Top Winter Activities In Thurston County

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 to do in winter. Find the perfect gifts for every person on your list at the many unique stores and vintage and antique shops.

Enjoy the holiday season by ice skating at Oly on Ice. Explore pop-up markets with handmade crafts and live shows. 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 offers public ice skating and live performances. There are many family-friendly activities from local groups. They also have special skate hours for those with sensory needs.

Date(s): November 20, 2025 - January 19, 2026
Location: Isthmus Park | 529 4th Avenue W, Olympia, WA 98501
Admission: $5 - $99

2. 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 28 - December 24, 2025
When: During Business Hours
Location: Participating local businesses
Admission: Free

3. Tenino Holiday Market

Celebrate the season with a festive shopping experience at the Kodiak Room in downtown Tenino. More than three dozen talented local makers will showcase their handcrafted art, décor, gifts, and sweet treats—perfect for your home or holiday giving. Each day features live performances spanning different musical styles, adding a lively soundtrack to your stroll through the marketplace.

Date(s): November 28 - 30, 2025
When: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Location: The Kodiak Room | 225 Sussex Avenue WestTenino, WA 98589
Admission: Free

Crowds of people enjoying Olympia Winterfest 2021

4. The Nutcracker Presented by Studio West Dance Theater

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 28 - 30, 2025
When: Various times
Location: The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SEOlympia, WA 98501
Admission: $24-$42

5. 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 28 - December 24, 2025
When: 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: 4th Avenue, East, Olympia, WA 98501
Admission: $38 - $57

6. LoveOly Winterfest

Join us in Downtown Olympia at 5th and Washington to enjoy holiday cheer! Enjoy live music from local high schools and the Olympia Symphony Quartet! Activities for kids and families! Seasonal "tree" lighting and other family-friendly fun.

Date(s): November 30, 2025
When: 7 p.m.
Location: Downtown Olympia, 5th Ave and Washington Street
Admission: Free

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

7. Tenino's Grand Twinkle Tour

Bundle up, grab some cocoa, and get ready to be dazzled! Join us for a magical evening at the Grand Twinkle Tour, where the holiday spirit shines bright in the heart of Tenino. This free, family-friendly drive-thru celebration features sparkling light displays, festive decorations, and plenty of holiday cheer to share with loved ones. Whether you’re starting a new tradition or keeping the magic alive, the Twinkle Tour is the perfect way to celebrate the season together.

Date(s): December 20, 2025
When: TBD
Location: Tenino Middle School - 301 Old Highway 99 N, Tenino
Admission: Free

8. 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.

friends hold sparklers while celebrating new year's eve

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.