Raise Your Voice: Seattle Center Classical Holiday Sing-Along

Classical KING, Seattle Center, the Greater Seattle Choral Consortium, and the Swedish Singers of Seattle invite the community to gather on December 12 for a free day of holiday music, Nordic choral tradition, and a festive community sing-along at Seattle Center. 

One of the most memorable moments of Seattle Center Classical this summer happened after many of the onstage performances had ended.  

At the International Fountain, audience members, families, musicians, and visitors joined together in song. For a few minutes, strangers became a choir, creating one of those rare moments that felt spontaneous, joyful, and deeply connected.  

That experience helped inspire a new holiday gathering at Seattle Center.  

As part of Seattle Center Winterfest, presented by Symetra, Classical KING, Seattle Center, and the Greater Seattle Choral Consortium will invite the community to come together on December 12 for Seattle Center Classical Holiday Sing-Along, a free holiday celebration featuring the Seattle Center Classical Presents Swedish Singers of Seattle. The day begins with an afternoon Armory Stage performance and continues into the evening with a welcoming outdoor sing-along, giving visitors a chance to listen, gather, and join their voices in seasonal favorites. 

 

“One of my favorite moments from Seattle Center Classical was the community sing-along. Watching strangers sing together was a beautiful reminder that music doesn’t just bring people into the same space, it helps create a sense of belonging. We’re excited to build on that experience and invite people to share it again during the holidays.”  

Michelle Maestas Simonsen, Chief Content & Engagement Officer, Classical KING  

 

The Swedish Singers Bring Their Tradition to Seattle Center  

This year’s featured choir is the Swedish Singers of Seattle, a longtime member organization of the Greater Seattle Choral Consortium. Led by Artistic Director Dan White, the ensemble celebrates Nordic musical traditions while welcoming singers from a variety of backgrounds. The Swedish Singers are an adult community heritage choir with roots dating back to 1905.

At 2pm, the choir will perform on the Seattle Center Armory Stage, bringing seasonal music, Nordic choral tradition, and warm holiday spirit to one of Seattle Center’s busiest gathering places. It is an easy afternoon stop for Winterfest visitors, families, music lovers, and anyone looking to pause in the heart of Seattle Center for a live choral performance. 

Later in the evening, the singers will step off the stage and into a different role, helping lead the community sing-along and inviting local singers and Seattle Center visitors to become part of the experience themselves.  

 

“Many people think singing is something you do only if you’re a performer. We see it differently. Singing is something people have done together for generations to celebrate, tell stories, and build community. We hope people will listen, sing along, and discover that their voice belongs in the experience too.”  

Dan White, Artistic Director, Swedish Singers of Seattle  

 

From Listening to Singing  

At 6pm, the focus shifts from performance to participation as the Swedish Singers help lead a festive community sing-along near the International Fountain. Visitors can expect familiar seasonal songs, a relaxed all-are-welcome atmosphere, and the joyful sound of neighbors, families, choir members, Seattle Center guests, and evening event goers singing together outdoors. 

Song materials and participation details will be shared in advance so attendees can follow along, whether they plan to sing every line or simply enjoy the music around them. To sign-up for updates on the upcoming Seattle Center Classical Holiday Sing-Along, register here. 

The evening sing-along will also be supported by High Class Brass, adding a bright brass sound to help amplify the 6pm start time and gather people into the shared singing experience. The ensemble players are Gary Roberts and Mark Anstadt on trumpets, Aiko Watanabe on French horn, Tom Hampton on trombone, and Ben Berlien on tuba. 

Representing choirs and singers across the Puget Sound region, GSCC works to strengthen and celebrate the region’s choral community while helping create opportunities for people to experience the joy of singing together.

 

“Community singing has a unique way of creating connection. For a few minutes, people who may never have met are breathing together, listening to one another, and creating something collectively. That’s what choirs experience every week, and we’re excited to share a little of that experience with the broader community at Seattle Center.”  

Scott Kovacs, Greater Seattle Choral Consortium  

 

A Place to Gather  

Seattle Center has long been one of the city’s great gathering places, hosting everything from festivals and performances to cultural celebrations and public events. During the holidays, that sense of shared experience becomes even more visible.  

The sing-along is one of many reasons to spend time on the Seattle Center campus during Seattle Center’s Winterfest. Visitors can also explore sparkling campus lights, the beloved Winter Train & Village inside the Armory, Friday holiday movie nights, Saturday ice sculpting, and weekend entertainment on the Armory Stage. The sing-along also takes place the same evening the Seattle Kraken face the Nashville Predators at nearby Climate Pledge Arena, making the campus especially lively. Nearby seasonal offerings also include the Seattle Christmas Market, creating plenty of opportunities to make the performance part of a fuller holiday outing. 

 

“The holidays are a time when people look for ways to come together, and a sing‑along is one of the simplest, most joyful ways to do that. Bringing voices together in a public space turns an ordinary evening into a shared experience. It’s exactly the kind of welcoming, community‑centered event Seattle Center strives to foster.” 

Randy Engstrom, Acting Director, Seattle Center   

 

By bringing together the Swedish Singers of Seattle, the Greater Seattle Choral Consortium, Seattle Center, Classical KING, and the broader community, Seattle Center Classical: A Holiday Sing-Along is designed as a welcoming holiday moment: part concert, part community gathering, and part invitation to make music together in one of Seattle’s most familiar public spaces. 

 

Event Information  

Seattle Center Classical: Swedish Singers Holiday Performance  

When: December 12, 3pm 

Where: Seattle Center Armory Stage  

The Swedish Singers of Seattle will present an afternoon holiday performance featuring seasonal choral music and Nordic musical traditions inside the Seattle Center Armory. 

Seattle Center Classical: A Holiday Sing-Along  

When: December 12, 6pm  

Where: International Fountain 

Join the Swedish Singers, High Class Brass, and fellow community members for a festive outdoor holiday sing-along open to everyone. High Class Brass will help amplify the 6pm start time and bring additional energy to the beginning of the group sing-along. Song information will be shared in advance, and no choir experience is required. 

REGISTER FOR SEATTLE CENTER CLASSICAL HOLIDAY SING-ALONG UPDATES HERE

 

Stay Connected  

Planning to join us? Register here to receive updates about the upcoming sing-along, including song information, participation details, and reminders as December 12 approaches. Whether you join us for the Armory performance, the community sing-along, or both, we hope you’ll help fill Seattle Center with music this holiday season.  

REGISTER FOR SEATTLE CENTER CLASSICAL HOLIDAY SING-ALONG UPDATES HERE