Ho-Ho-Holiday Fun on a Budget for Seattle-Area Families in 2022

Some of the best stuff of Winterfest is back! Hooray! Visit the Armory at Seattle Center to view the huge Holiday Train & Village display. Pick up a scavenger hunt sheet and use your best I-spy eyes to see if you can spot all the listed items.

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

Winterfest also offers a variety of free performances. Performances on the Armory Stage take place mostly on weekends; check the schedule online and time your visit to see the train to catch carolers, comedy acts or dancers.

Details: Performances currently scheduled for Nov. 25–27, Dec. 3–4, Dec. 11, 17, 18, 24 and 29. Free.

Watch ice-sculpting live as master ice carvers Chan Kitburi and Janson Iwakami show off their talents this winter, sculpting blocks of ice into holiday-themed shapes. Watch them in action!

Details: Daily from 2–4 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: dino and train