Seattle Center Winterfest Returns in 2016 with Spirited Entertainment and Fun Family Festivities

A wonderland of sparkling lights, child-sized diversions and spirited entertainment returns in 2016 with Seattle Center Winterfest, Nov. 25-Dec. 31, in venues and on the grounds of Seattle Center. Five weeks of free and affordable, fun-filled activities and live performances await those in search of uplifting seasonal spirit or delightful diversion from the hustle and bustle of the holiday routine.

Following is a list of Winterfest offerings. All admissions to events and activities are free of charge, unless indicated. More information at: www.seattlecenter.com/winterfest or 206-684-7200.

Winterfest Ice Rink; Nov. 25-Jan. 2, 2017, Sunday - Thursday, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Closes at 4 p.m. on Dec 24, closed Dec. 25, open until 11:30 p.m. on Dec. 31, Fisher Pavilion. Glide through the season with the greatest of ease. Winterfest Ice Rink offers icey fun for all. Admission: $8 for adults, $6 children ages 6-12, $2 children ages five and under, includes skate rental. Cash, check, visa or mastercard. More information at: www.seattlecenter.com/winterfest.

Winter Train & Village; Nov. 25-Dec. 31, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Closes at 4 p.m. on Dec 24, closed Dec. 25, Seattle Center Armory

A Winterfest favorite, an exquisite, miniature turn-of-the-century village and train. Gaze into the wintry scene -- or take a turn running the model train between 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. daily. $2 suggested donation.More information at: www.seattlecenter.com/winterfest.

Puget Sound A Cappella; Nov. 25, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., Armory

Reflecting the amazing creativity and talent found at one of the nation's top visual and performing arts colleges, this Cornish College student ensemble delivers incredible harmonies of jazz standard favorites. More information at:www.facebook.com/Puget-Sound-A-Cappella-705655716202217.

The Zaniac Comedy Show; Nov. 25, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m., Armory

This Guinness World Record holder, voted Seattle's Funniest Prop Comic, has appeared on prime-time TV in three countries including on the hit shows "America's Got Talent!" and "Last Comic Standing." Alex is a Hacky Sack World Champion and was ranked Seattle's 3rd Best Air Guitarist! Audiences everywhere freak out in a good way when they see Alex perform. More information at: www.alexzerbe.com.

Kristin Chambers "Snow Globe;" Nov. 25, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m., Armory

This prolific acclaimed singer-songwriter floats effortlessly between genres, from bluesy ballads and folksy anthems to spirited pop songs. For Winterfest, she shares the warmth and joy of the holiday season with excerpts from her album, "Snow Globe," described as "mesmeric," "warm," and "shining." More information at: www.kristinchambers.com.

Filipino Youth Activities Drill Team; Nov. 26, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., Armory

This nationally acclaimed drill team kicks off Winterfest opening weekend with a high energy bang. More information at:www.facebook.com/pages/FYA-Drill-Te a.m./134245983264202?sk=info.

Winterfest Ice Sculpting; Nov. 26 and Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 12 p.m. - 2 p.m., Fisher Apron

Artistry and ice unite in a glorious and temporal expression of the season. Watch internationally acclaimed, award-winning artists at work as they create seasonal sculptures - or stop by later to see the glistening result. Each Saturday an ice master carves a different design. Featured sculptors: Chan Kitburi on Dec. 3, 10 and 17; and Janson Iwakami on Nov. 26 and Dec. 24and 31. More information at: www.seattlecenter.com/winterfest.

XMAS MAXIMUS; Nov. 26, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. and Dec. 17, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m., Armory

XMAS MAXIMUS stuffs your stocking and gives good cheer. XMAS MAXIMUS is Seattle's premier XMAS band performing familiar and not so familiar tunes. More information at: www.xmasmaximus.com.

Bailadores de Bronce; Nov. 26, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m., Armory

Dedicated, energetic dancers perform intricate footwork and refined choreography, expressing the richness of their culture in beautiful costumes from the varied regions of Mexico. The Bailadores de Bronce break down cultural barriers by portraying the positive aspects of Mexican culture in classes and performances in the broader community. More information at:www.bailadoresdebronce.org.

The Magic of Budd & Durgin; Nov. 27, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., Armory

Get ready for the high energy, award-winning comedic act of Budd & Durgin, two highly talented gentlemen who make comedy their lives. They perform for celebrity events, theaters and large private functions - and now for Winterfest. With quick wit and lightning fast hands, Michael and Cary boast multiple 1st place awards in magic competitions and appearances on Evening Magazine and America's Got Talent.

Lelavision; Nov. 27, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m., Armory

Pioneered by Lelavision, Physical Music completely integrates music and movement. The choreography emerges from ingenious musical sculptures played by the performers in a delightful display of physical agility and musical prowess bouyed by an intrinsic sense of humor. Performances are centered around themes of invention, discovery and play. More information at:www.lelavision.com.

Hot Dog USA; Nov. 27, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m., Armory

The Hot Dog USA Jump Rope Team inspires, motivates and educates people of all ages, while fostering jump rope competitions, workshops and performances around the region, country and the world since 1980. The team consists of about 50 boys and girls ranging in age from six years old to adult. More information at: www.hotdogusa.org.

Winterfest Student Showcases; Nov. 30-Dec. 30, various times, Armory

Student Showcases provide entertainment as part of our seasonal offerings and give aspiring young peformers at public and private schools the opportunity to share their artistic accomplishments with family, friends and the public. More information at:www.seattlecenter.com/studentshowcases.

Seattle Girls Choir; Dec. 3, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m., Armory

Listen to seasonal favorites sung with perfection by Seattle's premier Girls' Choir. More information at:www.seattlegirlschoir.org.

Northwest Boychoir Apprentices; Dec. 4, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m., Armory

Young singers from a premier choir perform seasonal classics! More information at: www.nwchoirs.org.

PTSA Reflections; Dec. 5-Jan. 8, 2017, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily, Armory Balcony

Students exhibit artwork reflecting on a common theme. More information at: www.scptsa.org.

Garfield Jazz Band; Dec. 10, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m., Armory

Nationally renowned Garfield Jazz Band performs a high energy, deeply harmonious holiday concert. More information at:www.garfieldjazz.org.

SANCA Cirrus Circus; Dec. 11, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m., Armory

SANCA Youth Company creates and performs original acts in aerial arts, juggling, tightwire, clowning, unicycle and acrobatics. Watch these talented kids as they delight a transfixed Armory audience. More information at: www.sancaseattle.org.

Seattle's Best Damn Happy Hour; Dec. 15, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m., Armory

Offering a spirited respite from the holiday mania, this happy hour boasts great food, specialty cocktails and DJ music, while engaging happy revelers in amusing games and prizes, big and small. More information at: www.seattlecenter.com/happyhour.

Klez Chaos; Dec. 18, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m., Armory

This motley crew of klezmer musicians offers world Jewish music and mirth. More information at:www.seattleklezmer.com/klez-chaos.

Greater Seattle TUBACHRISTMAS; Dec. 18, 3 p.m. - 4 p.m., Armory

Scores of tuba players gather to play seasonal music as only a tuba ensemble can! Presented with permission from the Harvey Phillips Foundation, Inc. More information at: www.mcnw.org.

Dickens Carolers; Dec. 24, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m., Armory

A quartet of Victorian costumed carolers sings your favorite seasonal-themed music in perfect four-part harmony. Since 1978, the Carolers have offered Seattle audiences traditional and contemporary holiday favorites. More information at:www.dickenscarolers.com.

New Year's Eve Celebration; Dec. 31, 8 p.m. - 12 a.m., Armory, Grounds

Rock in the new year with two signature events at Seattle Center. Rock band The Machine plays the Armory Stage from 8 p.m. to midnight, while outside the Fountain of Light dance party mounts a live electronic music and video projection show by local DJs and VJs starting at 10 p.m. at International Fountain. All leading up to luminous midnight fireworks. More information at:www.seattlecenter.com/winterfest.

Seattle Center Winterfest, produced by Seattle Center, presents spirited programming for families and friends in search of entertaining, enriching and fun activities during this festive time of year. For more information, visit www.seattecenter.com or call206-684-7200.

About Seattle Center Winterfest

Connect to the sights, sounds and spirit of the season at Seattle Center Winterfest, five weeks of free and affordable, fun-filled activities and entertainment, Nov. 25 - Dec.31. Visit the festive Seattle Center Armory, displaying its winter finest, and explore the olden Winter Train & Village. The Winterfest Ice Rink returns, along with ice sculpting, student showcases and more. Seattle Center Winterfest is part of Holidays in Seattle, and is sponsored by Coca-Cola, T-Mobile, Alaska Airlines, Seattle Center Monorail and the City of Seattle.

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