Spend a Day in Olympia for the Holidays

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By Kate Scriven

VCB logoThe leaves are off the trees, festive lights are being placed in the empty branches and shops are full of gorgeous displays of gifts and specialty items.  Yes, the holidays are officially here.  To help you get in the mood, and check a few things off your list, spend a day in downtown Olympia.  Not only will you come away feeling “in the spirit” of the season, but you’ll find unique, quality gifts while supporting local small business owners.

Downtown isn’t just for shopping, though.  Take advantage of the special seasonal celebrations throughout the coming month including concerts, parades, tree lightings and of course the Nutcracker.  Make your visit to one of these events an occasion by grabbing a cup of locally roasted coffee, a warm bowl of homemade soup, or a special sweet treat at Olympia’s many eateries and cafes.

holidays olympia
Compass Rose is one stop on your downtown Olympia shopping tour.

Stroll, enjoy, and connect with those you love.  Live the true spirit of the season by spending a bit of time together in the vibrant core of our state’s capital.   Below are just a few of the highlights for a day trip to Olympia.

Shopping and Gifts

Archibald SistersFor the wacky jokester on your list, or for the best stocking stuffers around, visit this long-standing emporium of all things fun.  Don’t miss the custom lotions and bath products bar to customize the perfect scent for those on your list.  Hit the “Oly” wear section for locally themed tees and sweatshirts showing your local-love.

Compass Rose – Imports abound alongside local treats in this treasure trove of gifts and décor.  From handmade jewelry to BPA-free baby toys, you’ll head out the door with something you didn’t expect, yet couldn’t imagine leaving without.

Hot Toddy – Visit just because the shop’s name is fantastic.  While you’re inside, browse for unique women’s clothes and accessories with a vintage vibe.  Have an urban hipster niece on your list?  This is your store.

Red Door InteriorsLara Anderson and her mother Kathy Lathrop curate this fantastic collection of new and refurbished items for your home in this corner shop on 5th and Washington.  Pick up just the right accent pillow to pull a room together or add a little bit of bling for your holiday table.  Affordable jewelry and accessories make perfect gifts and don’t miss their signature item – the RD Shady.

Captain Little Toy Store – Imagine the modern vibe of an Apple Store combined with quirky, quality toys and the best stuffed animals you’ve ever seen.  That is Captain Little.  Opened this summer in the former “Wind up Here” storefront, this newcomer is quickly becoming the go-to spot for hip, fun toys.  Go beyond a Barbie and delight the littles in your life with gifts of imagination hand selected by the store’s experienced owners.

olympia baby store
Simple Cloth, located in downtown Olympia, stocks a variety of diapers to meet customers’ differing needs and budgets.

Simple Cloth – While the tiny storefront may not scream “holiday shopping here” if you have a new mom (or mom-to-be) on your list, you can’t go wrong with the thoughtfully sourced selection in this 4th Avenue favorite.  Cloth diapering supplies are just the beginning.

Olyphant – In their new location on 5th Avenue, Olyphant offers high quality art supplies for the aspiring, or experienced, artist.  Staff can help guide your selection to something any artist can use in their case.

Buck’s 5th Avenue – For the culinary connoisseur on your list, stop into Buck’s and have the staff organize a spice sampler or tea medley.  Their selection can’t be beat and the aroma of the store alone is worth a visit.

Little General Food Shop – Another foodie haven, Little General offers up specialty eats perfectly made for hostess gifts, holiday entertaining, and stocking stuffers.  Hungry?  Ready to eat items are available to help keep your shopping stamina up.

 

olympia holiday parade
Downtown for the Holidays includes a popular parade at 3:00 p.m. on November 30.

Holiday Events

Downtown for the Holidays – Held on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, this annual event, centered around Sylvester Park, includes activities for kids and adults alike, music, the Holiday Parade and the Tree Lighting.   Local merchants join the fun with specials and celebrations throughout downtown.  The event begins on November 30 at 12:00 p.m. and continues until 5:00 p.m.  The downtown holiday parade steps off at 3:00 p.m.

Holiday Concerts – One of the best ways to enjoy the spirit of the season is through song.  Our thriving local arts community showcases its talent at a number of shows throughout December.  Here are just a few classics.

  • Olympia Choral Society – Holiday Classics will delight with three shows on December 12, 13, 14 at the Koval Center.
  • SOGO Ho Ho – Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia’s annual Victorian Holiday concert will be held December 14 at First Christian Church in Downtown Olympia (2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. shows).
  • Sounds of the Season – SPSCC Concert Choir and Puget Sound Community Choir entertain with holiday favorites on December 3 at 7:00 p.m. at the  Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts on the SPSCC Campus.

Seasonal Theater

nutcracker olympia
Plan your day around a performance of the Nutcracker in downtown Olympia.

The Nutcracker Ballet – No need to travel to Seattle, and spend hundreds, to see a stunning performance of holiday favorite, the Nutcraker Ballet.  Olympia boasts several performances leading up to Christmas that will delight young and old alike.  Ballet Northwest’s production is at downtown’s Washington Center for the Performing Arts from December 12 through 21.  Include a matinee in your day downtown or enjoy dinner at one of the area’s excellent restaurants and walk to the show for a special night out.

Harlequin Productions “The Stardust Christmas Commotion” – Now in its nineteenth season, this 1950’s musical set in The Stardust Club is a local favorite.  Each year, audiences delight in a new rendition of rat-pack rock n’ roll and holiday spirit.  Shows run Thursday through Sunday beginning on November 28 and continuing through December 31.

Visit Olympia’s downtown this holiday season and delight in the unique shops, locally-sourced foods, and cheerful holiday entertainment.  Stroll the tree-lined streets with your family or make it a day with your friends.  Olympia is a treasure not to be missed this holiday season.

 

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