Seattle Center Winterfest, presented by Symetra

Connect to a world of sparkling lights, amusements and spirited entertainment at Seattle Center Winterfest, presented by Symetra, Nov. 27 – Dec. 31, 2026 happening in-person on our grounds. Throughout the five weeks of Winterfest, those in search of uplifting seasonal spirit or delightful diversion will find seasonal decor, ice sculpting, our Winter Train & Village, weekend entertainment on the Armory Stage, and a New Year's Eve Celebration.

Winterfest Official Sponsors

Check out the highlights of Winterfest events and activities happening on campus between Nov 27 and Dec 31.

Brochure Coming Soon

From November 20 to December 27 the Fisher Pavilion and South Fountain Lawn at Seattle Center will be transformed into a European-inspired outdoor Christmas village and community marketplace. A true feast for the senses with festive decorations, daily live entertainment, sweet and savory treats, hot chocolate and Glühwein (hot mulled wine), and beautifully handcrafted gifts at over 60 local and international vendors, the Seattle Christmas Market is the perfect place to celebrate the magic of the holiday season.

Seattle Christmas Market website

Delight in viewing a late 19th-century model train and village display, installed inside the Armory Food & Event Hall. This annual tradition has been on display for 50 years! The public is invited to take a turn operating the train, or interact by participating in our Scavenger Hunt. Pick up your entry sheet at the Train Station, and see how many clues you can spot. The train operates 10am to 6pm daily from November 27th through December 31st. Visitors are invited to operate the train between 10:30am and 5:30pm. Donations accepted to keep the train operating. Audio description and accessible transcripts for the display available from the Yard Boss at the Train Station.

Watch Video about the Train

Our weekly Ice Sculpting series is back! Watch as acclaimed carvers create original sculptures made of ice each Saturday during Winterfest starting at 12pm at Mural Amphitheatre. Artists include Chan Kitburi and James Royal.

Join us at 6:30pm on Friday nights during Winterfest for free holiday film screenings in the Armory. Bring the whole family down to watch these classic movies. Symetra is partnering with Ceres and Seattle Fudge to provide hosted hot beverages and snacks for movie attendees.

Symetra Movie Night Line-Up

The Polar Express | Nov 27

Prancer | Dec 4

Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas| Dec 11

Elf | Dec 18

Each weekend from November 27 - December 27, we'll feature live performances on the Armory Stage, providing visitors with fun, seasonal entertainment while they check out our Winterfest Train & Village or grab a bite to eat at an Armory food merchant. View this year's line-up below.

2026 Entertainment Line-Up

Zaniac Comedy Show | Nov 27 | 12:30pm

Holiday Harmony Pop | Nov 27 | 2pm

DJ Fishlure| Nov 27 | 3:30pm

Twelve Tones of Christmas | Nov 28 | 12:30pm

Seattle School of Rock | Nov 28| 2:30pm

Xmas Maximus | Nov 29 | 12:30pm

Luis Cano sings Mariachi Music | Nov 29 | 2pm

Bailadores de Bronce | Nov 29 | 3:30pm

SANCA | Dec 5 | 12:30pm

Northwest Boychoir | Dec 5 | 2:30pm

KlezKidz | Dec 5 | 4pm

Garfield Jazz Band | Dec 6 | 12:30pm

Rain City Tap | Dec 12 | 12:30pm

Seattle Center Classical presents Swedish Singers of Seattle | Dec 12 | 2:30pm

Seattle Center Classical Holiday Sing-Along | Dec 12 | 6pm

Northwest Junior Pipe Band | Dec 13 | 12:30pm

Artists at the Center: Zje Mongol | Dec 13 | 3pm

Lexi Nguyen | Dec 19 | 12:30pm

Michael Cagle and JP Cates | Dec 19 | 2:30pm

Rainbow City Concert Band & Orchestra | Dec 19 | 5pm

Artists at the Center: Northwest Tap Connection | Dec 20 | 12pm

Washington Trumpet Guild: Trumpet Christmas | Dec 20 | 2pm

Greater Seattle Tubachristmas | Dec 20 | 5pm

The Dickens Carolers | Dec 26 | 12:30pm

Seattle Civic Band | Dec 26 | 3pm

Zaniac Comedy Show | Dec 27 | 12:30pm

Artists at the Center: Tlalokan | Dec 27 | 3pm

We are keeping the annual tradition of decking out our campus alive with twinkling lights in the trees and other specialty light features across the grounds. Pop by Seattle Center after dark and delight in the wonderland of light! Sponsored by Climate Pledge Arena.

Our free New Year's Eve Celebration offers entertainment and festivities throughout our grounds. Pop by the Armory between 8pm and midnight and hear the soulful sounds of premier band Copastetic. At 9pm, head out to International Fountain for a Fountain of Light show, with DJ Arson Nicki and video artists Collide-O-Scope. Just before midnight, find your spot outside to view Alaska Airlines New Year’s at the Needle, the Space Needle’s celebratory extravaganza. Plus, food merchants and other vendors. This is the city's place-to-be on New Year's Eve!

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