Everything you need for the holidays in Olympia is in our comprehensive guide. Discover all the top festive events and activities. For Olympia experts and beginners alike, our guide is your passport to yuletide adventures.
One standout event is the enchanting Pacific Northwest Ballet's The Nutcracker, a holiday classic that brings the magical story to life with stunning choreography and vibrant costumes. Visitors can also experience the whimsical Enchant Christmas, featuring a dazzling light maze and captivating holiday-themed attractions. And the Winterfest is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a festive atmosphere with diverse activities for families and friends. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Olympia
- Winterfest (Seattle)
- Pacific Northwest Ballet's The Nutcracker (Seattle)
- Enchant Christmas (Seattle)
- The Lights of Christmas (Stanwood)
- Julefest (Seattle)
- Zoolights (Tacoma)
- Fantasy Lights (Spanaway)
- Village of Lights (Leavenworth)
- Magic in the Market (Seattle)
- Puyallup Lighted Santa Parade (Puyallup)
See these and even more events listed below!
Olympia Holiday Light Displays
Enchant Christmas
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday light maze with story-driven elements.
Description:
Enchant Christmas is an award-winning holiday light maze experience featuring custom-designed, larger-than-life light sculptures, unique ice skating experiences, and various festive attractions. The event is based on original holiday stories, where guests embark on a mission to save Christmas by discovering hidden light sculptures.
Where: Seattle | More Info: Enchant Christmas
The Lights of Christmas
What to Expect:
Over a million lights in a drive-thru setting.
Description:
The Lights of Christmas is a drive-thru holiday event in Stanwood, WA, featuring over a million lights, creative displays, and two activity stops. Enjoy fun Christmas music while driving through the event route, stopping for snacks and activities along the way.
Where: Stanwood | More Info: The Lights of Christmas
Zoolights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with interactive light displays.
Description:
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium transforms into a colorful display of over a million LED lights, featuring giant animals, tunnels of lights, and festive treats. Enjoy hot chocolate, seasonal delights, and a private animal encounter with playful goats in their holiday coats.
Where: Tacoma | More Info: Zoolights
Fantasy Lights
What to Expect:
Drive-through holiday light display with over 300 animated displays.
Description:
Fantasy Lights is a drive-through holiday display featuring nearly 300 elaborate displays and thousands of sparkling lights along a two-mile route at Spanaway Park.
Where: Spanaway | More Info: Fantasy Lights
Village of Lights
What to Expect:
Daily light display with various holiday activities and entertainment.
Description:
Leavenworth transforms into a dazzling display of over half a million lights, featuring Gazebo entertainment, Santa visits, strolling carolers, and festive activities in the Leavenworth Festhalle.
Where: Leavenworth | More Info: Village of Lights
Puyallup Lighted Santa Parade
What to Expect:
Thousands of twinkling lights on festive floats.
Description:
The Puyallup Lighted Santa Parade is an annual event in downtown Puyallup featuring festive floats illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights. Local groups and businesses come together to create a dazzling display, with Santa Claus himself making an appearance. The parade is accompanied by festive music and colorful decorations, creating a joyful atmosphere.
Where: Puyallup | More Info: Puyallup Lighted Santa Parade
Holiday Magic
What to Expect:
Twinkling lights and festive activities in a winter wonderland setting.
Description:
Holiday Magic at the Washington State Fair Events Center offers a variety of holiday activities, including twinkling lights, festive food, and rides. Visitors can explore the Twinkle Light Tunnel, Let It Snow Experience, and Holiday Selfie Studio. The event also features festive food and drinks, as well as attractions like the Wonder Wheel and Winter Fun activities like axe throwing and putt putt golf.
Where: Puyallup | More Info: Holiday Magic
Olympia Holiday Markets and Shopping
Winterfest
What to Expect:
Late 19th-century model train and village display with interactive scavenger hunt.
Description:
Seattle Center Winterfest, presented by Symetra, features seasonal decor, a late 19th-century model train and village display, live entertainment, and a New Year's Eve celebration with fireworks and light shows.
Where: Seattle | More Info: Winterfest
Julefest
What to Expect:
Authentic Nordic holiday experience with live music and unique treats.
Description:
Julefest at the National Nordic Museum is a holiday celebration featuring handcrafted gifts, traditional foods, and cozy Scandinavian apparel. The event includes live music, unique treats, and community spirit, capturing the essence of Scandinavian holiday traditions with a Pacific Northwest twist.
Where: Seattle | More Info: Julefest
Magic in the Market
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday shopping and festive activities.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Pike Place Market with activities like meeting Santa, decorating cookies, and shopping for loved ones, culminating in the famous Market lighting ceremony.
Where: Seattle | More Info: Magic in the Market
Kris Kringle Market
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday market with local vendors and festive activities.
Description:
The Kris Kringle Market is a holiday event featuring local vendors, handcrafted items, and seasonal treats. It offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including complimentary crafts for children and free pictures with Santa. Visitors can indulge in savory and sweet treats from food trucks and enjoy a beer hall for adults 21 years and older. The event supports army-centered Joint Base Lewis McChord organizations by generating proceeds for their community grants program.
Where: Olympia | More Info: Kris Kringle Market
Olympia Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Pacific Northwest Ballet's The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Elaborate sets and costumes in a classic ballet performance.
Description:
Pacific Northwest Ballet's The Nutcracker is a timeless ballet featuring Tchaikovsky's classic score, stunning costumes, and impressive performances. The production includes a picture-perfect lobby and intricate scenery, making it a highlight of the holiday season.
Where: Seattle | More Info: Pacific Northwest Ballet's The Nutcracker
Snowflake Lane
What to Expect:
Free holiday parade with festive music and colorful floats.
Description:
Snowflake Lane is a complimentary nightly parade featuring toy drummers, dancers, and holiday floats with dazzling lights and falling snow. The event takes place on the sidewalks between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square along Bellevue Way.
Where: Bellevue | More Info: Snowflake Lane
Holiday Pops
What to Expect:
Powerhouse pianist Chloe Flower joins the Seattle Symphony for a holiday concert.
Description:
Join the Seattle Symphony at Benaroya Hall for a dazzling holiday concert featuring pianist Chloe Flower. This special program promises an unforgettable evening of music and celebration.
Where: Seattle | More Info: Holiday Pops
Polar Express Train Ride
What to Expect:
Nostalgic train ride with live performances and Santa visits.
Description:
Embark on a nostalgic journey to the North Pole aboard the Polar Express Train Ride. Listen to the classic children's book, sip hot chocolate, and receive a special visit from Santa. Each passenger receives a golden ticket and a sleigh bell, making this a memorable holiday tradition.
Where: Chehalis | More Info: Polar Express Train Ride
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Lacey (4 miles)
- Lakewood (20 miles)
- Tacoma (26 miles)
- South Hill (30 miles)
- Federal Way (34 miles)
- Auburn (36 miles)
- Kent (39 miles)
- Burien (39 miles)
- Renton (44 miles)