Winterfest Opening Weekend Features Fun, Free, Family Entertainment

Opening weekend of Seattle Center Winterfest, Nov. 24-26, promises sparkling lights, child-sized amusements and spirited entertainment at Center venues and on the grounds. The weekend launches five weeks of festive, fun-filled, free and affordable activities.

Here is the schedule of ongoing and Thanksgiving weekend activities (unless stated, events are free of charge and held in Seattle Center Armory):

WINTER TRAIN & VILLAGE

An enchanting turn-of-the-century village and train.

Nov. 24 - Dec. 31, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (special hours: closed at 4 p.m., Dec. 24; closed, Dec. 25)

Work the model train controls 10:30 a.m. - 12 noon, 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. daily.

$2 suggested donation.

WINTERFEST ICE RINK

Skate, glide and slide into the holiday season.

Nov. 24 - Jan. 1, 2018. Sunday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Friday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

(Special Hours: closed at 4 p.m., Dec. 24; closed, Dec. 25; closed at 11:30 p.m., Dec. 31)

Fisher Pavilion. Admission/Skate Rental Fees (cash, check, Visa/Mastercard).

WINTERFEST ICE SCULPTING

Award-winning artists create seasonal ice sculptures.

Saturdays: Nov. 25; Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. 12 noon - 2 p.m., outside Fisher Pavilion.

HOLIDAY HARMONY

Holiday carolers, performing a cappella four-part harmony.

Nov. 24, 11 a.m. - 12 noon and Dec. 22, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

THE ZANIAC COMEDY SHOW

Alex Zerbe, Seattle's funniest prop comic.

Nov. 24, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. and Dec. 30, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

KEITH HIGHLANDERS PIPE BAND

Traditional Scottish piping, drumming and dancing.

Nov. 24, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.

RUNT

Tiny punk band, playing tiny instruments.

Nov. 25, 11 a.m. - 12 noon

Matt Baker COMEDY + STUNT SHOW

Hilarious stand up and amazing physical stunts.

Nov. 25, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

KRISTIN CHAMBERS "SNOW GLOBE"

Holiday classics and uplifting original songs.

Nov. 25, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.

BAILADORES DE BRONCE

Colorful Mexican folkloric dances.

Nov. 26, 11 a.m. - 12 noon

XMAS MAXIMUS

Good cheer and great tunes, stuffed with holiday spirit.

Nov. 26, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. and Dec. 21, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

THE DICKENS CAROLERS

Victorian-costumed carolers sing your favorite season-themed music.

Sundays: Nov. 26; Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24. 2 p.m. - 3 p.m., Seattle Center grounds.

HOT DOG USA

This hoppin' hot jump rope team inspires motivates, educates and entertains.

Nov. 26, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Seattle Center Winterfest, produced by Seattle Center, presents spirited programming for one and all in search of entertaining and enriching activities during this festive time of year. For more information, visit www.seattecenter.com or call 206 684-7200.

Connect to the sights, sounds and spirit of the season at Seattle Center Winterfest, Nov. 24 - 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 sponsored by Coca-Cola, Alaska Airlines, T-Mobile, Seattle Center Foundation, Seattle Center Monorail and City of Seattle.

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