Symetra Movie Nights: The Polar Express

Symetra Movie Nights kick off at the Armory on Friday, November 27, with free holiday film screenings on Friday nights throughout the season. They're part of Seattle Center Winterfest, presented by Symetra, which runs from November 27 to December 31 and fills the campus with seasonal decor, ice sculpting, and the Winter Train & Village.

The lineup is simple: The Polar Express (Rated G, 1 hour 40 minutes) plays on Friday, November 27, and Elf (Rated PG, 1 hour 37 minutes) follows on Friday, December 18. Both screenings start at 6:30 PM at the Armory Stage/Dance Floor, 305 Harrison Street, and they're free, with hot beverages and snacks on hand.

If you're already around for the movies, there's plenty more to do. The Winter Train & Village is inside the Armory Food & Event Hall—a 50-year tradition that's back again, and the public is invited to operate the train. Every Saturday, ice carvers Chan Kitburi and James Royal create original sculptures at the Mural Amphitheatre. The season also includes the Seattle Christmas Market and George Balanchine's The Nutcracker, and the New Year's Eve Celebration closes it out with the Armory, the Fountain of Light at the International Fountain, and Alaska Airlines New Year's at the Needle at the Space Needle.

So, if you're looking for a low-key way to lean into the holidays, you've got The Polar Express on November 27 and Elf on December 18, both at 6:30 PM at the Armory, and both free.