A PNW Holiday Escape Manual

Travel this time of year typically equates to traffic, lines and trips to family gatherings. Flip the script on holiday madness as we present a Pacific Northwest destination with small town charm, community celebrations and one-of-a-kind finds in local shops.  Read on for detailed events and happenings to plan your escape to Olympia.

Flip the script on holiday travel, crowds and lines for a festive community celebration.

Over in Washington’s capital city region of Olympia, it’s all about hand-crafting the season of cheer with events and happenings that support locally-owned businesses and artisans and finding magic in small town traditions. New this season, Oly on Ice becomes the region’s first ice skating rink. Located in the heart of downtown, the new rink will host a variety of themed events including the Nutcracker on Ice on November 29, Harry Potter inspired “Wizards on Ice,” and Fairy Tale Night on December 27. Also new and of note, the Washington Center for the Performing Arts hosts a “Greatest Showman Singalong.”

These festive new happenings join sparkling holiday celebrations, community tree lightings and a “Noon Year’s Eve” for the littles. . Check into a cozy hotel or bed and breakfast, find one-of-kind- gifts from a variety of shops, fuel the festivities with artisan coffee, craft beer, wine and spirits and locally inspired eats and then select your favorites from this curated list of holiday events. Holiday plans made.