LoveOly Jinglebell Parade Returns to Downtown Olympia

After a seven-year absence, the beloved LoveOly Jinglebell Parade is returning to Downtown Olympia on Sunday, November 29, 2026, as part of Downtown for the Holidays, a month-long celebration of the holiday season.

For years, the Jinglebell Parade helped usher in the holidays in Olympia, bringing neighbors, families and friends together for an afternoon of music, lights, creativity, and hometown magic. The Olympia Downtown Alliance is proud to bring the tradition back with a renewed focus on creating a joyful, vibrant and inclusive celebration that reflects the creativity and heart of the Olympia community. The 2026 parade invites local businesses, schools, nonprofits, community organizations, families, performers and civic groups to join in. Community members can participate in a multitude of ways to help make the day special.

“Whether you’re marching in the parade with your organization, decorating a vehicle for participation or cheering from the sidelines, the LoveOly Jinglebell Parade brings our community together in a meaningful way,” says Desiree Freeland, Executive Director of the Olympia Downtown Alliance. “It’s an opportunity for friends and neighbors to connect across generations, celebrate local traditions and build the relationships that make downtown Olympia the heart of our community.”

More than 1,000 residents and visitors are expected to take part, creating shared holiday moments that become cherished memories for generations. The parade will showcase the people and organizations that make Olympia unique while bringing energy, connection and holiday spirit to downtown.

Interested parade participants are encouraged to apply by November 9, 2026, and to share the opportunity with local schools, nonprofits, businesses, families and community and recreation groups.

2026 LoveOly Holiday Events at a Glance:

The Jinglebell Parade is part of a full day of holiday festivities kicking off Downtown for the Holidays on November 29:

• LoveOly Winterfest

10 am – 4 pm | 5th Avenue & Washington Street

A festive, holiday l kickoff featuring a local artisan market, free kids’ activities, live local entertainment and free hot cocoa and coffee while supplies last.

• LoveOly Jinglebell Parade

2 pm – 3 pm | Cherry Street to Sylvester Park, Downtown Olympia

Register at: http://tinyurl.com/jinglebellparade2026

Community groups, businesses, families, performers, and organizations are invited to join the parade. Participant applications are due November 9, 2026.

• Sylvester Park Tree Lighting Ceremony

4:30 pm | Sylvester Park

Cap off the day by gathering with friends and neighbors to count down to the lighting of the magnificent holiday tree, made possible through the support of the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services.

This holiday season, our community’s traditions are taking center stage, with lights shining bright, music filling the streets and neighbors coming together in the heart of Olympia.