What to do with this long holiday weekend? We have ideas for you
The nuttiness of Christmas
Studio West Dance Theatre will kick off the holiday season in the newly refurbished Washington Center for the Performing Arts with the quintessential holiday ballet, The Nutcracker. The Olympia dance studio’s production happens a little earlier in the season this year, but will include the same magical dances, with professional sets, costumes, and performers. There will be evening performances Friday, Nov. 25, through Monday, Nov. 28, with matinees on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 26-27. Tickets range from $30 for the best adult seats to $18 for youth. The studio also is hosting Clara’s Nutcracker Party beginning one hour before each matinee performance for young patrons who want to hear a reading of The Nutcracker story, visit and take pictures with characters from the ballet, and enjoy holiday refreshments. However, the $15 tickets were sold out earlier this week, and a waiting list had been started.
Scrooge is back
The Sugar Plum Fairy isn’t the only holiday icon making appearances in Olympia. Harlequin Productions is restaging Artistic Director Aaron Lamb’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Story. The classic holiday tale of transformation featuring Ebenezer Scrooge and a host of wise spirits will have some added Harlequinesque chills and thrills as well as ghostly special effects. Opening night is Friday, Nov. 25, and there will be shows Thursdays through Sundays until the show closes with a matinee on Saturday, Dec. 24. Ticket prices are $49 for general admission, $45 for seniors and military, and $25 for students and youth.
This Elf is not on the shelf
Olympia Film Society’s Kids Club is bringing Will Ferrell’s childlike Buddy back to the big screen with Sunday afternoon screenings of the 2003 film “Elf.” Need a quick refresher? Buddy was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York in search of his real father. Screenings will be at 1 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 27, Dec. 4, Dec. 11 and Dec. 18, and kids 12 and under get in free. Adults pay $8 for OFS member, $11 general admission.
It’s Christmastime in the city
Head downtown for the LoveOly WinterFest, put on by the Olympia Downtown Alliance. The free street festival is set for noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, and the epicenter will be Fifth and Washington. You’ll find live music from local high schools and the Olympia Symphony, activities for kids and families, a twilight tree lighting, horse-drawn carriage rides, “snow” falling outside the Washington Center, and a hot chocolate station provided by Sofie’s Scoops and Dancing Goats. There also will be Nutcracker-themed Selfie Scenes. And kids can visit Santa at 222 Market, located at 222 Capitol Way N. The Sunday festivities kick off a month of holiday fun the ODA is calling Downtown for the Holidays. It will include a Shop & Dine Promotion that will run Nov. 25 to Dec. 24. Download the passport at downtownolympia.org or pick one up at any participating shop or restaurant.