Seattle Center celebrates the season with free and affordable events, Nov. 20–Dec. 31

Holidays at the Center Sparkle with Music, Markets, and Magic

Seattle Center celebrates the season with free and affordable events, Nov. 20–Dec. 31

SEATTLE – Seattle Center is the place to be this holiday season as Holidays at the Center fills the campus with lights, music, markets, and magic. From Nov. 20 through Dec. 31, visitors can enjoy a dazzling array of free and affordable events, featuring Winterfest presented by Symetra.

“We’re excited to bring the community together once again for Holidays at the Center,” said Marc Jones, director of marketing and strategic partnerships for Seattle Center. This season is about joy, connection, and tradition — and Seattle Center is where those traditions live. It’s the perfect place to start your holiday experience, with celebrations which capture the spirit of the season in the heart of the city.”

The festivities begin on Nov. 20 with the Winterfest Campus Lighting presented by Climate Pledge Arena, illuminating the grounds in a glow that lasts through mid-April. Additional events continue at the Seattle Center Armory Food & Event Hall – the hub for free holiday traditions – and across the entire Seattle Center campus throughout the season.

“Symetra is proud to once again bring Winterfest to life in the Armory,” said Trinity Parker, chief marketing officer at Symetra. “We love creating a space where the community can gather, celebrate, and make lasting memories together during this magical season.”

This year’s festivities see the return of many beloved favorites, including:

• Seattle Christmas Market – Nov. 20–Dec. 24, Fisher Pavilion & International Fountain South Lawn

• Winterfest World Bazaar presented by Festál (Nov. 28–Dec. 21, weekends, Armory) – Shop handcrafted gifts and explore global traditions.

• Winter Train & Village (Nov. 28–Dec. 31, Armory Food & Event Hall) – A family favorite featuring festive displays and an interactive scavenger hunt.

• Winterfest Ice Sculpting (Saturdays, Nov. 29–Dec. 27, Mural Amphitheatre) – Watch artists transform ice into breathtaking works of art.

Opening Weekend Lineup at Seattle Center Armory Food & Event Hall (Nov. 28–30)

• Zaniac Comedy Show – Nov. 28, 12:30 p.m.

• Holiday Harmony Pop – Nov. 28, 2 p.m.

• DJ Fishlure – Nov. 28, 3:30 p.m.

• The Polar Express (Film, Rated G) – Nov. 28, 6:30 p.m.

• The Dickens Carolers – Nov. 29, 2 p.m.

• Rainier Breakers (Hip-hop & breakdance) – Nov. 29, 3:30 p.m.

• Xmas Maximus – Nov. 30, 12:30 p.m.

• Da Nell Daymon & Greater Works – Nov. 30, 2 p.m.

December Highlights

Enjoy a festive lineup of music and performance throughout the month, including the Northwest Boychoir apprentices (Dec. 6), Garfield Jazz Band (Dec. 7), SANCA Youth Performance Company (Dec. 13), School of Rock Seattle (Dec. 14), Rainbow City Jazz Band & Orchestra (Dec. 14 & 19), Bailadores de Bronce (Dec. 20), Luis Cano sings Mariachi in English (Dec. 20), Lexi Nguyen (Dec. 21), KlezKids (Dec. 21), Greater Seattle TubaChristmas (Dec. 21), and more.

Additional Campus-Wide Festivities

The entire Seattle Center campus celebrates with events including:

• Pacific Northwest Ballet’s George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® – Nov. 28–Dec. 28, McCaw Hall

• Come From Away – Nov. 28–Dec. 28, Seattle Rep

• Urban Craft Uprising – Dec. 6–7, Exhibition Hall

• A Drag Queen Christmas – Dec. 3, McCaw Hall

• Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox: Magic, Moonlight & Mistletoe – Dec. 16, McCaw Hall

Ring in the New Year

Celebrate New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31) at the Center with:

• Fortune Feimster “Takin’ Care of Biscuits” Comedy Tour – 7 p.m., McCaw Hall

• Blue Wave Band – 8–11:45 p.m., Armory Food & Event Hall

• Fountain of Light DJ & Light Show – 10 p.m., International Fountain

• Alaska Airlines New Year’s at the Needle – Fireworks and drone show at midnight

Plan Your Visit

Visitors are encouraged to explore all transportation options, including light rail, bus, bike, car share, and the Seattle Center Monorail.

For the full schedule and updates, visit seattlecenter.com/holidays or follow us on Instagram and Facebook @seattlecenter.

Holidays at the Center is made possible thanks to presenting partner Symetra, and official sponsors Alaska Airlines, Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle Christmas Market, and the Space Needle.

About Seattle Center — The Cultural Heart of the Pacific Northwest  

Seattle Center is a 74-acre civic, arts, and cultural gathering place in the heart of the city. It is home to more than 30 partner organizations — including Climate Pledge Arena, KEXP, MOPOP, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Seattle Opera, Pacific Science Center, SIFF, and many others — alongside world-class attractions, historic venues, public art, and a dynamic calendar of free and affordable events for all ages, centered around the iconic International Fountain. 

As a department of the City of Seattle and anchor of the Uptown Arts & Cultural District, Seattle Center serves as a hub for creative expression, cultural diversity, and civic life. It also manages the City’s new Waterfront Park in partnership with Friends of Waterfront Seattle, delivering cultural programming, operations, and civic care on Seattle’s revitalized downtown waterfront.

In 2025, Seattle Center is projected to generate over $900 million in visitor spending, contribute more than $2 billion in total regional economic impact, and support more than 18,600 jobs. With the support of our Official Partners — Alaska Airlines, The Climate Pledge, Coors Light, Pepsi,  Symetra, T-Mobile, and WaFd Bank —  Seattle Center is the #1 most-visited arts and cultural destination in the Pacific Northwest.  www.seattlecenter.com