Olympia transforms into a winter wonderland each holiday season, and 2025 promises exceptional celebrations throughout the South Puget Sound community. The capital city’s festive traditions trace back over a century. Downtown has been decorated for the holidays since the 1920s, when the Chamber of Commerce first adorned streets with greenery, wreaths, and lights. By the 1960s, creative spectacles like Santa arriving by helicopter and the creation of “Christmas Island” had cemented Olympia’s reputation for inventive holiday programming.

Why Olympia’s Holiday Season Stands Out in 2025

Today’s celebrations maintain that spirit of community creativity while growing significantly. Tourism generated $572.5 million in economic impact for Thurston County in 2024. Local businesses benefit directly.

What makes Olympia holiday events truly special is the city’s commitment to accessible, inclusive celebrations. Most major festivities feature free admission, letting families create lasting memories without budget constraints. The emphasis on supporting local businesses and artists (a tradition since the city’s earliest holiday celebrations) adds authenticity to every event, from intimate craft fairs to grand theatrical productions.

Downtown Olympia Transforms for the Holidays

LoveOly Winterfest: Olympia’s Premier Holiday Celebration

LoveOly Winter Fest kicks off the season on November 30, 2025, marking the official launch of Downtown for the Holidays. This flagship event transforms downtown Olympia into a sparkling holiday wonderland from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., concentrated at 5th Avenue and Washington Street.

Insider tip: Arrive before 11 a.m. to snag street parking near the main festival area. Popular performances draw crowds between noon and 2 p.m., so early arrival means easier access to hot chocolate stations and better views of live entertainment from Oly Chamber Brass and local school groups.

The artisan market showcases local creators offering handcrafted gifts, though experienced attendees know the best selection of signature items appears during the first two weekends. Many popular vendors sell out by mid-December. Horse-drawn carriage rides sell out fast, especially in the afternoons. Kids dive into craft stations powered by Hands On Children’s Museum, while holiday storytelling sessions in the Olympia Ballroom lobby provide quiet breaks from the bustling outdoor festivities.

Santa welcomes visitors at 222 Market, complete with candy canes and photo opportunities. Over a mile of festive garland drapes storefronts, transforming the business district into a holiday showcase that represents the contemporary evolution of downtown decorating traditions begun a century ago.

Oly on Ice Downtown Skating Experience

Oly on Ice returns November 21, 2025, bringing outdoor skating to Isthmus Park at 529 4th Avenue West through January 19, 2026. The covered rink operates regardless of weather, with a protective tent ensuring skating continues through Pacific Northwest rain or shine.

Planning note: Advance ticket purchase is essential. Popular performances and weekend slots sell out 2-3 weeks ahead. General admission ranges from $10 on Monday and Tuesday to $16 on weekends during peak Winter Break season. Season passes offer excellent value at $104 for ages four and up.

Practical tip: Bring your own gloves. While rental skates are provided, hand protection isn’t included. The rink surface becomes slippery during busy sessions; less confident skaters should try Monday or Tuesday afternoon slots when crowds thin and ice conditions stay smoother throughout the session.

Themed DJ nights feature retro and Latin Caribbean music, plus special performances including Nutcracker character meet-and-greets. Sensory-friendly skate sessions accommodate families needing calmer environments, scheduled Sundays from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. and Mondays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. with reduced lighting and no music. Food trucks like Sweetlee’s and Taqueria La Esquinita provide refreshments, while free parking sits east of the rink.

Downtown for the Holidays Extended Programming

Beyond the main festival day, Downtown for the Holidays programming extends through December 24, creating a month-long celebration. The Shop & Dine passport program rewards local shopping. Collect stickers for each $10 spent at participating businesses and exchange them for gifts including power banks, fanny packs, or beanies. This initiative reflects Olympia’s tradition of using holiday celebrations to support downtown businesses, a practice dating back to the 1920s Chamber of Commerce initiatives.

Free parking at most downtown meters runs December 12–24, making it easier for visitors to enjoy extended shopping without worrying about fees. Evening hours showcase the lighting displays at their most spectacular, as thousands of lights illuminate storefronts reminiscent of the elaborate decorations high school students created in the 1960s.

Holiday Markets

Olympia holiday bazaar events and craft fairs provide unique shopping experiences featuring handmade goods from South Puget Sound artisans. These markets drive significant economic activity.

Olympia Farmers Market Holiday Edition

The Olympia Farmers Market Holiday Market operates weekends from November 1 through December 21, with special extended hours December 22–24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Located at 700 Capitol Way N, the pavilion hosts over 100 vendors from the South Puget Sound area offering seasonal produce, artisan goods, handcrafted jewelry, and specialty foods.

Santa and Mrs. Claus make appearances December 8–9, 15–16, and 22–23 from noon to 2 p.m., complete with candy cane giveaways and photo opportunities. Daily live performances and festive decorations create a celebratory atmosphere throughout the market.

Festive Performances and Holiday Entertainment

Olympia’s performing arts venues showcase exceptional holiday entertainment, from classical ballet to contemporary concerts. These productions support the region’s strong arts community while providing high-quality entertainment.

The Nutcracker and Seasonal Theater Productions

Ballet Northwest’s The Nutcracker returns to the Washington Center for the Performing Arts December 12–14, 2025, celebrating its 37th annual production. This full-length classical ballet features elaborate sets, beautiful costumes, and talented local dancers bringing Tchaikovsky’s beloved score to life. Performances occur Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

Important: Both major Nutcracker productions typically sell out 2-3 weeks in advance. Purchase tickets early to avoid disappointment, especially for weekend matinee performances popular with families.

Harlequin Productions presents A Christmas Carol from November 28 through December 24 at The State Theater, with performances running Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., plus Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m. Tickets range from $43–$62.

Holiday Concert Series and Musical Performances

Masterworks Choral Ensemble performs their Holiday Concert Saturday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Washington Center. This uplifting program blends luminous classics with heartfelt contemporary choral works. Olympia Youth Chorus presents Winter Joy! Saturday, December 8 at 6:30 p.m.

Family-Friendly Holiday Activities and Traditions

Best things to do in Olympia during the holidays include numerous activities specifically designed for families with children. These events create opportunities for memory-making through interactive experiences, seasonal crafts, and beloved traditions.

Tree Lighting Ceremonies and Santa Meet-and-Greets

Tumwater Christmas Tree Lighting Festival takes place Saturday, December 6 from 1:00 to 5:30 p.m. at City Hall and Headquarters Fire Station. Santa welcomes visitors for photos in his workshop inside the Council Chambers from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., while local school groups perform throughout the afternoon. The ceremonial tree lighting occurs at 5:30 p.m., followed by holiday ornament-making workshops courtesy of Tumwater Arts.

Yelm’s Christmas in the Park runs December 1 from 11:00 a.m. to noon at Yelm City Park. The community choir performs at 11:30 a.m., followed by magician Jeff Evans’ Holiday Magic Show at 2 p.m. Santa photo opportunities, a Christmas parade, and various kid-friendly activities round out the celebration.

Planning Your Holiday Event Experience in Olympia

Local Insider Tips for Maximum Enjoyment

Timing is everything: Attend weeknight events or earlier in the season to avoid peak crowds. Weekend performances and markets reach capacity quickly, particularly during the final two weeks before Christmas. Saturday and Sunday events draw the largest crowds between noon and 3 p.m.

Parking strategies: Free downtown meter parking December 12–24 helps, but spaces near major venues fill by late morning on event days. Arrive before 10 a.m. for weekend festivals or use downtown parking structures at State & Capitol, 4th & Columbia, and State & Washington. All city meters and municipal lots are free after 5:00 p.m. weekdays.

Weather preparation: Pacific Northwest December means rain and occasional cold snaps. Dress in layers with waterproof outerwear and boots. Pack hand warmers and thermoses of hot drinks for outdoor events. Umbrellas are essential, but consider baby carriers instead of strollers for crowded markets and parades where uneven terrain and tight spaces make wheeled navigation challenging.

Family logistics: Identify indoor warming spots (cafés, the Olympia Ballroom, museum lobbies) before attending extended outdoor events. Pack snacks and water, as food lines can stretch long during peak times. For families with young children, morning events typically offer better restroom access and shorter waits than afternoon or evening programming.

Getting Around Safely During Winter Events

Navigating to Olympia’s holiday events requires preparation for Pacific Northwest winter weather. Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready with functioning defrosters, good tire tread, and an emergency kit including blankets and a flashlight. Check tire pressure regularly, as cold temperatures cause significant drops. Allow extra travel time during evening events when temperatures drop and roads become slick.

Intercity Transit provides frequent bus service to downtown Olympia every 10–15 minutes on many routes, with the free Dash Shuttle connecting Capitol Campus to downtown. This is an excellent option for avoiding parking hassles during major events. Wide sidewalks, marked crosswalks, and accessible routes make downtown walkable between transit stops and event locations.

Real-world consideration: Winter weather in the Pacific Northwest can cause last-minute event changes or cancellations. Follow Experience Olympia’s social media channels for real-time updates, particularly before traveling to outdoor events during weather warnings.

Plan visits during off-peak hours when possible to avoid crowds and traffic congestion. With proper preparation and realistic timing expectations, exploring the top holiday events happening in Olympia in 2025 becomes a stress-free, memorable experience reflecting the city’s century-long tradition of bringing community together through creative, inclusive seasonal celebrations.

 

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