December in Seattle is always buzzing with festive energy: holiday markets pop up across the city, sparkling light displays brighten long evenings, and seasonal events fill nearly every weekend. If you still have a little room on your calendar, Seattle Center WinterFest is a classic (and budget-friendly!) addition. Running now through December 31, this free annual celebration brings five full weeks of family-friendly fun, live entertainment, and classic holiday charm to Seattle Center.
All throughout this December, you can visit Seattle Center to enjoy light displays, the iconic Winter Train & Village, ice sculpting demonstrations, weekend performances, a holiday marketplace, and more. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick visit or planning a full day of activities, there’s something for every age and interest.
Read on to discover everything happening at Seattle Center’s WinterFest this year!
Winter Train & Village
A particularly kid-friendly attraction at WinterFest is the beloved Winter Train & Village inside the Armory Food & Event Hall. This intricately built late-19th-century model village has been a Seattle holiday staple for nearly 50 years. Guests can watch the train run daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. You can even take a turn operating it between 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. There’s also an accompanying Scavenger Hunt that adds extra fun for kids and adults alike; simply pick up an entry sheet at the Train Station.
Winterfest World Bazaar
If you want to shop small this season, the WinterFest World Bazaar offers unique holiday finds created by local BIPOC artists. This pop-up marketplace runs on weekends from November 28 to December 21, with rotating vendors each day from noon to 6:00 p.m. It’s an excellent place to discover handmade goods, artisan gifts, and one-of-a-kind items you won’t find in big-box stores.
Free Holiday Movie Nights
On select Friday evenings, visitors can enjoy free holiday movie nights at 6:30 p.m. inside the Armory. There will also be complimentary hot drinks and snacks during the movies.
Here’s the Friday movie night lineup for WinterFest 2025:
- November 28: The Polar Express
- December 5: The Muppet Christmas Carol
- December 12: A Christmas Story
- December 26: Frozen
WinterFest Lighting Displays
Seattle Center will be shining brightly every evening this December thanks to the annual WinterFest lighting displays. Twinkling trees and illuminated displays stretch across the Seattle Center campus, creating a magical nighttime experience and a great opportunity for holiday photos. And don’t miss the International Fountain light display on NYE!
Live Ice Sculpting
WinterFest’s weekly ice sculpting showcases are a crowd favorite. Every Saturday at noon, talented artists transform massive blocks of ice into stunning works of art at the Mural Amphitheatre. It’s a perfect photo opportunity and one of the most visually striking holiday activities at Seattle Center.
Seattle Christmas Market (ticketed attraction)
For an extra-festive outing, don’t miss the Seattle Christmas Market which is back for its third year on the Seattle Center grounds. Modeled after traditional European holiday markets, it features artisan vendors, seasonal treats, mulled beverages, a carousel, and more. Note that this attraction has an admission fee. You can see the hours and more info on the Seattle Christmas Market website.
Weekend Live Entertainment
From November 28 through December 28, the Armory Stage features a rotating lineup of live performers. The music and entertainment create a festive backdrop while you explore the Winter Train & Village or grab a bite from one of the Armory’s many food vendors. See the live entertainment lineup here.
New Year’s Eve at Seattle Center: Ring in 2026
Seattle Center is also home to one of the biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations in Seattle—and it’s free to attend. This year the Armory will have live music from 8:00 p.m. to midnight, while the 9:00 p.m. Fountain of Light show at the International Fountain will bring music and visuals together in a vibrant display.
Just before midnight, you can find a spot outside on the Seattle Center campus near the Space Needle to watch the iconic Alaska Airlines New Year’s at the Needle, the Space Needle’s spectacular countdown show. With food vendors, music, and thousands of revelers, it’s an exciting way to close out WinterFest and welcome the new year.