This treasured mainstay of Seattle Center Winterfest, Nov. 26 – Dec. 31, in Seattle Center Armory and on the grounds, boasts a rich history dating back to the 1950s. The tradition began when three model train enthusiasts built an electric train set from 24-volt airplane motors that travelled through a miniature–however, fairly substantial–village depicting Seattle in the late 1800s. The train was displayed at the Northgate Shopping Center every winter until the end of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair.
The train set and village were donated to Seattle Center and displayed again for the 1974 holidays in the old Flag Pavilion (now Fisher Pavilion). They moved to Center House (Armory) the next year. At that time the old village was enhanced with new wintertime features, and volunteers were commandeered to operate the train. In 2013, the beloved display received a major overhaul and a new focal point, a replica of King Street Station, from which young people can take turns operating the model trains.
Volunteer engineers still oversee operations to ensure the Winter Train & Village stay on the right track’ and for many who grew up in Seattle, it has become an annual tradition for them to bring their children to take in the huge miniature display surrounded by festive seasonal decoration. Stop by and check it out, daily 10am-8pm.
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