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!
![Women having fun and posing for a selfing at Oly on Ice.](https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/oly-on-ice-photo-op.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=77a6dbff5c5730964224f02fc19e01bd 320w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/oly-on-ice-photo-op.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=e0462ecdfa44e22aad0e23fd1ad1b0c5 540w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/oly-on-ice-photo-op.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=a0d5196d23a136d1687630b981977f5d 768w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/oly-on-ice-photo-op.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=b3e5d51bd01b436e1ed54e3c3b97b045 1024w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/oly-on-ice-photo-op.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=75f22cd0ec1958b760b388f75a692768 1200w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/oly-on-ice-photo-op.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=2de12c6e55cf23e32f921e4f3dcdd337 1440w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/oly-on-ice-photo-op.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=0f8512405b8c83db37f028e2efc1a3ad 1920w)
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 17, 2023 - January 15, 2024
- 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 17 - November 18, 2023 | TBA 2024
- When: Friday: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday: 10 p.m. - 6 p.m.
- Location: Lacey Community Center | 6729 Pacific Avenue SE, Olympia, WA 98503
- Admission: $5 - $15
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: November 25, 2023 | TBA 2024
- When: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Location: Lincoln Options Elementary | 213 21st Avenue SE, Olympia, WA 98501
- Admission: Free
![Crowds of people enjoying Olympia Winterfest 2021](https://experience-olympia.s3.amazonaws.com/imager/photoshelter/Shared%20Images%20Collection/Olympia%20Winterfest%202021%20Gallery/830774/I0000xwVwde9qKn8_4ea5feef0ee08a7b682f84f89f2c9c36.jpg 320w, https://experience-olympia.s3.amazonaws.com/imager/photoshelter/Shared%20Images%20Collection/Olympia%20Winterfest%202021%20Gallery/830774/I0000xwVwde9qKn8_24f90235bb97a9cf8d3d417df7a5f59d.jpg 540w, https://experience-olympia.s3.amazonaws.com/imager/photoshelter/Shared%20Images%20Collection/Olympia%20Winterfest%202021%20Gallery/830774/I0000xwVwde9qKn8_0f1c6fa41849e7c617584c27f545d030.jpg 768w, https://experience-olympia.s3.amazonaws.com/imager/photoshelter/Shared%20Images%20Collection/Olympia%20Winterfest%202021%20Gallery/830774/I0000xwVwde9qKn8_5c69961ef3bdd01bac72e3770fbf3cef.jpg 1024w, https://experience-olympia.s3.amazonaws.com/imager/photoshelter/Shared%20Images%20Collection/Olympia%20Winterfest%202021%20Gallery/830774/I0000xwVwde9qKn8_a8c3e8029d3324053876d96fe7823d86.jpg 1200w, https://experience-olympia.s3.amazonaws.com/imager/photoshelter/Shared%20Images%20Collection/Olympia%20Winterfest%202021%20Gallery/830774/I0000xwVwde9qKn8_d9ec8ec209a76b9b5394cb88174a8a98.jpg 1440w, https://experience-olympia.s3.amazonaws.com/imager/photoshelter/Shared%20Images%20Collection/Olympia%20Winterfest%202021%20Gallery/830774/I0000xwVwde9qKn8_0519c5bb27f015a3385ef3390f9677b2.jpg 1920w, https://experience-olympia.s3.amazonaws.com/imager/photoshelter/Shared%20Images%20Collection/Olympia%20Winterfest%202021%20Gallery/830774/I0000xwVwde9qKn8_0914c3c1fb1da6452ce97c2463969f48.jpg 2560w, https://experience-olympia.s3.amazonaws.com/imager/photoshelter/Shared%20Images%20Collection/Olympia%20Winterfest%202021%20Gallery/830774/I0000xwVwde9qKn8_2a23813dca470163f0b2610639f888f1.jpg 3840w)
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 26, 2023 - December 26, 2023
- 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: December 16, 2023
- 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.](https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/Nutcracker-Washington-Center-for-Performing-Arts.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=ca11cf9226428667d2aa5a00b7251b32 320w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/Nutcracker-Washington-Center-for-Performing-Arts.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=4fd1fa845ecf2cafca584f3ac3e4fd72 540w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/Nutcracker-Washington-Center-for-Performing-Arts.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=b599a6b093d3d138309a3a3fdb4e8336 768w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/Nutcracker-Washington-Center-for-Performing-Arts.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=31365d99198d5b934e522810cfae53bc 1024w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/Nutcracker-Washington-Center-for-Performing-Arts.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=f5e55172b469da635454cabdf88cc070 1174w)
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): December 7 - 24, 2023
- When: 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
- Location: 4th Avenue, East, Olympia, WA 98501
- Admission: $33 - $57
8. The Nutcracker Presented by Ballet Northwest
Make your way to the Washington Center for a magical night, featuring sugar plum fairies and a picturesque stage. Marvel at graceful dances and immersive storytelling at this 40th annual Olympia-based tradition.
- Date(s): December 8- 10 & 15 -17, 2023
- When: 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
- Location: 512 Washington Street SE, Olympia, WA 98501
- Admission: $17 - $38
![friends hold sparklers while celebrating new year's eve](https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/ian-schneider-PAykYb-8Er8-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=d9bfef40a3e457a8fcf55ed4e337fd1f 320w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/ian-schneider-PAykYb-8Er8-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=fdcceaa8a521598ce77833d3c14fb6f7 540w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/ian-schneider-PAykYb-8Er8-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=2cd4fe8427a41d6a057abdc19f6b0af9 768w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/ian-schneider-PAykYb-8Er8-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=5e77ae35ece95f22cd86713b089469c2 1024w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/ian-schneider-PAykYb-8Er8-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=f01a7b7a88e2e9a215c450a9b7dff2be 1200w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/ian-schneider-PAykYb-8Er8-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=6e58599ee1754d65080c3ef3d6261a03 1440w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/ian-schneider-PAykYb-8Er8-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=7f24e70c1e7ee7b08179858f916cc3fd 1920w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/ian-schneider-PAykYb-8Er8-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=a79e248273161c3da4acac2b47e7afe8 2560w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/ian-schneider-PAykYb-8Er8-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=8671f81322e0fd9e95d89004b8aa1dc8 3840w)
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 2024 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.
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!
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.
Lodgings
Candlewood Suites Olympia-Lacey
4440 3rd Ave SE Lacey, Washington 98503 (360) 491-1698
Comfort Inn Lacey
4700 Park Center Ave., N.E. Lacey, Washington 98516 (360) 456-6300
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lacey Olympia
4460 3rd Ave SE Lacey, Washington 98503 (360) 491-7985
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Olympia — Lacey
4704 Park Center Ave NE Lacey, Washington 98516 (360) 412-1200
Quality Inn & Suites Lacey
120 College Street Lacey, Washington 98503 (360) 493-1991
Best Western Plus Lacey Inn & Suites
8326 Quinault Drive NE Lacey, Washington 98516 (360) 456-5655 Find A Room
Super 8 by Wyndham Lacey Olympia Area
112 College St Lacey, Washington 98503 (360) 459-8888
DoubleTree by Hilton Olympia
415 Capitol Way N Olympia, Washington 98501 (360) 570-0555
Hampton Inn & Suites Olympia-Lacey
4301 Martin Way E Olympia, Washington 98516 (360) 459-5000
The Heron House at The Eld House
5531 Sunrise Beach Rd NW Olympia, Washington 98502 (360) 701-8388
Hilton Garden Inn Olympia
2101 Henderson Park Lane SE Olympia, Washington 98501 (360) 236-9934
The Marie Bed and Breakfast
123 Cushing St. NW Olympia, Washington 98502 (360) 915-8039
Olympia Inn
909 Capitol Way S Olympia, Washington 98501 (360) 352-8533
Ramada by Wyndham Olympia
4520 Martin Way E Olympia, Washington 98516 (360) 459-8866
Red Lion Inn & Suites Olympia, Governor Hotel
621 Capitol Way S Olympia, Washington 98501 (360) 352-7700
Short Stay Lodgings
912 Franklin St SE Olympia, Washington 98501 (360) 970-6826
Swantown Inn
1431 11th Ave. SE Olympia, Washington 98501 (360) 753-9123
Towneplace Suites by Marriott Olympia
900 Capitol Way Olympia, Washington 98501 (360) 753-8770
Best Western Tumwater-Olympia Inn
5188 Capitol Blvd SE Tumwater, Washington 98501 (360) 956-1235 Find A Room
Extended Stay America Olympia — Tumwater
1675 Mottman Rd. SW Tumwater, Washington 98501 (360) 754-6063
La Quinta Inn & Suites Tumwater
4600 Capitol Blvd SE Tumwater, Washington 98501 (360) 352-5433
Motel 6 Tumwater
400 Lee Street SW Tumwater, Washington 98501 (360) 754-7320
Oyo Hotel Olympia-Tumwater
1600 74th Ave SW Tumwater, Washington 98501 (360) 587-4810
Prairie Hotel
700 Prairie Park Lane Yelm, Washington 98597 (360) 458-8300
Fairfield Inn & Suites Grand Mound
6223 197th Way SW Rochester, Washington 98579 (360) 858-5757
Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel
12888 188th Ave SW Rochester, Washington 98579 (360) 273-8640
Great Wolf Lodge
20500 Old Highway 99 SW Grand Mound, Washington 98531 (360) 273-7718