Downtown Olympia's LoveOly Jinglebell Parade is coming back on Sunday, Nov. 29, after a seven-year absence. Community groups have until Monday, Nov. 9, to apply to march.
The Olympia Downtown Alliance announced the revival as the centerpiece of Downtown for the Holidays, a month-long celebration launching that day.
More than 1,000 residents and visitors are expected to take part, with the parade running from Cherry Street to Sylvester Park between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
The parade has been on hiatus for seven years, according to the alliance. Before that, it helped kick off the holiday season with music, lights and costumed walkers filling downtown streets.
Executive director Desiree Freeland said the parade brings the community together "in a meaningful way" and called it an opportunity for neighbors to connect across generations. Freeland, who joined the alliance in 2021 and later succeeded Todd Cutts as executive director, is overseeing the parade's return.
How to participate
Local businesses, schools, nonprofits, families, performers and civic organizations can apply to march or enter a decorated vehicle. Applications are due Monday, Nov. 9, at tinyurl.com/jinglebellparade2026.
Full day of events on Nov. 29
The parade anchors a daylong slate of activities downtown:
- LoveOly Winterfest, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at 5th Avenue and Washington Street. A local artisan market, free kids' activities, live entertainment and free hot cocoa and coffee while supplies last.
- LoveOly Jinglebell Parade, 2–3 p.m. from Cherry Street to Sylvester Park.
- Sylvester Park Tree Lighting Ceremony, 4:30 p.m. at Sylvester Park, with support from the state Department of Enterprise Services.
The Nov. 29 kickoff falls on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, consistent with the alliance's traditional Winterfest timing. It's free to watch.
Groups that want a spot in the parade can apply at tinyurl.com/jinglebellparade2026 before the Monday, Nov. 9, deadline.
