Celebrate the holiday season in downtown Olympia

Tons of opportunities await you and yours this holiday season

By Claire Nunn on December 9, 2020

The holidays are officially in full swing and while that may look a little different than years past, there is still plenty of cheer to be had. Olympia organizations have worked hard to make adjustments to their beloved holiday traditions and ensure your family still has the opportunity to safely celebrate the holidays. 

A majority of the seasonal happenings can begin without even having to leave the comfort of your car. Steer your way into the holidays with these local Olympia events: 

Begin in downtown Olympia where more than a mile of garland adorns the storefronts and lights and holiday cheer can be seen all around. Make your way over to the Washington Center and State Theater where theatrical snow falls will take place.

Next up on the list head over to Huntamer Park in Lacey to see the lights and to tune in your car radio to hear Santa read a story, or start your own version of a car sing-along to holiday tunes. This program runs nightly from 5 to 8 p.m. through Dec. 31. 

After you've sang to your heart's content, head over to Yelm Lights in the Park. Sponsored by local businesses, this traditional single-day event has been transformed into a month-long experience to ensure all can safely socially distance and enjoy the magic. Drive by anytime from 5 to 9 p.m. through Dec. 31 to check out the display. Or if you prefer, guests are allowed to leave their car and walk around as long as social distance is maintained.

For a complete guide on holiday happenings in the Olympia area visit: 

https://www.experienceolympia.com/blog/post/steer-your-way-to-holiday-cheer/ 

We know that along with wanting to see and soak in the holiday magic, you may also be in search of the perfect item to gift this holiday season. 

Olympia is chock-full of local shops that can provide the perfect gift for that special person in your life. If you're looking for an assortment of gifts for proud locals, stop by the Washington State Legislative Gift Center where you can pick up a Capitol thimble, or snag a historic tote bag from downtown favorite Compass Rose.

Self-care essentials can also make the perfect gift, and can be found at the Olympia Farmers Market, along with other local hand crafted gifts. If you're looking to make spirits brighter with the gift of local craft beer and other local spirits, those too can be found throughout the Olympia area. 

For a complete guide to local holiday shopping in the Olympia area, check out Experience Olympia's Decidedly Different Holiday Gift guide:

https://www.experienceolympia.com/blog/post/decidedly-different-holiday-gift-guide/

One of the best parts about shopping locally in downtown Olympia this holiday season is getting your gifts wrapped for free. Shoppers who bring their receipts to the lobby of the State Theater will receive complimentary gift wrapping, available each Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Dec. 13, and again Dec. 19-20.

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