounds.
PTSA Reflections: Student artwork centered on the theme: Heroes Around Me. Nov. 30–Jan 6, 2019, 9 a.m.– 7 p.m., on the Armory Balcony.
Federal Way Chorale: Premier regional choir celebrates the joy of the season. Dec. 1, 12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Poetry Garden Art Series: Seattle Center, in collaboration with Seattle Office of Arts & Culture, features emerging artist Yadesa Bojia: Mesob Design. Dec. 1–Feb. 28, 2019, Poetry Garden.
KlezKidz: A motley crew of klezmer musicians offers world Jewish music and mirth. Dec. 2, 12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
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 www.seattecenter.com or call 206 684-7200.