There’s No Place Like My Hometown of Olympia for the Holidays

Though I acknowledge that I'm absolutely biased, I don't think there's a better town in Washington to spend the holidays than our capital, Olympia. With its diverting shops, vibrant culture, and family-friendly events, it's a great place to plug into the spirit of the season. However far I travel from home, my heart is always in my hometown for the holidays.

Tucked at the base of Budd Inlet, Olympia is a rare mix of natural beauty, history, and thriving culture. With its diverse population of state workers, it's known for being slightly more direct than its neighboring cities to the north. While it still reflects the Pacific Northwest spirit at large, it isn't a place with an infamous "freeze." In my experience, Olympians are a fairly upfront group of people. Quelle surprise, this comfortability creates a tight-knit atmosphere. I'd credit this strong social fabric for Olympia's numerous community events.

A fantastic example is Twinklefest, an annual town-wide competition where downtown businesses square up against one another to put on the most dazzling light show. The resulting displays illuminate blocks of historic buildings, animating our dark Washington evenings with the holiday spirit. Starting December 1st of this year, Olympia is also hosting the LoveOly Winterfest. This delightful celebration runs until the 24th and features live music, visits with Santa, artisan markets, and hot chocolate stations!

Since I was a toddler, I can also remember visiting the Washington Center for its annual performance of The Nutcracker. Organized by Ballet Northwest, Olympia's iteration demonstrates the breadth of the community's talent. More recently, Oly on Ice has taken up residence at the pier. Whether you're bringing your family or a date, this local rink is the place to be. What's more, because it's seasonal, it positively glitters with seasonal fun.

All this is to say nothing of Olympia's downtown stores. From vintage treasures to locally-made keepsakes, you can find all your holiday gifts in our state capital. Now, granted, your shopping list reflects the people listed on it, but for friends, partners, and family members who appreciate something truly special, it's hard to beat the items you can find in Olympia's shops. I'd recommend my hometown most highly to those seeking second-hand presents, books, records, music-themed gifts, jewelry, and art. From experience, I can say it's exceptional for your White Elephant trinkets as well.

If you're looking for a Washington town to spend the holidays, I recommend our capital, Olympia. This quirky community isn't just our seat of government, it's home to a variety of unique stores and a thriving cultural scene. With its delightful community events, it's hard to imagine anywhere I'd rather spend the holiday season.