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Ho-Ho-Holiday Fun on a Budget for Seattle-Area Families in 2023

Best holiday activities — mostly free — to make your season sparkle

Nancy Chaney
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Published on: November 17, 2023

Ho-Ho-Holiday Fun on a Budget for Seattle-Area Families in 2023

Free holiday fun in Seattle includes viewing the Holiday train and village setup at the Seattle Center Armory
Photo:
Winterfest Train & Village at Seattle Center

Winterfest fun at Seattle Center

Winterfest Train & Village Display

Young kids will love visiting the Seattle Center Armory to examine the huge Winterfest Train & Village display. Pick up a scavenger hunt sheet and use your best I-spy eyes to see if you can spot all the items on the list. During specific hours, kids can take a turn driving the trains, for a $2 donation. Junior engineer hours for kids are 10:30 a.m.–noon, 1–2:30 p.m. and 3:30–5:30 p.m.

Details: The Train & Village is set up for your enjoyment Nov. 24–Dec. 31, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (except for early closure at 4 p.m. on Dec. 24, and closed Dec. 25). Free to view.

Armory Stage Entertainment

Winterfest also presents a variety of free entertainment for all ages. Performances on the Armory Stage take place mostly on weekends; check the schedule online and time your visit to see the train and catch carolers, comedy acts or dancers on the same trip. Our picks include the Zaniac Comedy Show (Nov. 24, 12:30 p.m.), SANCA (Dec. 2, 12:30 p.m.) and Bailadores de Bronce (Dec. 17, 12:30 p.m.).

Details: Performances are scheduled for most weekend dates, Nov. 24–Dec. 30. Free.

Ice Spectacle: Winterfest Opening Day Celebration

Watch ice sculptures take shape in real time as master ice carvers Chan Kitburi and Janson Iwakami show off their talents sculpting blocks of ice into holiday-themed shapes. See the carvers in action at the Winterfest kick-off celebration.

Details: Nov. 24, noon–4 p.m., at the International Fountain Plaza. Free to watch.

Bonus: If you visit Seattle Center after dark, enjoy the whole grounds awash in lights. It’s so pretty!

Next up: festive train

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