Experience the best holiday highlights in Olympia! Our guide showcases all the must-see events and activities.
Discover the charm of Olympia Downtown for the Holidays, where festive decorations and special shopping deals await. The enchantment continues with a stroll through Christmas Forest, a dazzling display of beautifully decorated trees. And don't forget Olympia Ballet’s The Nutcracker, where magical performances come to life on stage. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Got questions? Like to help? Check out our Olympia Holiday discussion here!
The Top Christmas Events in Olympia
- Olympia Downtown for the Holidays
- Christmas Forest
- Olympia Ballet’s The Nutcracker
- Oly on Ice
- Jingle Bell Parade
- Holiday Open House
Olympia Holiday Giving Opportunities
Christmas Forest
What to Expect:
Elaborately decorated trees for charity
Description:
The Christmas Forest event showcases a stunning array of intricately decorated trees, each supporting a different local charity. Visitors can stroll through a veritable grove of creativity, with themes ranging from whimsical to elegant. The event, now in its 35th year, has raised millions for community organizations. Attendees can bid on their favorite trees in a silent auction, potentially taking home a masterpiece of holiday decor. The air is filled with the crisp scent of pine, transporting you to a wintry woodland. Local artisans demonstrate ornament-making techniques, sharing their craft with curious onlookers.
Website:
Olympia Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Olympia Ballet’s The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Locally-inspired adaptation of the classic ballet
Description:
The Olympia Ballet presents a unique Pacific Northwest twist on the beloved Nutcracker. This adaptation incorporates local flora and fauna into the set design and costumes, bringing a touch of Olympia's natural beauty to the stage. Dancers glide across the floor, their movements as fluid as the nearby Puget Sound. You'll spot familiar landmarks woven into the backdrops, creating a sense of hometown pride. The production honors the region's Native American heritage by incorporating traditional dance elements into select scenes. Live orchestra music swells throughout the theater, enhancing the emotional impact of this timeless tale.
Website:
Olympia Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Olympia Other Holiday Activities
Olympia Downtown for the Holidays
What to Expect:
Month-long celebration transforming downtown
Description:
Downtown Olympia transforms into a winter spectacle for an entire month. Twinkling lights adorn historic buildings, creating a starry canopy above the streets. Visitors can embark on a self-guided tour of local businesses, each offering special holiday treats and discounts. The event pays homage to Olympia's rich maritime history, with nautical-themed decorations scattered throughout. Carolers in Victorian attire serenade shoppers, their voices echoing off the century-old architecture. You'll discover unique, locally-crafted gifts that capture the essence of the Pacific Northwest.
Website:
Olympia Downtown for the Holidays
Oly on Ice
What to Expect:
Eco-friendly outdoor ice skating rink
Description:
Oly on Ice brings outdoor skating to the heart of Olympia with an environmentally conscious twist. The rink uses cutting-edge technology to maintain ice quality while minimizing energy consumption. Skaters glide beneath the open sky, surrounded by the city's twinkling holiday lights. Local artists showcase their talents by painting murals on the rink's surrounding barriers, creating a dynamic, ever-changing gallery. You can warm up with a cup of locally-roasted coffee, savoring the rich aroma as you watch skaters twirl. The event pays tribute to Olympia's commitment to sustainability, serving as a model for eco-friendly winter recreation.
Website:
Jingle Bell Parade
What to Expect:
Interactive parade with audience participation
Description:
The Jingle Bell Parade in Olympia breaks the fourth wall, inviting spectators to become part of the show. Participants don provided jingle bells, creating a symphony of tinkling chimes as they march alongside elaborate floats. The parade route showcases Olympia's vibrant downtown, passing by historic landmarks and local businesses. You can join in themed dance routines taught by local performers at designated stops along the way. The event honors Olympia's diverse community, featuring cultural performances that represent the city's many ethnic groups. As night falls, illuminated costumes and floats transform the street into a river of light and sound.
Website:
Holiday Open House
What to Expect:
Behind-the-scenes tours of historic buildings
Description:
Olympia's Holiday Open House offers a rare glimpse into the city's architectural treasures. Normally closed to the public, several historic buildings open their doors, revealing hidden art installations and holiday-themed exhibits. Visitors can explore the ornate interiors of century-old structures, learning about their storied pasts from knowledgeable docents. You'll discover how these buildings have been adapted for modern use while preserving their historic charm. The event highlights Olympia's commitment to historic preservation, showcasing successful restoration projects. As you wander through these architectural gems, the soft strains of chamber music fill the air, providing a sophisticated backdrop to your explorations.
Website:
Nearby Events
Lacey Lighted Parade and Tree Lighting (Lacey)
What to Expect:
Community-driven parade with handcrafted floats
Description:
Lacey's Lighted Parade illuminates the night with a procession of handcrafted floats, each lovingly created by local community groups. The parade route winds through historic neighborhoods, showcasing the town's architectural heritage. Spectators can marvel at the intricate light displays, some featuring tens of thousands of bulbs. The grand finale culminates in the lighting of a towering evergreen, symbolizing the region's forestry roots. You'll hear the joyous sounds of local school bands performing holiday classics with a contemporary twist. After the parade, visitors can warm up with complimentary hot cocoa while admiring the newly-lit tree.
Website:
Lacey Lighted Parade and Tree Lighting
Tumwater Artesian Brewfest Holiday Market (Tumwater)
What to Expect:
Craft beer tasting combined with artisanal holiday market
Description:
The Tumwater Artesian Brewfest Holiday Market blends the best of local craft brewing with handmade holiday gifts. Visitors can sample a wide array of seasonal beers while browsing unique artisanal wares. The event pays homage to Tumwater's brewing heritage, once home to the famous Olympia Brewing Company. You can participate in beer and food pairing workshops, learning how to elevate your holiday meals. Local hop farmers showcase their crops, offering insight into the brewing process from field to glass. The market bustles with activity as artisans demonstrate their crafts, from glass blowing to woodworking, creating one-of-a-kind holiday decorations before your eyes.
Website:
Tumwater Artesian Brewfest Holiday Market
Santa Visits at the South Sound Mall (Lacey)
What to Expect:
Sensory-friendly Santa experience
Description:
Santa Visits at the South Sound Mall offers an inclusive experience for children of all abilities. The event features designated quiet hours with reduced sensory stimuli, allowing children with sensory sensitivities to enjoy a calm visit with Santa. Trained staff members are on hand to assist families and ensure a positive experience for everyone. You can capture the moment with professional photos or bring your own camera. The mall's decor pays tribute to the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, with rustic elements and native plant species. Children can participate in holiday-themed craft activities while waiting for their turn, creating keepsakes to take home.
Website:
Santa Visits at the South Sound Mall