A festive market stall decorated with evergreen garlands and red baubles, twinkling lights framing the wooden booth at dusk.

Winterfest at Seattle Center

Published on December 10, 2025

Share:

Winter Comes Alive at Seattle Center

Visit Winterfest at Seattle Center

Winter is one of the most charming times to visit Seattle, and Seattle Center is where the season truly comes to life. From festive lights and holiday markets to live entertainment and a citywide New Year’s Eve celebration, Winterfest at Seattle Center offers a reason to explore Seattle even on the shortest, coziest days of the year.

When you stay at Mayflower Park Hotel, visiting Seattle Center is simple and stress-free. Walk through Westlake Center Mall, board the Seattle Monorail, and enjoy a quick two-minute ride straight to the heart of the winter festivities. Riding the Monorail is a classic Seattle experience and a memorable way to see the city in winter.

Winterfest at Seattle Center

Winterfest is a month-long celebration that transforms Seattle Center into a welcoming winter destination for visitors and locals alike.

Seattle Christmas Market

Open daily throughout December, the Seattle Christmas Market brings a festive, European-inspired atmosphere to Seattle in winter. Browse artisan vendors, enjoy seasonal treats, and warm up with holiday drinks while taking in the glow of winter lights.

Winter Train & Village

A favorite for families and nostalgia lovers, the Winter Train & Village features miniature trains and detailed scenes that provide a cozy indoor experience during Seattle’s cooler winter days.

Ice Sculpting Presentations

Held weekly, these live demonstrations showcase local ice artists carving intricate designs. It is a uniquely winter experience that adds to the seasonal charm of Seattle Center.

Movie Nights

On select Friday nights, Winterfest hosts outdoor movie screenings. Bundle up and enjoy a relaxed evening that captures the cozy side of winter in Seattle.

New Year’s Eve Celebration

Seattle Center is the place to be on New Year’s Eve in Seattle, drawing thousands for an unforgettable night of celebration. As midnight approaches, the campus fills with music, dancing, and festive energy, leading up to the Space Needle’s iconic New Year’s Eve display, Seattle’s most famous holiday spectacle.

In recent years, the celebration has featured a mix of traditional fireworks and impressive drone light shows, sometimes combined for a truly memorable countdown. The main fireworks and light display at Seattle Center is a free public event, making it an accessible and exciting way to welcome the new year in the heart of Seattle. Food vendors and merchants remain open late, adding to the lively atmosphere as crowds gather to count down together beneath the winter sky.

Live Winterfest Entertainment

Throughout December, Winterfest features a rotating lineup of live performances that bring the season to life, including the classic holiday sounds of The Dickens Carolers and the joyful, distinctly Seattle tradition of Greater Seattle Tubachristmas.

Winterfest Holiday Lights

Seasonal lighting installations across the Seattle Center campus brighten winter evenings and create a festive backdrop for exploring the grounds.

Where to Stay for Seattle Winter Events

With convenient Monorail access and a central downtown location, Mayflower Park Hotel is an ideal place to stay when visiting Seattle in winter. Skip driving and parking, enjoy an easy ride to Seattle Center, and return to a warm, comfortable hotel after a night of festivities.

For dates, times, and additional winter events, visit the Seattle Center event calendar and start planning your winter getaway in Seattle, centered around Winterfest and the city’s most iconic New Year’s Eve celebration.

Book your Stay