Seattle Center to Host 'Winterfest,' 11/27-12/31

Connect to a wonderland of sparkling lights, spirited entertainment and child-sized diversions at Seattle Center Winterfest, Nov. 27 - Dec. 31, inside Seattle Center Armory and Fisher Pavilion and throughout the grounds at Seattle Center. The five-week festival offers free and affordable, fun-filled activities, live performances, and perennial favorites.

Following is a list of Winterfest activities. Unless noted, they are offered free-of-charge:

Winter Train & Village; Nov. 27 - Dec. 31, Armory

A turn-of-the-century, miniature community blanketed in snow beckons visitors to gaze into an idyllic past - and even take a turn controlling the model train, in operations 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. www.seattlecenter.com/winterfest.

Winterfest Ice Rink; Nov. 27 - Jan. 3, 2016, Sunday - Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Special Hours: Closes at 4 p.m. on Dec. 24, closed on Dec. 25 and closes at 11:30 p.m. on Dec. 31; Fisher Pavilion

Skate, glide and slide into the season. For Novice or Olympiad, the Winterfest Ice Rink offers icy fun for all. Admission: $7 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12, $2 children ages 5 and under, includes skate rental. Cash only.. www.seattlecenter.com/winterfest.

Dickens Carolers; Nov. 27 and 29, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Armory

This quartet of costumed Victorian carolers has become a cherished Seattle tradition over its many melodic years. Listen as the performers sing your favorite seasonal music in perfect, four-part harmony. www.dickenscarolers.com.

Highlanders Pipe Band; Nov. 27, 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m., Armory

Since 1952, the Keith Highlanders Pipe Band has delighted audiences with traditional Scottish piping, drumming and dancing. As the official pipe band of the Clan Keith (a rare designation outside Scotland), the Hilanders have performed internationally and throughout the Pacific Northwest. www.khpb.org.

3rd Shift Dance; Nov. 27, 2 p.m.-3 p.m., Armory

Since Seattle native Xaviera Vandermay founded 3rd Shift Dance in 2010, she has shared her unique take on contemporary dance with audiences across the region at festivals, On the Boards, Bumbershoot and the Capitol Hill Block Party, collaborating with film director Nils Osmar, indie band Dark Hip Falls, and Microsoft as part of its ArtZoom Gigapixel Project. www.3rdshiftdance.org.

Winterfest Student Showcases; Nov. 27 - Dec. 31, various times, Armory

The Showcases provide entertainment as part of our seasonal offerings, and they offer public and private school groups the opportunity to share their artistic accomplishments with family, friends and the public. www.seattlecenter.com/studentshowcases.

Zaniac Comedy Show; Nov. 28, 11 a.m.-12 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. www.alexzerbe.com.

Winterfest Ice Sculpting; Nov. 28 and Dec. 5, 12, 19 and 26, 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. www.seattlecenter.com/winterfest.

SANCA Cirrus Circus; Nov. 28 and 29, 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. Come see how these talented kids delight and inspire audiences in their lively time on the Armory stage. www.sancaseattle.org.

Hot Dog USA; Nov. 29, 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m., Armory

Hot Dog USA consists of about 50 boys and girls ranging in age from six years old to adult. Since 1980, this Jump Rope Team has inspired, motivated and educated people of all ages, while fostering regional, national and international jump rope competitions, workshops and performances. www.hotdogusa.org.

SANCA Impulse; Nov. 28 and 29, 2 p.m.-3 p.m., Armory

The artists-in-residence at Seattle's School of Acrobatics & New Circus Arts, who comprise IMPulse Circus Collective, have performed on stages and in circus rings throughout the world, drawing inspiration from contemporary circus, vaudeville, and theatre to create accessible and exciting circus shows.www.sancaseattle.org.

PTSA Reflections Exhibit; Dec. 5 - Jan. 3, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Armory Balcony

PTSA strives to make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. The Reflections Exhibits displays artwork of students enrolled in PTSA reflecting on the theme: Let Your Imagination Fly. www.scptsa.org.

Global Heat; Dec. 5, 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m., Armory

This cross-genre band mixes hip hop, soul and break dance to deliver performances filled with rhythm, soul and lots of energy. www.reverbnation.com/globalheat1.

Northwest Boychoir Apprentices; Dec. 6, 1 p.m.-2 p.m., Armory

Listen in awe to the youngest members of an institution of remarkably talented and highly musical Boychoir singers as they perform popular seasonal classics. www.nwchoirs.org.

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

Join Garfield Jazz Band for a special holiday concert and hear why this amazingly talented, award-winning student ensemble has earned a national reputation in the genre of jazz. www.garfieldjazz.org.

Klez Kidz; Dec. 13, 2 p.m.-3 p.m., Armory

This multi-generational, 40-piece ensemble brings to life Jewish music and mirth from around the world including Jewish folk songs, Chassidic rock, Yiddish swing and works by contemporary Jewish composers. Listen for the wail of the clarinet, see bottles balanced on the heads of dancers and maybe even learn some new dance steps yourself! www.templebetham.org/music-and-arts/klezkids.

Seattle's Best Damn Happy Hour; Dec. 17, 5 p.m.-8 p.m., Armory

Great food and beverages at bargain prices provide the perfect seasonal respite. Enjoy specialty cocktails and DJ music, games and prizes. The Armory's spaciousness allows for prodigious activities such as Giant Scrabble, giant Jenga, board games and more! www.seattlecenter.com/happyhour.

XMAS Maximus; Dec. 19, 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m., Armory

Seattle's premier Xmas band will stuff your stockings and give good cheer as the talented 10-person ensemble ventures into many realms of holiday merriment, performing familiar and unfamiliar tunes. www.xmasmaximus.com.

The Bobs; Dec. 20, 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m., Armory

J.S. Bach, Jimi Hendrix and Monty Python collide when these Grammy-nominated vocal acrobats (and certifiable nutjobs) take to the stage. This original "band without instruments" has been skewering the classics and clear-cutting their own unique path in the world of vocal music for over 30 years, playing everywhere from Lincoln Center to Berlin's Passionkirche. www.bobs.com.

Bailadores De Bronce; Dec. 26, 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m., Armory

Bailadores de Bronce seek to break down barriers and build understanding within our community. Intricate footwork, refined choreography and mucho enthusiasm bring Mexican folkloric dances to life, while beautiful costumes highlight the richness of regional Mexican cultures. www.bailadoresdebronce.org.

Datina Folkloric Ensemble; Dec. 27, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Armory

Datina means tradition in Romanian. This lively, costumed ensemble performs traditional music and dance from Romania as it strives to preserve and promote Romanian heritage and culture. www.facebook.com/datinaseattle.

New Year's Eve Celebration; Dec. 31, 8 p.m.-11:45 p.m., Armory, Grounds

Ring in the New Year with premiere dance band The Machine, offering only the most danceable, fun, party rock and roll, with the promise that you will have a great time. www.seattlecenter.com/winterfest.

Seattle Center Winterfest, produced by Seattle Center, presents spirited programming for families and friends 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.