Winterfest at Seattle Center
Seattle Center is transformed for Winterfest, a five-week celebration with lights, decor, ice sculpting, a model train village, and live entertainment on the Armory Stage.
What to Expect
Five weeks of free festive entertainment and activities.
Event Details
Duration
Five weeks
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Lower Queen Anne
Timed Entry
No
Featured Performers
- Zaniac Comedy Show
- Holiday Harmony Pop
- DJ Fishlure
- 12 Tones of Christmas
- Seattle School of Rock
- Xmas Maximus
- Luis Cano sings Mariachi Music
- Bailadores de Bronce
- +18 more
Organizer
Seattle Center
Food & Drink
Food merchants and vendors are available at the Armory Food & Event Hall. The Seattle Christmas Market offers pretzels, bratwurst, hot chocolate, and mulled wine.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, couples, holiday enthusiasts
Vibe
Festive, magical, community-oriented
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $$ – Get tickets
- Parking: Two large-capacity parking facilities are managed by Seattle Center: Mercer Street Garage and 5th Ave N Garage. Carpooling is encouraged.
- Accessibility: Information on accommodations for disabled patrons is available for McCaw Hall. General accessibility information for Seattle Center can be found on their visitor info page.
- Pets: No pets allowed (service animals welcome)
Tips & Advice
- Check the Armory Stage entertainment schedule in advance to plan your visit around specific performances you'd like to see.
- Arrive early for the Friday night Symetra Movie Nights to secure a good viewing spot in the Armory.
- Consider visiting on a Saturday to catch both the ice sculpting series and the weekend entertainment on the Armory Stage.
- Take advantage of the Monorail for easy transportation between downtown and Seattle Center, especially during peak event times.
- Explore the nearby Seattle Christmas Market for additional artisan gifts, food, and festive drinks.
Special Events & Promotions
- Free holiday film screenings on Friday nights
- Weekend live entertainment on the Armory Stage
- Ice sculpting series every Saturday
- New Year's Eve Celebration with fireworks
- Winter Train & Village with interactive scavenger hunt
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for Winterfest?
The Seattle Center campus is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Specific event hours, like the Winter Train & Village, vary and are detailed in the event information. The Armory building is open 7 am - 9 pm daily, with closures on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve (early closure), and Christmas Day.
Is there parking available?
Yes, Seattle Center offers two parking garages: Mercer Street Garage and 5th Ave N Garage. Carpooling is encouraged. Information on disabled parking is also available.
Are there food options available?
Yes, the Armory Food & Event Hall features various food merchants. Additionally, the Seattle Christmas Market offers seasonal treats and beverages.
Is Winterfest free to attend?
Many activities and entertainment at Winterfest are free, including the campus lighting, ice sculpting, and Armory Stage performances. Some attractions or markets may have separate admission fees.
How can I get to Seattle Center?
Seattle Center is accessible by numerous bus routes, the Seattle Center Monorail, rideshares, and has bicycle racks. The 'Getting Here' page provides detailed transportation options.
More Christmas Events near Seattle
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.