As usual, we seemed to have skipped fall and went from warm summer days to freezing winter nights in a blink of an eye. While you may already be mourning all your summer activities, there are plenty of fun things to do in Olympia when the weather is cold. From seasonal ice skating to watching movies in comfort, there are plenty of winter activities for everyone to enjoy. Check out this list of things to do in Olympia and throughout Thurston County in the winter.
Do the Turkey Trot
Nothing like a little run to make room for all that Turkey, and to motivate you to still get outside even if the weather outside is frightful. The Less Turkey, More Trot is the perfect thing to do in Olympia Thanksgiving week. Head to Margaret McKenny Trailhead in the Capitol Forest for a 12k, 24k or 35k fun run the week of Thanksgiving, November 19-27! Awards will be given for best race photos, youngest runners, hidden Strava segment winner, random raffles and more. And proceeds go to the Thurston County Food Bank, so it’s a win for all! You can register at the Oly Trail Runners website.
Sledding
When the weather gets really cold and that snow starts falling, it’s time to sled! Local parks that can be great for sledding in Olympia include Bigelow and Yauger parks. Head to Jim Brown Park for sledding in Tumwater. And if you want a bit of a drive, Hyak Sno-Park along 1-90 and the Summit Tubing Center in Snoqualmie Pass are great options too.
Go to the Movies in Yelm
201 Prairie Park Lane SE, Yelm
If you want to get out of the rain and enjoy a comfy recliner, unlimited popcorn made with real butter and coconut oil, the latest blockbusters and favorite classics, head to the Yelm Cinemas! You can reserve your seat online and have it waiting for you when you get there.
Shop Indoors
‘Tis the season for shopping and its nice when you get out of the weather to do so! Head to the Capital Mall in Olympia, where you don’t have to break out the umbrella in between stores! They have some lovely, locally-owned small businesses as well as the big box stores to check off everyone on your list. And don’t forget a holiday drink at Northwest Grind, the perfect way to keep warm on a chilly winter day.
Watch ‘A Christmas Carol’ Performed Live
Dickens’ classic, “A Christmas Carol,” is being brought to life by Harlequin Productions and is the perfect winter activity in Olympia. With special ghostly effects, this retelling is an adaption by Harlequin Productions own Artistic Director Aaron Lamb. You will definitely be filled with the Christmas spirit when the curtain falls. They are doing performances on November 23, 25, 26 and 27 and December 1-4, 8-11, 15-18, and 21-24. Get your tickets on the Harlequin Productions website.
Ice Skating in Olympia
529 4th Avenue W, Olympia
Nothing says winter better than ice skating! Thanks to Oly on Ice, community members and visitors alike can enjoy this favorite winter activity in Olympia at Isthmus Park. There is free public parking during operating hours in the parking lot between the rink and Views on 5th. Be sure to check their calendar as they have a lot of fun things planned including live music and other special days. Rental skates are available.
Hit the Holiday Bazaars
Looking for unique gifts that everyone will love? Head to the many holiday markets and craft bazaars in Olympia and throughout Thurston County. Artists, crafters, makers and bakers have worked hard to share their hand-crafted items for you to give to everyone one your list. And you’ll feel good knowing your supporting a local family in the process.
Go See ‘The Nutcracker’ Ballet
Each year, Ballet Northwest treats us all to the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts December 9-18. While the story may always be the same – Nutcracker Prince saves Clara from the Mouse King – the reimagining each year makes it spectacular. In 2022, guest artist Sanford Palcide is joining the cast of over 200+ local dancers. Tickets are available for purchase now on the Washington Center for the Performing Arts website or by calling the box office at 360.753.8586.
