From “Christmas Vacation” to the “12 Dates of Christmas,” mall shopping is as iconic as candy canes and mistletoe during the holidays. There is nothing like grabbing that peppermint mocha from locally-owned Northwest Grind and wandering the warm and dry Capital Mall to cross off your holiday shopping list. This November, welcome Santa at his arrival party November 16, 2024, shop local on Black Friday (and all month long) enjoy live music, gift wrapping from local organizations and more.
Photos With Santa in Olympia
Santa’s coming! Santa arrives with fanfare and flare at the Capital Mall, something no child, or young-at-heart, will want to miss. From 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on November 16 in the Macy’s Court, enjoy crafts including ornaments and photo frames for your Santa photo! Meet and get photos with your favorite characters from “Frozen” and “Nightmare Before Christmas.”
Northwest Military Salute will be there too, handing out passports with information about local businesses. This organization helps families settles in the Pacific Northwest by providing information and resources.
Once Santa makes his entrance, he will head to his new, bigger, Wonderland in the Shoe Dept. Encore Court, to hear your wishes and pose for priceless photos. Santa does have a few special days for the 2024 season!
Santa Paws: November 27, 4 and 11 all day.
Soothing Santa: December 1 and 8 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. During Soothing Santa, the mall lights are low, no music is playing and no cleaning with vacuums, etc., will take place. Since space is limited and the lights and music will go up after 11 a.m., it is strongly encouraged you make reservations for Soothing Santa.
Reservations are open now and highly encouraged – no waiting forever in a line with impatient kids! Just head to the Santa Photos website for prices and to book your spot. Walk-ins are taken as time and space allows.
2024 Black Friday at Capital Mall
Black Friday is November, 29, 2024, and the Capital Mall will be open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. to kick off the holiday season. Individual store hours may vary, so it’s best to check a store’s website or call before the day to verify hours.
Look for seasonal stores like See’s Chocolates and Hickory Farms to get everything you need for entertaining. In my house, we decorate the tree while snacking on Hickory Farms and a box of See’s chocolates – it’s a family tradition you may want to try this year!
Many of the stores in Capital Mall are locally-owned and operated, including the See’s Chocolates, so it’s a great place to go for Small Business Saturday too. “Between us and downtown Olympia, you can find pretty much any gift you are looking for at a local business,” shares Hope Montag, marketing and business development manager at Capital Mall.
We can all use a bit of extra help during the holidays – follow Capital Mall on Instagram to learn about their 12 Days of Giveways for 2024!
Throughout the holiday season, listen for live music by local groups and look for gift wrapping by local nonprofits and organizations.
Gift shopping can be hectic and stressful. Or, it can be a fun family memory at the Capital Mall with coffee and treats in hand, it’s the perfect place to spend the day. A photo with Santa, a movie at the theater, some shopping, a bite to eat. All under one warm and dry roof. Even Clark Griswold couldn’t mess it up.
Capital Mall Holiday Hours and Events 2024
625 Black Lake Boulevard, Olympia
Santa Photos November 16 – December 24
Santa Arrival Party, November 16
Black Friday, November 29
Giving Tuesday, December 3
Holiday Hours Start November 29
Black Friday: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
December 1-15, 2024
Sundays: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
December 21 and the 23: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Christmas Eve, December 24: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Christmas Day: CLOSED
December 26-30
Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
New Year’s Eve, December 31: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
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