Seattle Center Winterfest Brings Free And Festive Lights, Live Entertainment And Wintertime Activities

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 kicks off the day after Thanksgiving and ends in a flash of New Year's Eve fireworks. In between, it features free and affordable activities including Winterfest Ice Rink and Saturday ice sculpting with a full day of ice carving mastery, Center Ice Spectacle, 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):

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.-12 noon; 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.

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.

Northwest Tap Connection: Toe-tapping, foot clapping dance that enriches lives and wows audiences. Nov. 23, 11 a.m.-12 noon.*

Tioke Nahuake Aztec Dancers: Stepping between the expressive worlds of indigenous tradition and environmental activism. Nov. 23, 1 p.m.-2 p.m.*

Anzanga Marimba Ensemble: Powerful African Marimba Sounds. Nov. 23, 3 p.m.-4 p.m.*

* Presented as part of Our Big Neighborhood in partnership with Northwest Folklife.

Holiday Harmony POP: Holiday carolers performing upbeat, four-part a cappella harmony. Nov. 24, 11 a.m.-12 noon.

The Zaniac Comedy Show: Alex Zerbe is Seattle's Funniest Prop Comic freaking out audiences (in a good way) on a regular basis. Nov. 24, 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

Bailadores de Bronce: Mexican folkloric dancers bridge cultural barriers through colorful dress and vibrant movement. Nov. 24, 2 p.m.-3 p.m.

Filipino Youth Activities Drill Team: Nationally-acclaimed drill team brings its sharp lines and winning spirit to Winterfest. Nov. 25, 11 a.m.-12 noon

Xmas Maximus: Seattle's premier Xmas band performs familiar and unfamiliar tunes. Nov. 25, 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

Hot Dog USA: This dynamic jump rope team is dedicated to inspiring, motivating and educating people of all ages. Nov. 25, 2 p.m.-3 p.m.

Winterfest Student Showcases: Artistic performances by youth from local schools and community organizations. Nov. 28-Dec. 22, various times.

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 Girls' Choir: Seasonal favorites sung by Seattle's premier girls' choir. Dec. 8, 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

Northwest Boys Choir: Young singers from Seattle's acclaimed regional boys' choir perform seasonal classics. Dec. 8, 2 p.m.-3 p.m.

SANCA Cirrus Circus: SANCA Youth Company creates and performs original acts in aerial arts, juggling, tightwire, clowning, unicycle and acrobatics. Dec. 9, 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

Garfield Jazz Band: Nationally renowned Garfield Jazz Band performs a heartfelt holiday concert. Dec. 15, 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

The Most Awesome Variety Show Ever: Variety show by acclaimed comedian and stunt-artist Matt Baker and guests. Dec. 16, 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

Center Ice Spectacle: A team of carvers creates fanciful ice sculptures throughout the day, with music, fire performance and photo opps. Dec. 16, 12noon-6 p.m. Outside Fisher Pavilion and South Fountain Lawn.

Greater Seattle TUBACHRISTMAS: Scores of tuba players gather in the Armory to play seasonal music. Presented with permission from the Harvey Phillips Foundation, Inc. Dec. 16, 3 p.m.-4 p.m.

Up, Up and Away Show: Dazzling science demonstrations entertain, delight and inform. Dec. 20, 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

Dancer & Prancer: The greatest holiday surf band of all time! Dec. 21, 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

The Sierra's Latin Jazz Project: Six-member jazz band playing colorful, soulful music. Dec. 22, 12:30 p.m.- 1:30 p.m.

Jingle Bell Rock!: Popular songs and characters of the season presented puppet-style. Dec. 23, 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

The Dickens' Carolers: Favorite seasonal songs sung by a quartet of harmonious costumed carolers. Dec. 26, 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

The Not-It's: Music to listen to under the supervision of children. Dec. 27, 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

Unexpected Productions: Comedy improv troupe sends up the season with hilarity and spontaneity. Dec. 28, 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

The Zaniac Comedy Show: Alex Zerbe is Seattle's Funniest Prop Comic. Dec. 29, 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

Lelavision: Physical performance featuring kinetic sculpture, music and dance. Dec. 30, 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

NANDA, Acrobaticalist Ninja Theater: Chaotic action-packed theater combines comedy, Kung-Fu and acrobatics. Dec. 30, 3 p.m.-4 p.m.

New Year's Eve Celebration: Rock in the New Year at Seattle Center. Live cover band Sway plays Armory Stage, 8 p.m. to midnight. Fountain of Light dance party starts at 10 p.m. at International Fountain, with live electronic music and a video projection show by local DJ Freddy King of Pants and VJ Baryonyx, all in anticipation of midnight fireworks off the Space Needle. Dec. 31, Seattle Center Grounds.

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.

About Seattle Center Winterfest 2018

Connect to the sights, sounds and spirit of the season at Seattle Center Winterfest, Nov. 23-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 sponsored by Coca-Cola, Alaska Airlines, T-Mobile, Lyft, Seattle Center Foundation, Seattle Center Monorail and City of Seattle.