Community Calendar

Connect to a world of sparkling lights, amusements and spirited entertainment at Seattle Center Winterfest, presented by Symetra, Nov. 28 – Dec. 31, 2025 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.

Seattle Christmas Market
From November 20 to December 24 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.

Winter Train & Village
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 nearly 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 28th 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.

Winterfest World Bazaar presented by Festál
Shop for your holiday gifts at this special World Bazaar, offering goods created by local BIPOC artists, and curated by community partners. Browse a rotating roster of vendors on weekends, noon to 6pm between November 28th and December 21st. Check out our event calendar for list of vendors on each day.

Symetra Ice Spectacle
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, Janson Iwakami and James Royal.

More information at: https://www.seattlecenter.com/events/featured-events/winterfest

It’s that joyful time of year, so gather around and spread some cheer. The Northwest African American Museum’s annual Black Santa Holiday Celebration returns for two festive weekends of creativity, community, and joy.

Bring the whole family to enjoy youth craft stations, sweet treats, and cozy holiday drinks. Capture the magic with photos alongside loved ones and with our very own Black Santa.

This year’s funding cuts mean more neighbors than ever are relying on food pantries, and pantries have fewer resources to support them.

Join us at Empty Bowls to gather and give back. Every bowl you take home supports EFN’s mission to ensure no person goes hungry. Admission is free, and includes soup samples from local restaurants.

100% of proceeds go directly to providing meals to those who rely on food pantries. Come support your neighbors!

Fast Penny Spirits is bringing back one of its favorite seasonal traditions: the Holiday Maker’s Market. Spend a festive afternoon sipping, shopping, and celebrating the season with an incredible lineup of local makers.

Browse gorgeous vintage glassware from Mix Century Vintage, indulgent chocolates from Maeve and jcoco, culinary inspiration from Book Larder, handcrafted jewelry and goods from Good that Gifts, and much more. Enjoy tastes from Orasella Cherries, Food with Roots, and Breadwinner Bakery, plus cocktail kits, candles, and tonics perfect for gifting or entertaining.

Tickets are $15 and include $20 credit toward any Fast Penny bottles, kits, or merchandise. Come discover new favorites, support local makers, and toast the season at this spirited neighborhood gathering.

For five unforgettable seasons, Harlequin’s A Christmas Carol has captured the hearts of audiences across the South Sound. Now, in our 5th anniversary production, we invite you to rediscover Dickens’ timeless tale of hope, redemption, and the true spirit of the season. Whether it’s your first visit or a return to a beloved tradition, this year promises to be the most memorable yet—with a reworked script, new characters, an updated set, new special effects, and all the warmth, music, and holiday magic you’ve come to cherish. Traditions evolve, and who knows what the future holds? Don’t miss this milestone year of A Christmas Carol at Harlequin.

BlueStreet, Seattle’s premier vocal ensemble and its band will perform two concerts of jazzy holiday favorites and standards under the direction of the renowned local jazz conductor, Dave Barduhn.
A no-host bar and light snacks will be provided.

Don’t miss this beloved annual event! Celebrate the start of the holiday season, lighting up the night and the grand tree in Railroad Park. Event activities including face painting and kids crafts. Cookies and cocoa booths.

Main stage performances by Mount Si caroling chorus, Snoqualmie Elementary School chorus, Snoqualmie Middle School Jazz Band, Sno Valley Winds, and Timber Ridge Elementary School chorus. Don't miss the tree lighting countdown by a special visitor and Mayor Ross at 5:30pm.

The Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink presented by Symetra returns for its 28th year! The region’s largest ice-skating experience boasts over 9,000 square feet of real ice in a fully covered, open-air venue at Bellevue Downtown Park. Join for a season of festive fun featuring free skate lessons courtesy of Microsoft, themed skate nights, on-site concessions, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a novice eager to learn, get ready to bundle up for an unforgettable time on the ice.

Bundle up and let BIMA light your way into the season! For two unforgettable nights, the plaza transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland filled with vendor booths, cozy vibes, and live music. Twinkle lights set the mood as you browse hand-crafted goods from talented Pacific Northwest makers—perfect for checking off your gift list with something truly one-of-a-kind.

Shop local: Discover a curated lineup of artisans and creatives offering everything from jewelry and textiles to ceramics and gourmet treats.

Play & create: Dive into all-ages DIY craft stations, snap a free photo-booth pic, or warm your hands at the fire-pit lounges.

Sip & savor: Enjoy seasonal drinks—both spirited and zero-proof—alongside delicious street food to keep you fueled while you explore.

Soak up the sounds: A live DJ keeps the energy high on the plaza, and each night features a special headlining concert inside the museum (artist announcements coming soon!).

Need a break? Head to the BIMA Classroom for cozy, free screenings of holiday film favorites.

It’s the perfect blend of light, sound, and community magic—don’t miss this joyful kickoff to the season!

Interested in becoming a vendor? Learn more here!

Garden d’Lights is a dazzling holiday tradition that transforms the Bellevue Botanical Garden into a magical wonderland of over half a million sparkling lights in whimsical shapes of plants, flowers, birds, animals, and cascading waterfalls, all set amid the Garden’s natural beauty. Now celebrating its 31st year, this beloved family event continues to enchant visitors with festive charm and imaginative displays.