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When you’re putting the finishing touches on a special meal and realize you’re missing a key ingredient, frustration — even panic —can bubble up.

However, you don’t need to fret.

Many grocery stores in the Olympia area will be open on Wednesday, Dec. 24, for Christmas Eve in 2025, while some supermarkets will observe special holiday hours on Christmas Day — Thursday, Dec. 25.

The Olympian has put together a guide to holiday hours at local supermarkets and other popular retailers in case you need to make a last-minute dash to the store.

Hours may vary by location, so make sure to check with your local store before you head out.

When are Olympia grocery stores open on Christmas Eve?

Grocery stores across the Olympia area will be open on Christmas Eve, although several will be closing early ahead of the Christmas holiday.

Here’s when local supermarkets will be open on Wednesday, Dec. 24, according to their websites or employees:

Will Costco be open for Christmas in Olympia? Target?

Hoping to make a last-minute trip to Target, Walmart or Costco?

The stores will open for shoppers in the Olympia area on Wednesday, Christmas Eve.

Here are store hours for Christmas Eve:

However, all three retailers will be closed on Thursday for Christmas Day.

Which local grocery stores are open on Christmas Day?

If you find yourself in need of groceries on Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25, you have choices.

A few Olympia grocery stores will be operating with reduced hours.

Here’s when the following supermarkets will be open to shoppers on Thursday:

Which supermarkets are closing for Christmas in Olympia?

The following grocery stores are closing on Thursday for Christmas Day:

Are local pharmacies open on Christmas?

Arow Pharmacy in Olympia will close at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24, for Christmas Eve.

The drugstore will also be closed on Thursday, Dec. 25, for Christmas Day.

in Olympia will be open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Christmas Day. However, the pharmacy will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday for Christmas Eve, and it will be closed all day on Thursday for Christmas Day.

Pharmacies at Albertsons and Safeway will be closed on Thursday for Christmas.

What’s closed in Olympia on Christmas?

Government offices and most banks will be closed in Olympia on Thursday, Dec. 25, for Christmas Day, including:

Public libraries will also be closed in the Olympia area on Wednesday, Dec. 24, for Christmas Eve.

If you or someone you know plans to give birth in the Olympia area, here’s some good news.

An Olympia hospital has been named for maternity care.

The hospital was among 495 medical care facilities across the country — including eight in Washington state — to earn U.S. News & World Report’s “high performing” designation for maternity care involving uncomplicated pregnancies.

“These public ratings assist expectant parents, in consultation with their prenatal care providers, in making informed decisions about where to receive maternity care for uncomplicated births,” U.S. News said in a news release on Tuesday, Dec. 9.

Which Olympia hospital is best for maternity care?

Providence St. Peter Hospital, 413 Lilly Road NE in Olympia, made U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 list of the best hospitals in the country for maternity care, the publication said.

U.S. News pointed to the Olympia hospital’s high breast milk feeding rate and its low rate of severe newborn complications and episiotomies.

The publication praised Providence St. Peter Hospital for its efforts to avoid unnecessary Caesarean sections and support for vaginal births after C-sections, as well as reporting on outcome disparities.

U.S. News also noted that the Olympia hospital “met criteria to be recognized as birthing-friendly because it participated in a quality improvement collaborative and implemented patient safety practices in order to improve maternal outcomes.”

U.S. News highlighted several maternity services provided at Providence St. Peter Hospital, including childbirth classes, immersive tub hydrotherapy, breastfeeding and lactation consulting, and perinatal depression screening and help.

Olympia hospital has ‘long history’ of maternity care

This is Providence St. Peter Hospital’s second consecutive year receiving U.S. News & World Report’s “high performing” designation for maternity care, Dr. Melissa Grant, the hospital’s chief medical officer, said in a statement.

“Providence has a long history of providing high-quality, family-centered maternity care in the South Sound region,” said Grant, an obstetrician and gynecologist.

A total of 1,963 babies were born at Providence St. Peter Hospital in 2024, and 632 at Providence Centralia Hospital, Grant said.

“Our health system is proud of the role it plays in providing these important services to women and families throughout Thurston and Lewis counties,” Grant said.

Providence St. Peter Hospital recently for safety from The Leapfrog Group, which issues grades to hospitals twice a year, The Olympian previously reported.

In a response at the time, Providence officials said the hospital’s commitment to safety and high-quality care is unwavering, adding that Leapfrog’s methodology and grading don’t “fully reflect the breadth and depth of” continuous safety and quality advancements.

Which Washington hospitals are the best for maternity care?

These ranked among the best in the country for maternity care, according to U.S. News & World Report:

How did U.S. News come up with its rating?

U.S. News said it reported by hospitals in its best hospitals for maternity care rating.

The data ranged from C-section and vaginal birth after C-section rates to birthing-friendly practices, the publication said.

More than 900 hospitals submitted data to be evaluated, according to U.S. News.

The holidays are upon us! We all have our traditions and one of my favorites is grabbing a peppermint mocha, some homemade cookies, and cruising around looking at the lights. No matter the weather, the car is toasty warm and the Christmas tunes play nonstop! If you are wondering where to see Christmas Lights near Olympia and throughout Thurston County, this list is for you!

5410 66th Avenue NW, OlympiaOpen now through January 1

Candy Cane Lane will have their incredible display lit from 5 p.m. to 10:30 a.m. every night. Remember to bring your donation to the Olympia Food Bank, a donation bin will be out front.

This year, their display will feature a waterfall using new LED Rope lights. Look for the giant, 14.5-foot inflatable dinosaur and some aquatic creatures, too. Lights will be on through January 30, 2026. Drive by display only. The owners suggest parking on side streets if you want to walk by on the sidewalk.

1630 26th Avenue NE, Olympia

When out looking at lights, don’t miss the Christmas Comics display in Olympia. Hand-painted characters from Disney, Universal, Nickelodeon, Hanna-Barbera and more will delight viewers of all ages. Christmas lights are on from 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. through December 31.

11948 Dream Street SW, OlympiaOpen December 1-31

Epic Lights is once again going in Olympia with an incredible light display set to music. Tune into 107.9 FM to hear, or if you don’t have a radio, you can press the button to start the music! Wifi is free from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., log onto Epic Lights Guest. Music changes depending on when you drive by:

5 p.m. – 8 p.m.: today’s hits and Christmas music8 p.m. – 10 p.m.: Jukebox – pick your own song!

2920 Tierney Street SW, Olympia Now through December 26

See the Story of Christmas through these gorgeous displays at Maytown Assemblies of God’s Christmas Island. Wednesdays through Sundays they will be handing out free hot beverages and goodies. Display is free to enjoy. For more information, call 360.508.2633.

424 Wilson Street SE, OlympiaOpen now until December 27Sunday 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Friday-Saturday, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

The Wilson Street Winter Wonderland is back for 2025! The Grinch or Santa will be there each night through December 23 (find the schedule of who is visiting each night on the Wilson Street Winter Wonderland Facebook page) No charge to walk through and visit the characters. Be sure to stop by their shop and get your gifts and decorations.

No pets, no smoking or vaping and they ask that you do not block the neighbor’s driveways when you park. If the weather is really bad, it may be closed for everyone’s safety. Follow the Facebook page for updates.

You won’t want to miss this house on Sheldon Road – the entire property is lit up with an incredible display set to music. Even the ground is covered!

This home on Gainsborough Drive SE is always a must-see! Their Christmas light display lights up the night with dozens of blow molds, trees, and iconic holiday shapes.

618 Woodland Square Loop SE, Lacey

City of Lacey’s Huntamer Park is once again decorated for the holidays! Tune into the station listed on the sign to watch the synchronized light show.

Several homes on Deerfield Park Drive are festively decorated and through a cruise!

On the corner of North Street SE & Lorne Street SE in Tumwater is a house with a yard full of fun Christmas inflatables! It’s a great drive-by.

Have a light display we missed? Send us your address and a photo to submit@ThurstonTalk.com.

Looking for some festive fun to brighten up those dark December nights?

The Olympian has put together a guide to holiday light displays around Thurston County, based on reader submissions and information from local organizations, including Experience Olympia & Beyond.

Some of the displays are at private homes, while others are at public venues. All aim to bring yuletide wonder to people in the greater Olympia area.

Here’s our guide to Thurston County holiday lights in 2025:

Downtown for the Holidays

Where: Downtown Olympia

When: Daily through Wednesday, Dec. 24

will be a hotspot for holiday cheer in December thanks to Downtown for the Holidays, coordinated by the Olympia Downtown Alliance.

The celebration of winter holiday fun began Sunday, Nov. 30, with WinterFest, but offerings continue in December, including Nutcracker-themed selfie scenes.

“ for a string of garland, which will stretch over 1 mile along the storefronts,” said Experience Olympia & Beyond, which included Downtown for the Holidays in its round-up of holiday light displays and activities.

Epic Lights

Where: 11948 Dream St. SW, Olympia

When: 5 to 10 p.m. daily, through Wednesday, Dec. 31

features thousands of holiday lights synced with music. If you show up from 8 to 10 p.m., you can help pick the tunes.

The family behind Epic Lights first started producing a holiday light show in 2019.

Lights on Griffin Ridge

Where: 6420 37th Lane NW, Olympia

When: 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. nightly through Saturday, Jan. 10

more than 25,000 LED lights synced to music.

“Tune your car radio to 107.1 and enjoy the show,” an organizer told The Olympian, noting “we have five 20-minute shows that play on rotation.”

Visitors are asked not to block the street or driveways in the area. However, you can park in the ditch on the far side of the home.

Olympia Holiday Light Parades

Where: Various neighborhoods in Olympia

When: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3; Tuesday, Dec. 9, and Thursday, Dec. 18

feature city vehicles decked out in holiday lights.

The parades take place over three nights in different parts of the city. Go to olympiawa.gov to see parade schedules and route maps.

Schilter Family Farm

Where: 141 Nisqually Cutoff Road SE, Olympia

When: 9 a.m. to dusk daily through Sunday, Dec. 14

A lighted nativity scene is part of the holiday fun at Schilter Family Farm.

your own Christmas tree at the farm or choose from freshly-cut options, plus visit with Santa Claus, depending on the day and time you stop by.

Tumwater Christmas Tree Lighting Festival

Where: City Hall, 555 Israel Road SW in Tumwater, and Headquarters Fire Station, 311 Israel Road SW in Tumwater

When: 1 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6

The event features and food trucks, and culminates with the Christmas tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. The tree will be lit up throughout December.

Warner Street Wonderland

Where: 1207 Warner St. NW, Olympia

When: 5 to 9 p.m. daily through Friday, Dec. 26.

The home is decked out with more than 3,000 lights, including “vibrant color-changing effects that ripple across the yard and roofline,” organizers told The Olympian.

The residence also features “festive inflatables, lighted Christmas tree, a glowing candy cane pathway and holiday music,” organizers said.

Yelm Christmas in the Park

Where: Yelm City Park, Yelm

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6

The event at Yelm City Park , activities and more. It starts after the Yelm Chamber of Commerce’s , which kicks off at 9 a.m.

If you miss the parade and event, you can still get in on the holiday cheer. The city park will have holiday lights on display throughout December.

Yelm Winter Solstice Walk

Where: Cochrane Memorial Park, Yelm

When: 5 to 6 pm. Wednesday, Dec. 17

decked out in holiday lights as community members gather for a peaceful nature walk to mark the approaching winter solstice.

Music will be playing, with the lights illuminating the path.

Participants are asked to bring a lantern or flashlight.

Submit your home to The Olympian’s holiday lights guide

Decorating for the holidays? There’s still time to submit your Olympia-area home or business to The Olympian’s 2025 holiday lights guide.

Simply fill out this form to share a description and photos of your festive display:

A record-breaking amount of rain fell in the Olympia area on Monday and more rain is on the way, according to the National Weather Service.

The rain and windy weather has triggered a flood warning for the area through Tuesday night, a wind advisory has been extended through Wednesday and a flood watch in still in effect for the remainder of the week, the NWS has announced.

Meanwhile, 3.03 inches of rain fell between midnight Monday and midnight Tuesday in the Olympia area, smashing a 10-year-old record, said NWS forecaster Matthew Cullen.

The old record was 2.50 inches of rain, which fell Dec. 8, 2015, he said.

And more rain is on the way. Another two inches of rain is expected to fall from Tuesday night through Wednesday, followed by about a half-inch of rain later in the week, Cullen said.

Although that isn’t as much as Monday’s rainfall, the concern is that the additional rain will increase the risk of more flooding, he said.

“Rivers and creeks are running much higher and won’t have time to recede,” said Cullen.

Some agencies have taken steps to address the rainfall.

According to Thurston County Emergency Management, Tacoma Power announced Monday night that it would increase the flow of water from the LaGrande Dam on the upper Nisqually River, which empties into Puget Sound in Thurston County.

The flow rate was increased to 9,000 cubic feet per second from 2,400 cubic feet per second until Tuesday morning, according to Thurston County.

“Minor flooding occurs when the flow rate at LaGrande Dam exceeds about 8,000 cubic feet per second,” the county information reads. “Although no residential structures are threatened at this flow rate, farms and pastureland upstream from the head of the Centralia Power Canal experience enhanced bank erosion.”

The Centralia Power Canal is in an area near Yelm.

The Skookumchuck River in south Thurston County also flooded a part of state Route 507 near the town of Bucoda Monday night, according to the state Department of Transportation.

Water was reported over the road about 9:30 p.m., but it receded about an hour later, WSDOT officials said in an alert.

Area rivers to keep an eye on: Nisqually, Deschutes, Skookumchuck and the Chehalis River, which flows past south Thurston County.

The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory over the weekend. Gusts were expected as high as 45 miles per hour in the area, but ultimately reached about 25 miles per hour, according to recordings at Olympia Regional Airport.

Those winds produced only scattered power outages, according to Puget Sound Energy data, which shows about 4,200 customers affected throughout its service area as of Tuesday.

The risk of outages remains, however, because the current wind advisory forecasts wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour, Cullen said.