The Thanksgiving leftovers are safely tucked in the fridge (my favorite part of the holiday) and our focus now shifts from pumpkins and turkey to mistletoe and snow. And while we all celebrate this season in different ways, we can also find ways to celebrate together.
Our community offers a host of opportunities to gather, rejoice, sing, and be merry. While some occasions are quiet and serious, others invite the laughter and joy of children (and adults). Whether you are looking to play inside or out, engage in activities quiet or loud, snap selfies or let the pros handle the photos, our list will supply just the right recipe for holiday fun.
1. Menorah and Tree Lightings
The Capitol Rotunda Christmas tree lighting is on December 4.
- Sip cocoa and celebrate with Santa as the Lacey Christmas Tree is lit in Huntamer Park, December 3 at 6:00 p.m.
- Celebrate the spectacular lighting of the Capitol Rotunda Tree on December 4 at 6:00 p.m.
- Light the Grand Menorah in Sylvester Park on December 6 at 4:00 p.m. to celebrate the start of Chanukah.
- Sample tasty treats (including Top Run Brewing’s beer), get your face painted, and take a Santa selfie at Ralph’s Thriftway’s Tree Lighting event December 5 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
- Sing along to holiday favorites, decorate cookies, and complete holiday crafts at Tumwater’s Tree Lighting at the fire station on December 12 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
2. Holiday Theater Performances
The Stardust series is a local holiday favorite and the 2014 production saw record ticket sales and sell-out shows.
- Celebrate 20 years of Stardust with Harlequin Productions “Stardust Christmas Dazzle” running now through New Year’s Eve.
- Bring the family to the Olympia Family Theater’s production of “A Charlie Brown Christmas”.
- Continue a holiday tradition with one of two Nutcracker Ballet performances. Details on both found here.
- Laugh it up this holiday through December 20 with a hilarious Sherlock Holmes who-done-it mystery at Olympia Little Theater: “The Game’s Afoot, or Holmes for the Holidays.”
3. Music and Concerts
The Olympia Choral Society will perform a free holiday concert.
- Revel in the SPSCC Choirs and Orchestras at their holiday concerts December 5 and 6. Details can be found here.
- Sing along with Santa, and Masterworks Choral, at Mistletunes and Songflakes on December 5.
- Enjoy the choral excellence led by director Terry Shaw at Olympia Choral Society’s free (donations appreciated) Christmas Concerts December 11 through 13.
- Join the fun at the annual SOGO HO HO Brass Choir concert at Westminster Presbyterian Church on December 12. Details found here.
- Add a little rock and roll to your holiday with Christmas at the Stills at Sandstone Distillery on December 12.
- Sing-along to musical masterpiece, Handel’s Messiah, performed by SOGO with special guests. This 7:00 p.m. performance is free and open to the public.
4. Santa Sightings and Photos
A visit to Santa is a highlight for any family.
- Smile for Santa at Capitol Mall each day until Christmas Eve. Click here for times.
- Sign with Santa at Lacey Parks and Rec’s annual Signing Santa event December 4.
- Eat breakfast with Santa and enjoy a Polar Express themed party hosted by the Lacey Sunrise Lions on December 12 at 9:00 a.m. Register early here.
- Bring your four-legged friend for a visit with Santa Paws at Joint Animal Services on December 12 and 13 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Or, stop by Adopt-A-Pet of Shelton on December 5 to help raise funds for this non-profit shelter.
- Decorate cookies and visit Santa at South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity December 12 and 13.
- Check the schedule at the links below for when Santa will be visiting your neighborhood with Lacey Fire District 3, Tumwater Fire Department and East Olympia Fire District.
5. Community and Family Fun
Santa stands near his train in Elbe, Washington aboard the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad. Photo courtesy Douglas Scott.
- Ohhh and ahh at the impressive trees while enjoying activities and music at the Providence St. Peter Christmas Forest December 3 – 6 at The Red Lion Hotel.
- Visit Shelton’s Christmas Wonderland featuring inflatables and lights galore open daily from 5:00 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Take a ride on the Polar Express or Santa Steam Train in Chehalis now through December 20. Book early for this memory making experience complete with a visit from Santa.
- Bundle up the family and find the perfect spot to view the Olympia Yacht Club Parade of Lighted Ships. Boats leave OYC at 6:00 pm on December 5 to proceed up the length of Budd Bay and back.
- Hear the roar of thousands of motorcycles as they tour through town gathering toys and funds at the Olympia Toy Run on Saturday, December 5.
- Tour some of the area’s most impressive historic homes at the Holiday Historic Home Tour on December 6 from noon – 4:00 p.m. Details can be found here.
- Taste the Holiday Spirit at Bayview Thriftway during their fun, family event on December 12.
- Tour the Governor’s Mansion. Twice daily tours held December 2,9,16 and 23. Details found here. Call for reservations.
- Dance in the (REAL!) snow at the Hands On Children’s Museum. White Pass Ski Resort will be bringing snow by the truckload to HOCM on December 19 and 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Cut your own Christmas Tree. There are u-cut farms throughout the county where you’ll find the perfect one.
