Seattle Center Announces Winterfest 2011
By: Kelsey Denette Oct. 11, 2011
Connect to the sights, sounds and spirit of the season at Seattle Center Winterfest presented by KOMO 4 TV, five weeks of free and affordable, fun-filled activities and entertainment, Nov. 25 - Dec. 31.
Center House displays its winter finest, and festive outdoor lighting illuminates the center of the Center. Winterfest Ice Rink returns, along with Winter Train & Village, ice sculpting, student showcases and more. The annual festival opens with a performance by Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra and closes with a New Year's Eve celebration featuring The Rhythm Nation. Seattle Center Winterfest is part of Holidays in the City.Following is a complete list of Seattle Center Winterfest events and activities. Unless noted otherwise the events are free and open to the public:Winter Train & VillageNov. 25 - Dec. 29, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. ? Center House
A Winterfest crowd favorite, a turn-of-the-century village and train. Members of the public can take a turn at driving the miniature locomotive between 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. 1 p.m.- 2:30 p.m. and 3:30-5:30 p.m. daily. Read the posted Centerville News to catch up on what's happening in town. Suggested donation $2.
Sharing Gift Box
Nov. 25 - Dec. 18, Varied ? Center House
Seattle Center Foundation brings you Sharing Gift Box, a way to share the magic of the holidays with local low-income children, teens and senior citizens. Select a wish, buy a gift and create big smiles.
Nov. 28 - Dec. 29, Varied ? Center House
Seattle Center Student Showcases provide entertainment as part of our seasonal offerings. They also give public and private schools and youth performance groups the opportunity to share their artistic accomplishments with family, friends and the public.Winterfest Ice Rink
Nov. 25 - Jan. 1, 2012, Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.- 8 p.m., Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. ? Fisher Pavilion
Glide into the season with the greatest of ease. For novice or Olympiad, the Winterfest Ice Rink offers fun for all. Admission: $7 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12, $2 children ages 5 and under. Includes skate rental. Cash only. Dec. 24 closes 4 p.m., Dec. 25 closed, Dec. 31 closes at 11:30p.m.Dicken's Carolers
Nov. 25 - Dec. 23, Varied ? Center House and Seattle Center groundsSeattle Youth Symphony Orchestra & Opening Ceremony
Friday, Nov. 25, 12:30 p.m. ? Center House
Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra, one of the nation's largest and most noteworthy youth orchestras, performs for the traditional opening of Seattle Center Winterfest with a selection of seasonal works sure to engage and inspire!
Saturdays, Nov. 26; Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, 12 p.m.-2 p.m. ? Outside of Fisher Pavilion
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.Black Nativity's Total Experience Gospel Choir
Saturday, Nov. 26, 12:30 p.m. ? Center House
Embracing a celebration of faith, generosity of spirit and infectious joy of a rousing gospel songfest, Black Nativity brings together diverse performers under the direction of the majestic Pastor Patrinell Wright. The assemble sings, shouts, soars and stomps with the sounds of gospel, opera, jazz and blues.Garfield High School Jazz Band
Sunday, Nov. 27, 12:30 p.m. ? Center House
A Winterfest sensation returns! Enjoy the seasonal sounds of the acclaimed and esteemed Garfield High School Jazz Band, led by the great Clarence Acox. Menorah Lighting Ceremony
Wednesday, Dec. 21, 6 p.m.-7 p.m. ? Center HouseMatt Baker Comedy Stunt Show
Saturday, Dec.2 4, 12:30 p.m. ? Center House
After appearances on Last Comic Standing and America's Got Talent, Matt Baker brings his award-winning show to Seattle Center. Voted Seattle's Funniest Alternative Comic, Matt combines comedy with physical stunts, juggling and hilarity.New Year's Eve Celebration with The Rhythm Nation
Saturday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m.-11:45 p.m. ? Center House
Ring in 2012 with the rocking sounds of The Rhythm Nation and their highly danceable covers of 1980s and 1990s hits as they set the stage for a magnificent display of New Year's fireworks in the skies above Seattle Center!Images of Seattle Center Winterfest are available upon request.About Seattle Center WinterfestConnect to the sights, sounds and spirit of the season at Seattle Center Winterfest presented by KOMO 4 TV, five weeks of FREE and affordable, fun-filled activities and entertainment, Nov. 25 - Dec. 31. Visit Center House, displaying its winter finest -- or explore the enchanting Winter Train and Village. The Ice Rink returns, along with ice sculpting, student showcases and more. Seattle Center Winterfest is part of Holidays in the City, and is sponsored by the City of Seattle, Seattle Center Foundation, and KOMO 4 TV. Learn more at www.seattlecenter.com.

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