Christmas Events for Kids in Olympia (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

15 min read

The Olympia area has 15 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Clara's Nutcracker Party in Olympia on November 27 to Creativity Corner: Home Sweet Holiday Home in Lacey, which runs through December 31. 7 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Washington, part of our guide for every state.

The short version

  • 15 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Olympia for 2026, in Olympia, Lacey and Yelm
  • First: Clara's Nutcracker Party, Olympia, November 27. Runs latest: Creativity Corner: Home Sweet Holiday Home, Lacey, through December 31
  • Free: LoveOly Jinglebell Parade, LoveOly WinterFest, Lacey Holiday Lights, Christmas in the Park Tree Lighting Ceremony, Creativity Corner: Home Sweet Holiday Home, Science Storytime and Yelm Hot Cocoa Trail
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Washington Christmas train rides page.

Olympia Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
15 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Olympia, Lacey and Yelm
Season
November 27 to December 31, 2026
Free events
7
Kinds of events
holiday show, holiday parade, holiday story time and tree lighting
Last checked

Plan your December

When each Olympia Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Clara's Nutcracker Party in Olympia on November 27; the last runs to December 31. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Olympia? Bring Rally home.

Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Christmas events for kids in Olympia

8 confirmed events for kids in Olympia, soonest first.

Olympia: Clara's Nutcracker Party

Holiday story timeStudio West Dance Theatre · Olympia

Host
Studio West Dance Theatre (opens in a new tab)
Where
Washington Center for the Performing Arts, Lobby, 512 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501
When
Fri November 27 (1 to 3 pm), Sat November 28 (1 to 3 pm) and Sun November 29 (noon to 2 pm), 2026
Cost
$25 per child, chaperoning adults free
Ages
Ages 3 and up
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Clara's Nutcracker Party happens in the Washington Center lobby, beginning an hour ahead of every Studio West Dance Theatre matinee. Guests aged 3 and up make a seasonal keepsake, listen to The Nutcracker story being read, greet ballet characters for pictures, and enjoy holiday snacks.

Party tickets cost $25. Adults who bring their children along can attend without a ticket, and seats for the Nutcracker performance itself are sold on their own. Parties precede the Friday, November 27 and Saturday, November 28 matinees (1 pm) and the Sunday, November 29 matinee (noon). The lobby is at 512 Washington Street SE in downtown Olympia. Under the chaperone policy, the grown-up accompanying a child gets in without paying. Families wanting to watch the ballet need to buy a performance ticket too.

Parent tip: A party ticket covers the party only; to see the ballet too, purchase a separate performance ticket.

See dates and details from Studio West Dance Theatre (opens in a new tab)

Olympia: Studio West Dance Theatre Presents The Nutcracker

Holiday showStudio West Dance Theatre · Olympia

Host
Studio West Dance Theatre (opens in a new tab)
Where
Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501
When
Fri November 27 (2 to 9 pm), Sat November 28 (2 to 9 pm) and Sun November 29 (1 to 8 pm), 2026
Cost
Adult $37.50 to $48, student from $33.40
Ages
Family show
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Studio West Dance Theatre presents its Nutcracker over Thanksgiving weekend on the main stage of the Washington Center. The company describes professional sets, exquisite costumes and a journey to the Sugar Plum Kingdom that blends traditional ballet with moments to entertain the whole family.

Performances are at 2 pm and 7 pm on Friday, November 27, 2 pm and 7 pm on Saturday, November 28, and 1 pm and 6 pm on Sunday, November 29. Adult tickets range from about $37.50 to $48, and student tickets start around $33.40. Children 3 and up can add Clara's Nutcracker Party before the matinees. The Washington Center is at 512 Washington Street SE in downtown Olympia. The production is a full-length ballet that blends traditional ballet with family-friendly moments, so it suits school-age children best, though many younger children attend. Check the Washington Center box office page for the full range of ticket prices before you buy.

Parent tip: Pair a matinee with Clara's Nutcracker Party for ages 3 and up.

See dates and details from Studio West Dance Theatre (opens in a new tab)

Olympia: LoveOly Jinglebell Parade

Holiday paradeFreeOlympia Downtown Alliance (LoveOly) · Olympia

Host
Olympia Downtown Alliance (LoveOly) (opens in a new tab)
Where
Legion Way, Downtown Olympia, Legion Way, Olympia, WA 98501
When
Sunday, November 29, 2026, 2 to 3 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

After being away for seven years, the LoveOly Jinglebell Parade is back in Downtown Olympia, Sunday, November 29, 2026, as one piece of Downtown for the Holidays, and the Olympia Downtown Alliance promises an afternoon full of tunes, lights, imagination and local pride.

Viewing is from 2 to 3 pm along Legion Way as the parade moves west from Cherry Street to Sylvester Park. Area businesses, schools, nonprofits and families received invitations to join, with sign-up for participants closing November 9. Watching costs nothing. The parade belongs to Downtown for the Holidays, a celebration lasting all month in Downtown Olympia. Legion Way sits close to Sylvester Park and the Capitol Theater, which means cafes and shops are close by when you need to warm up. The Olympia Downtown Alliance wants the parade to feel cheerful, lively and welcoming to all ages.

Parent tip: Pack a blanket or a low chair, and plan for closed streets near Legion Way.

See dates and details from Olympia Downtown Alliance (LoveOly) (opens in a new tab)

Olympia: LoveOly WinterFest

Holiday paradeFreeLoveOly (Olympia Downtown Alliance) · Olympia

Host
LoveOly (Olympia Downtown Alliance) (opens in a new tab)
Where
Downtown Olympia, 5th Avenue and Washington Street, Washington St SE & 5th Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501
When
Sunday, November 29, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Family-friendly
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

LoveOly WinterFest opens the holiday season in downtown Olympia, centered at the corner of 5th Avenue and Washington Street. The day brings a local artisan market, free holiday crafts for kids, live entertainment and seasonal treats. Thanks to sponsors, WinterFest activities are free and open to the community. It is part of LoveOly's Downtown for the Holidays celebration.

In the afternoon the LoveOly Jinglebell Parade travels from Cherry Street to Sylvester Park from 2 to 3 pm, and the Sylvester Park Tree Lighting follows at 4:30 pm in partnership with the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services. Families with kids of any age can come for a craft and some shopping earlier in the day, then find a spot along the parade route and stay for the tree lighting as it gets dark. Much of the day is outdoors, so dress for the weather.

Parent tip: Festival activities run 10 am to 4 pm; stake out a parade spot before 2 pm and stay for the 4:30 pm tree lighting at Sylvester Park.

See dates and details from LoveOly (Olympia Downtown Alliance) (opens in a new tab)

Olympia: Olympia Symphony Presents: The Snowman

Holiday showOlympia Symphony Orchestra · Olympia

Host
Olympia Symphony Orchestra (opens in a new tab)
Where
Olympia Film Society: Capitol Theater, 206 5th Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501
When
Sunday, December 6, 2026, 3 to 4 pm
Cost
Ticketed, see Olympia Symphony
Ages
Family holiday concert
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Olympia Symphony returns to the Capitol Theater for The Snowman, the animated film shown with live orchestra. The story follows a boy who builds a snowman that comes to life, and the program includes Howard Blake's Walking in the Air and John Williams' Somewhere in My Memory from Home Alone.

It runs Sunday, December 6, 2026, at 3 pm and is billed as a family holiday concert. The symphony says children are welcome at its concerts, and suggests bringing a child who can sit through a movie and choosing a seat near the aisle. Local cellist Alex Chen also performs. The Capitol Theater is at 206 5th Avenue SE in downtown Olympia. The program mixes the film with orchestral favorites, so it also suits older children and adults who know the music. Because it is a seated, ticketed concert, check the Olympia Symphony site for prices and seating options before you go.

Parent tip: Sit near an aisle in case a little one needs a break. Buy tickets through the Olympia Symphony.

See dates and details from Olympia Symphony Orchestra (opens in a new tab)

Olympia: Holiday Shoppers Delight

Holiday paradeOlympia Farmers Market · Olympia

Host
Olympia Farmers Market (opens in a new tab)
Where
Olympia Farmers Market, 700 Capitol Way N, Olympia, WA 98501 (near Tacoma)
When
Fri December 18, Sat December 19 and Sun December 20, 2026
Cost
Admission not listed on the page
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Olympia Farmers Market opens for three special days in a row, Friday, December 18 through Sunday, December 20, as part of its holiday season. The market's 2026 events page lists warm beverages, live entertainment, visits from Santa, vendor specials and the Annual Gnome Parade.

The market says specific times and details had not yet been set when the page was read, so it is worth checking the page and the market's social accounts closer to the date. The market is at 700 Capitol Way N, at the waterfront end of downtown Olympia. Olympia is about an hour south of Seattle and about 30 miles from Tacoma.

Parent tip: Daily hours were not posted, so confirm times before driving. Dress for rain.

See dates and details from Olympia Farmers Market (opens in a new tab)

Olympia: Science Storytime

Holiday story timeFreeWET Science Center · Olympia

Host
WET Science Center (opens in a new tab)
Where
WET Science Center, 500 Adams St NE, Olympia, WA 98501
When
Saturday, December 19, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Families
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The WET Science Center devotes a Saturday to science and stories. Kids take home a free book from the South Sound Reading Foundation and learn how to make their own simple book, along with other activities the center describes as much more.

It runs Saturday, December 19, 2026, from 10 am to 4 pm and admission is free. The center is at 500 Adams Street NE in downtown Olympia. It is a quiet, hands-on stop for families during the busy holiday stretch, and the center is closed December 25 and 26. Families can walk in during the day and join the activities at their own pace. The WET Science Center is a small, hands-on science center, so younger children can try activities that fit their age. The center is at 500 Adams Street NE, and its phone number is 360-664-2333 if you want to confirm details.

Parent tip: Drop in any time between 10 am and 4 pm.

See dates and details from WET Science Center (opens in a new tab)

Olympia: A Magical Cirque Christmas

Holiday showWashington Center for the Performing Arts · Olympia

Host
Washington Center for the Performing Arts (opens in a new tab)
Where
Washington Center Main Stage, 512 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501
When
Sun December 27 (3:30 to 5 pm) and Mon December 28 (7:30 to 9 pm), 2026
Cost
$58 to $125
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

A Magical Cirque Christmas brings world-class performers to the Washington Center main stage with gravity-defying acrobatics and displays of strength and agility, set to festive holiday charm. The show has toured for more than five holiday seasons and is billed as a joyful way for audiences of all ages to celebrate together.

Two performances are scheduled: Sunday, December 27, 2026, from 3:30 to 5 pm, and Monday, December 28 from 7:30 to 9 pm. Prices run from $58 to $125 and include service fees. The Washington Center lists the show as recommended for all ages. The Washington Center is at 512 Washington Street SE in downtown Olympia. The show falls in the quieter week after Christmas, so it is a good option when family is in town and school is out. Buy tickets through the Washington Center box office, and check the event page for any updates.

Parent tip: Choose the Sunday matinee for younger children. Prices include service fees.

See dates and details from Washington Center for the Performing Arts (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Lacey

5 confirmed events for kids in Lacey, soonest first.

Lacey: Lacey Holiday Lights

Tree lightingFreeCity of Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation · Lacey

Host
City of Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Where
Huntamer Park, 618 Woodland Square Loop SE, Lacey, WA 98503 (near Olympia)
When
Monday, November 30, 2026
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Lacey Holiday Lights is a no-cost party for the community at Huntamer Park. Families will find vehicles covered in lights, booths with activities, food sellers, a petting zoo with a holiday theme and time with Santa.

The main moment is the 5:30 pm lighting ceremony, when someone flips the Candy Cane Switch and the entire park glows. The tourism board gives Monday, November 30, 2026 as the date, but its time field looks garbled, so consult the City of Lacey Parks, Culture and Recreation page to confirm the schedule before leaving. The address is 618 Woodland Square Loop SE in Lacey, and the city lists the event as free for the whole community. Expect lights, snacks and activity booths, and children may want to stand near the front for the candy cane switch.

Parent tip: Bundle up for the cold evening and confirm the start time through the City of Lacey ahead of your trip.

See dates and details from City of Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation (opens in a new tab)

Lacey: Creativity Corner: Home Sweet Holiday Home

Holiday craftsFreeLacey Museum and Cultural Center (City of Lacey) · Lacey

Host
Lacey Museum and Cultural Center (City of Lacey) (opens in a new tab)
Where
Lacey Museum and Cultural Center, Lacey, WA (near Olympia)
When
Thursday, December 3, 2026 to Thursday, December 31, 2026 (Thursdays and Fridays 11 am to 3 pm; Saturdays 10 am to 4 pm)
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Lacey Museum and Cultural Center runs a monthly Creativity Corner, and for December 2026 the project is Home Sweet Holiday Home. Visitors decorate their own gingerbread-style holiday house, and there is an optional photo to remember it by. The craft is free and open to all ages.

Creativity Corner is available during museum hours on Thursdays and Fridays from 11 am to 3 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm, from December 3 through December 31. It works well as a low-key stop for families with small children who want a quick holiday craft without a ticket or a set start time, and it pairs easily with a look around the museum. The listing does not mention registration, so plan on simply dropping in during open hours.

Parent tip: Drop in during museum hours (Thu and Fri 11 am to 3 pm, Sat 10 am to 4 pm); the craft is free and indoors.

See dates and details from Lacey Museum and Cultural Center (City of Lacey) (opens in a new tab)

Lacey: Signing Santa 2026

Santa visitSigning Santa organization and City of Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation · Lacey

Host
Signing Santa organization and City of Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Where
Chambers Prairie Elementary, Virginia Street SE, Lacey, WA (near Olympia)
When
Friday, December 4, 2026, 6:30 to 8 pm
Cost
Check the host's page
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Signing Santa is a community holiday evening presented by the Signing Santa organization together with Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation. It brings together children who are deaf or hard of hearing along with their families, friends and the wider community. The event is a chance for kids to share the spirit of giving, make new friends and help raise awareness of the Deaf community.

The evening is held at Chambers Prairie Elementary in Lacey. It is a welcoming choice for families with deaf or hard of hearing children who want a Santa visit in their own language, and for any family interested in supporting the Deaf community during the holidays. The city's event page does not list a price, age range or registration requirement, so check with Lacey Parks or the Signing Santa organization if you have questions before you go.

See dates and details from Signing Santa organization and City of Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation (opens in a new tab)

Lacey: Cookies with Mrs. Claus

Story time with Mrs. ClausCity of Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation · Lacey

Host
City of Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Where
Jacob Smith House, Intelco Loop SE, Lacey, WA (near Olympia)
When
Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 5:30 to 8 pm
Cost
Registration required; price not listed
Ages
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Mrs. Claus spends the evening at the Jacob Smith House in Lacey, decorating cookies alongside children and sharing stories about Santa and Christmas. Each child gets a plate of cookies to decorate, and they can eat them on the spot or carry them home. Kids also have the chance to pose for a selfie with Mrs. Claus and ask her their questions about Santa and life at the North Pole.

This is a cozy, hands-on outing that suits younger children who enjoy a craft and a chance to talk with a storybook character. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The City of Lacey requires pre-registration through its online recreation catalog, so plan ahead rather than showing up at the door. The city's page does not list a price, so check the registration site for current fees and time slots.

Parent tip: Pre-registration is required through the Lacey Parks online catalog, and an adult must stay with each child.

See dates and details from City of Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation (opens in a new tab)

Lacey: Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast with SantaCity of Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation · Lacey

Host
City of Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Where
Lacey Community Center, Lacey, WA (near Olympia)
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9 to 10:30 am
Cost
Pre-registration required; price not listed
Ages
Kid-friendly; children must be accompanied by a registered adult
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Lacey Parks turns the Lacey Community Center into a visit to the North Pole for a morning of breakfast with Santa. The buffet includes kid-friendly items such as yogurt, muffins, fruit, cereal, juice, hot cocoa and coffee. Crafts and games run throughout the morning, along with a few Christmas surprises, and each family receives a free commemorative digital photo with Santa. Additional photos and poses can be purchased at the event.

This breakfast sells out every year and space is limited. Pre-registration is required and there is no onsite registration, so families should sign up early through the city's registration link. Children must be accompanied and supervised by a registered adult. If your little one needs a high chair, bring your own, since the city asks families to supply them.

Parent tip: Register early since it sells out every year and there is no onsite registration; bring your own high chair if needed.

See dates and details from City of Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Yelm

2 confirmed events for kids in Yelm, soonest first.

Yelm: Christmas in the Park Tree Lighting Ceremony

Tree lightingFreeCity of Yelm Parks and Recreation · Yelm

Host
City of Yelm Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Where
Yelm City Park, 301 2nd St SE, Yelm, WA 98597 (near Olympia)
When
Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 5 to 6 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Yelm holds its yearly tree lighting at Yelm City Park, Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 5 pm. Families greet this year's Masters of Merriment, who turn on the park's lights and open the holiday season.

Guests can pen a favorite memory from 2026 on an ornament, then add it to the Community Christmas Tree. Anyone may attend at no cost, and the city welcomes families, friends and neighbors to join in. The park's address is 301 2nd Street SE; Yelm is a small city southeast of Olympia. The ceremony takes only about an hour, so it slots in easily before supper on a weeknight. Kids can join in by writing their own memory ornament.

Parent tip: Bring an extra layer, and let your kids write their ornament memory at the tree.

See dates and details from City of Yelm Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)

Yelm: Yelm Hot Cocoa Trail

Holiday craftsFreeCity of Yelm Parks and Recreation · Yelm

Host
City of Yelm Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Where
Yelm City Park, 301 2nd St SE, Yelm, WA 98597 (near Olympia)
When
Saturday, December 19, 2026, 4 to 6 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The City of Yelm Recreation team turns Yelm City Park into a cocoa trail. Families walk through the park and stop at each festive station to collect marshmallows, cocoa mix, toppings and more, then take everything home to make their own hot cocoa.

The free event runs Saturday, December 19, 2026, from 4 to 6 pm. The listing marks some of the goodies with an asterisk, so expect that items may be limited. It is a simple, short stroll that works for young children and fits easily into a weekend before Christmas. Yelm City Park is at 301 2nd Street SE in Yelm, southeast of Olympia. The city invites families to spread winter wonder together, and the stations make it easy for small children to take part at their own pace. It is a short, two hour window, so plan to arrive early if you want to collect every item.

Parent tip: Dress for the weather since the trail is outdoors, and bring a bag for the goodies.

See dates and details from City of Yelm Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)

Looking further afield? Our Washington Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma and Vancouver, WA. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Olympia Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in Olympia in 2026?

We confirmed 15 Christmas events for kids in Olympia for 2026 on each host’s own page: Clara's Nutcracker Party in Olympia (November 27), Studio West Dance Theatre Presents The Nutcracker in Olympia (November 27), LoveOly Jinglebell Parade in Olympia (November 29), LoveOly WinterFest in Olympia (November 29), Lacey Holiday Lights in Lacey (November 30), Christmas in the Park Tree Lighting Ceremony in Yelm (December 1), Creativity Corner: Home Sweet Holiday Home in Lacey (December 3), Signing Santa 2026 in Lacey (December 4), Olympia Symphony Presents: The Snowman in Olympia (December 6), Cookies with Mrs. Claus in Lacey (December 9), Breakfast with Santa in Lacey (December 12), Holiday Shoppers Delight in Olympia (December 18), Science Storytime in Olympia (December 19), Yelm Hot Cocoa Trail in Yelm (December 19) and A Magical Cirque Christmas in Olympia (December 27). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in Olympia, Washington?

For families in and around Olympia, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Clara's Nutcracker Party (Nov 27 and 28 at 1 pm, Nov 29 at noon, $25 per child, chaperoning adults free); Studio West Dance Theatre Presents The Nutcracker (Thanksgiving weekend, Nov 27 to 29, matinees and evenings, adult $37.50 to $48, student from $33.40); LoveOly Jinglebell Parade (Sun, Nov 29, 2 to 3 pm, free); LoveOly WinterFest (Sun, Nov 29, 10 am to 4 pm; parade 2 pm, tree lighting 4:30 pm, free); Olympia Symphony Presents: The Snowman (Sun, Dec 6, 3 pm, ticketed, see olympia symphony); Holiday Shoppers Delight (Fri, Dec 18 to Sun, Dec 20, admission not listed on the page); Science Storytime (Sat, Dec 19, 10 am to 4 pm, free); A Magical Cirque Christmas (Sun, Dec 27, 3:30 pm; Mon, Dec 28, 7:30 pm, $58 to $125). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Olympia section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Lacey, Washington?

For families in and around Lacey, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Lacey Holiday Lights (Mon, Nov 30, evening, lighting ceremony at 5:30 pm, free); Creativity Corner: Home Sweet Holiday Home (Thursdays to Saturdays, Dec 3 to 31, free); Signing Santa 2026 (Fri, Dec 4, 6:30 to 8 pm, see the host for cost); Cookies with Mrs. Claus (Wed, Dec 9, 5:30 to 8 pm, registration required; price not listed); Breakfast with Santa (Sat, Dec 12, 9 to 10:30 am, pre-registration required; price not listed). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Lacey section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Yelm, Washington?

For families in and around Yelm, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Christmas in the Park Tree Lighting Ceremony (Tue, Dec 1, 5 to 6 pm, free); Yelm Hot Cocoa Trail (Sat, Dec 19, 4 to 6 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Yelm section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Olympia?

Yes. 7 of the 15 events here are free: LoveOly Jinglebell Parade in Olympia, LoveOly WinterFest in Olympia, Lacey Holiday Lights in Lacey, Christmas in the Park Tree Lighting Ceremony in Yelm, Creativity Corner: Home Sweet Holiday Home in Lacey, Science Storytime in Olympia and Yelm Hot Cocoa Trail in Yelm. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa in Olympia this December?

Santa appears at Lacey Holiday Lights in Lacey (November 30), Signing Santa 2026 in Lacey (December 4), Breakfast with Santa in Lacey (December 12) and Holiday Shoppers Delight in Olympia (December 18). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Olympia?

Holiday story times on this page: Clara's Nutcracker Party in Olympia, Cookies with Mrs. Claus in Lacey and Science Storytime in Olympia. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.

Where can we have breakfast or a meal with Santa in Olympia?

Meals with Santa confirmed for 2026: Breakfast with Santa in Lacey (Sat, Dec 12, 9 to 10:30 am). These usually sell out, so book as soon as you pick a date.

Are there kids' Christmas events in Olympia on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes: Creativity Corner: Home Sweet Holiday Home in Lacey (through December 31) and A Magical Cirque Christmas in Olympia (through December 28).

How much is Clara's Nutcracker Party in Olympia?

$25 per child, chaperoning adults free. Clara's Nutcracker Party is on Fri November 27 (1 to 3 pm), Sat November 28 (1 to 3 pm) and Sun November 29 (noon to 2 pm), 2026 at Washington Center for the Performing Arts, Lobby. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Studio West Dance Theatre Presents The Nutcracker in Olympia?

Adult $37.50 to $48, student from $33.40. Studio West Dance Theatre Presents The Nutcracker is on Fri November 27 (2 to 9 pm), Sat November 28 (2 to 9 pm) and Sun November 29 (1 to 8 pm), 2026 at Washington Center for the Performing Arts. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is LoveOly Jinglebell Parade in Olympia?

Free. LoveOly Jinglebell Parade is on Sunday, November 29, 2026, 2 to 3 pm at Legion Way, Downtown Olympia. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is LoveOly WinterFest in Olympia?

Free. LoveOly WinterFest is on Sunday, November 29, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm at Downtown Olympia, 5th Avenue and Washington Street. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Lacey Holiday Lights in Lacey?

Free. Lacey Holiday Lights is on Monday, November 30, 2026 at Huntamer Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Christmas in the Park Tree Lighting Ceremony in Yelm?

Free. Christmas in the Park Tree Lighting Ceremony is on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 5 to 6 pm at Yelm City Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Creativity Corner: Home Sweet Holiday Home in Lacey?

Free. Creativity Corner: Home Sweet Holiday Home is on Thursday, December 3, 2026 to Thursday, December 31, 2026 (Thursdays and Fridays 11 am to 3 pm; Saturdays 10 am to 4 pm) at Lacey Museum and Cultural Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

When is Signing Santa 2026 in Lacey in 2026?

Friday, December 4, 2026, 6:30 to 8 pm, at Chambers Prairie Elementary. The host has not posted a price on its page, so check there before you go.

How much is Olympia Symphony Presents: The Snowman in Olympia?

Ticketed, see Olympia Symphony. Olympia Symphony Presents: The Snowman is on Sunday, December 6, 2026, 3 to 4 pm at Olympia Film Society: Capitol Theater. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Cookies with Mrs. Claus in Lacey?

Registration required; price not listed. Cookies with Mrs. Claus is on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 5:30 to 8 pm at Jacob Smith House. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Breakfast with Santa in Lacey?

Pre-registration required; price not listed. Breakfast with Santa is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9 to 10:30 am at Lacey Community Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Shoppers Delight in Olympia?

Admission not listed on the page. Holiday Shoppers Delight is on Fri December 18, Sat December 19 and Sun December 20, 2026 at Olympia Farmers Market. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Science Storytime in Olympia?

Free. Science Storytime is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm at WET Science Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Yelm Hot Cocoa Trail in Yelm?

Free. Yelm Hot Cocoa Trail is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 4 to 6 pm at Yelm City Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is A Magical Cirque Christmas in Olympia?

$58 to $125. A Magical Cirque Christmas is on Sun December 27 (3:30 to 5 pm) and Mon December 28 (7:30 to 9 pm), 2026 at Washington Center Main Stage. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Olympia?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Olympia Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Kelsey Cecil
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