Dec 20 Saturday
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 MarketFrom 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 & VillageDelight 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 FestálShop 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 SpectacleOur 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
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.
Northern LightsMusic of the Nordic and Baltic Countries
The otherworldly beauty of the aurora borealis is the spark for our holiday concert. From medieval chant and traditional carols to dazzling works by Arvo Pärt, Ola Gjeilo, and Veljo Tormis, you’ll journey through a thousand years of ethereal Baltic and Nordic choral music. In our centerpiece, Northern Lights by Ēriks Ešenvalds, voices, chimes, and tuned water goblets combine to evoke the spectacle of the aurora.
In person: Saturday, December 13, 2025 ‐ 3pm & 7pmChapel at Bastyr University - Kenmore, WApre-concert conversation at 2:30pm & 6:30pm
In person: Saturday, December 20, 2025 ‐ 3pm & 7pmSeattle First Baptist Church - Harvard & Seneca, Seattlepre-concert conversation at 2:30pm & 6:30pm
Streaming: Monday, December 22, 2025 ‐ 7:30pm online, free; donations gratefully acceptedpremiering on YouTube on December 22 and available on-demand for 30 days
Of note: Our performances of Northern Lights at Bastyr University Chapel will be sung-through, and will not include any spoken introductions to the pieces after our welcome message; we will ask the audience to hold applause until the end of the concert. These concerts will be recorded.
Our performances of Northern Lights at Seattle First Baptist Church will include introductions from choir members and Karen P. Thomas, and audience members will be encouraged to applaud as they are moved to do so.
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.
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.
Join us to celebrate American roots piano music including ragtime, blues, boogie-woogie, stride jazz, swing, and straight ahead styles. Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome to come and hit the keys, meet new friends, and share in the joy of keeping these classic music styles alive. Black and Tan Hall has a fine grand piano, so polish up your best solo piano pieces for a rollicking good time. Fans, friends, listeners and dancers are welcome too! Great food from the kitchen available.
Live Jazz!
World class Jazz saxophone player and Golden Ear award winner Kareem Kandi brings his trio to Jazz on J Street. Based in Tacoma, Kareem Kandi travels to France annually to participate in the thriving Jazz scene there. Kareem Kandi-Saxophones Craig Feingold-BassJacques Willis-Drumset
Audience favorites Rachell Ellen Wong (violin) and David Belkovski (harpsichord) bring nature-inspired soundscapes from the Baroque era to life with Northwest Sinfonietta strings. The inventive genius of Telemann, Vivaldi and Biber will surprise and delight you, with trilling birdsong, croaking frogs and even mewling cats. Let Northwest Sinfonietta entertain you and your family with a magical concert this holiday season.
