Frequently Asked Questions

We get lots of the same questions year after year. Here are the answers to those commonly asked questions! If you don’t find the answer you need please contact us at info@olylights.com, or message us via Facebook or Instagram.

Where is it?

Oly Lightstravaganza has retired (as of January 1st, 2024)

What does it cost?

Oly Lightstravaganza is FREE! We provide cookies and cider on select nights, and lights are available for viewing daily, 5:00 – 10:00 pm, between the Sunday following Thanksgiving and January 1.

We do appreciate if you are able, that you bring a donation (cash or non-perishable food) for the Thurston County Food Bank. We have a collection bin to collect food and cash.

Is it a walk-through or a drive-by?

Oly Lightstravaganza is a walk-through display. PLEASE park your car and walk through, do not drive slowly by or stop and view from the street. It is critical that we keep in the good graces of our neighbors who have been so supportive of the display over the years.

Where can I park?

We are located in a residential neighborhood, Eastside, just east of downtown Olympia. There is a lot of on-street parking available. We ask that you be careful to park legally and not block driveways, not park on grass lawns or right-of-ways, etc. Our neighbors have been wonderfully supportive of the display over the years, and we want to keep it that way! Our neighbors at the New Bridge Community Church (across 10th Avenue from our place) allow the use of their large parking lot for display visitor parking – this lot is accessed from the intersection of 10th Ave SE and Lybarger Street, on the south side of the church.

Is it pet-friendly?

No, please keep you pets at home or in your vehicle.

Of course, you are welcome to walk on the sidewalks surrounding the display with pets. However, given the presence of little kids, unstable elderly folk, and our own household pets, we ask that your pets remain outside our property.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

The display is largely accessible via wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, and the like. There are some gravel paths that might feel bumpy, and there is one set of three stairs that can be avoided. We do recommend wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, etc visit on quieter nights, as it is harder to get around for everyone when there is a big crowd (event nights are busier nights).

Is it on a bus line?

Yes! We are right on the Intercity Transit bus #64 route.

Why the heck do you do this?

In short, we are very industrious, and probably a little nuts. You can read more about our story here.

Where do you buy your lights and display items?

We purchase most of our lights from distributors. You can read more about those here. We hit the big box stores twice a year – once the day after Christmas when items are on clearance, and in the fall to see what’s new. We always get a few things from those stores, but the bulk is from the distribution companies. We have built a few display items ourselves (giant candy cane, Santa’s sleigh, and reindeer). Most of our display pieces are custom made by artist and local legend, Vince Ryland. We adore him and have such fun collaborating with him on new items each year. If you are interested in custom pieces, sign making, window painting, or murals, he does all of that and more, and you can contact us for his phone number.

What other local displays do you like?

We have a list of our favorite displays here.