The Washington State Department of Enterprise Services has issued permits for holiday events on the Capitol Campus over the first two weekends of December. The events will impact roads and parks on the Capitol Campus.

Dec. 1 - Jingle Bell Parade

Deschutes Parkway closed 5 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Marathon and Sylvester Parks also impacted

Deschutes Parkway will be closed between Lakeridge Drive and 5th Avenue for a Jingle Bell Parade on Sunday, Dec. 1. The event permit also includes use of Marathon Park as part of the parade staging area and Sylvester Park for a tree lighting ceremony, which will occur immediately following the parade. The parade begins at 1 p.m. and ends about 3 p.m.

DES planted the holiday tree, a Korean fir, in Sylvester Park in 2017. The fir serves as a permanent and sustainable holiday tree for the enjoyment of the community for many years to come. It also eliminates the need to find, transport and install a cut tree each year. It is a yearly tradition for DES to adorn the holiday tree prior to the tree lighting.

Event organizer Olympia Downtown Alliance estimate about 1,000 people will attend.

Dec. 7 – Olympia Toy Run

Deschutes Parkway closed 5 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Marathon Park also impacted

The Olympia Toy Run, a yearly event that draws thousands of motorcycles to Olympia, will close Deschutes Parkway between Lakeridge Drive and 5th Avenue on Saturday, Dec. 7. The event also includes use of Marathon Park.

Motorcyclists donate toys and money to The Salvation Army's Toy N' Joy Shop, which distributes the gifts to needy children.

The motorcyclists meet at South Sound Center in Lacey around 10 a.m., then leave for Marathon Park around 1 p.m., traveling via Pacific Avenue, State Avenue, Capitol Way, Fifth Avenue and Deschutes Parkway. The Toy Run typically lasts two hours.

Drivers can expect heavy traffic and long delays in downtown Olympia during the event, which organizers estimate will draw 3,000 motorcyclists.

Road closure information

For public safety reasons, campus roadways are closed during some permitted campus events. Prior to the closure, at least 48-hour notice is given to any vehicles parked along the roadway. Deschutes Parkway will be open to traffic and parking south of Lakeridge Drive during both events.

Sign up to receive Capitol Campus Updates via email or text message.