Seattle Center is the scene for Winterfest–five weeks of free and affordable family activities and holiday-inspired fun. The festivities begin the day after Thanksgiving and go until New Year’s Eve. The Seattle Center grounds are open 365 days a year. The Armory, Fisher Plaza, and other buildings are closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Throughout the five weeks of Winterfest, those in search of uplifting seasonal spirit or delightful diversion will find holiday-themed performances, Winter Train & Village, an annual campus lighting display, and a New Year’s Eve Celebration.
Most activities are open 10am-6pm, though some have shorter or longer hours. Many of the activities take place indoors at the Armory Main Level and Fisher Pavilion. There are also some outdoor activities on the plaza in front of Fisher Pavilion and around the International Fountain.
Seattle Center Winterfest activities
Seattle Center’s campus is open from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily. Hours of attractions may differ.
Seattle Center Armory is open every day from 7am – 8pm. The Armory closes at 4pm on Christmas Eve and is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.
International Fountain cascading waterfall is on 24 hours a day. Lighting of the International Fountain is on an astro timer, set for 30-45 minutes before sunset. Lighting will be on until the fountain goes off. Music starts at 10 am and ends at 9:00 pm. The music should be on anytime the fountain is actually operating. It shuts off between programs.
Ice Carving – Winterfest Opening Day. November 29, 2024 from Noon – 3pm at the International Fountain. Free Event. Ice Carving by artists Janson Iwakami, Chan Kitburi and James Royal.
World Bazaar. November 29 – December 22, 2024 in the Armory Mid Court. No admission fee. Shop for your holiday gifts from Seattle Center Festál community partners. Browse a rotating roster of vendors each weekend.
Seattle Christmas Market. November 21 – December 23, 2024 (closed Thanksgiving Day, Nov 28). Admission $22. At the Fisher Pavilion and South Fountain Lawn will be transformed into a European-inspired outdoor Christmas village and community marketplace. 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. More info: Seattle Christmas Market
Winter Train & Village. November 29 – December 3, 2024 from 10am to 6pm. A 19th-century model train and village display, installed inside the Armory Food & Event Hall. This annual tradition has been on display for over 40 years. Donations accepted to keep the train operating.
More info: Seattle Center Winterfest and Campus Map (seattlecenter.com)
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Event calendar of free and affordable things to do
Listed below are all types of free and affordable things to do in the next 30 days.
Featured Events are listed first each day, highlighted by a photo. These are unique, popular, or annual events that we or our advertisers don’t want you to overlook.
Find more events and ideas for affordable living at Greater Seattle on the Cheap – Free things to do, cheap fun, discounts and deals in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area
