Top Winter Activities

Winters in Olympia are for sleeping-in, spending time with friends and family, and celebrating the holidays at the festive events and markets that pop up throughout the season.

Olympia winters are filled with festive events, gift shopping, holiday parties, and fun, family-friendly activities. Find the perfect gifts for every person on your list at the many unique stores and vintage and antique shops. Spend the holiday season ice skating at Oly on Ice and perusing various pop-up markets filled with artisanal crafts and live performances. Grab your friends and ring in the New Year while dancing the night away. Fill your holiday season with these Olympia winter activities!

People bundled up in warm clothing enjoying an indoor ice skating rink

1. Oly on Ice

Skate through the holiday season at Oly on Ice, a family-friendly pop-up ice skating rink at Isthmus Park. Oly on Ice features public ice skating, live performances, a variety of family-friendly activities hosted by local organizations, and sensory skate hours.

Date(s): November 22, 2024 - January 20, 2025
Location: Isthmus Park | 529 4th Avenue W, Olympia, WA 98501
Admission: $5 - $99

2. Kris Kringle Market

Visit Kris Kringle Market for a variety of amazing holiday experiences. Enjoy shopping from vendors then stop at the beer garden and sip craft beer. The kids will love the kid zone area featuring an obstacle course, crafts, and games. Keep an eye out for Krampus and Santa!

Date(s): November 16, 2024
When: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Location: Lacey Community Center | 6729 Pacific Avenue SE, Olympia, WA 98503
Admission: $3 - $20

3. Lincoln Winter Market

Support local artists and makers while checking off your holiday shopping list at Lincoln Winter Market. Take your time shopping at the different vendor booths, enjoy food and beverages from local businesses, and watch live performances.

Date(s): November 30, 2024
When: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Lincoln Options Elementary | 213 21st Avenue SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Admission: Free

Olympia Winterfest 2021

4. LoveOly WinterFest

The kick-off celebration of Downtown for the Holidays, Winter Fest offers live entertainment for shoppers to listen to while browsing handmade gifts from local vendors. There will also be carriage rides and holiday storytelling for people of all ages to enjoy.

Date(s): November 26 - December 26, 2023
When: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Location: 115 State Avenue NW, Olympia
Admission: Free

5. Downtown for the Holidays!

Downtown for the Holidays is a shopping and dining promotion held at local participating businesses in Downtown Olympia. Every time you make a purchase of $10 or more, get a sticker added to your passport. Once you reach five stickers you can turn it in for a Love Oly gift!

Date(s): November 24, 2024 - December 24, 2024
When: During Business hours
Location: Participating local businesses
Admission: Free

6. Tenino’s Grand Twinkle Tour

Pack the kids into the car with mugs of hot chocolate and enjoy this drive-thru holiday experience built with twinkling lights and holiday displays. Help out your neighbors and bring donations to Tenino Food Bank Plus during the event.

Date(s): 2024 dates TBD
When: 7 p.m.
Location: Tenino Middle School | 301 Old Highway 99 SE, Tenino, WA 98589
Admission: Free

Ballerinas dancing in the Nutcracker at the Washington Center for Performing Arts in Olympia.

7. A Christmas Carol at Harlequin Productions

Revisit a classic holiday tale on the stage with festive effects and engaging performances. Harlequin Productions' adaptation of this Charles Dickens story embraces festive cheer in a whimsical setting.

Date(s): November 27 - December 24, 2024
When: 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Location: 4th Avenue, East, Olympia, WA 98501
Admission: $33 - $55

8. The Hip Hop Nutcracker Presented by The Washington Center for the Performing Arts

Make your way to the Washington Center for a magical night featuring a holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker returns for another spectacular tour. This contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip-hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event.

Date(s): November 12, 2024
When: 7:30 p.m.
Location: 512 Washington Street SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Admission: $59-$109

friends hold sparklers while celebrating new year's eve

9. New Year's Eve Celebrations Across Thurston County

Olympia features a vibrant nightlife scene, where thrilling New Year's parties await. Explore a variety of breweries and cheers to the start of 2025 with a craft beer. Browse through our dining options around the New Year's weekend and find a special meal for this winter holiday. Live it up by heading to a casino and experiencing fun entertainment.

Take a Trip Along the Thurston Bountiful Byway

Love a quality road trip? Us too! We also happen to love foods grown and harvested in the region where we eat them!

AND we also love getting to know the local history, culture and characters in the areas we explore. If this sounds like you too, then a little road trip on the Thurston Bountiful Byway is in order. The Thurston Bountiful Byway is 60-miles of authentic cultural and culinary experiences. Plan your getaway, load up the car and hit the open road!

Take me there!

Stay With Us!

Make the most out of your time with us this holiday season by relaxing and recharging at one of our many modern hotels, or splurge on a spa-experience at a B&B before setting out again for more winter activities.