What’s Happening for Nov. 25

Saturday

Indies first: Browsers Bookshop will host six Olympia writers — Lauren Danner, Corinna Luyken, Jim Lynch, Chris Maynard, Nikki McClure and Maria Mudd Ruth — for Indies First/Small Business Saturday. The authors will be available to sign their books from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the bookstore, 107 Capitol Way N., Olympia. Refreshments will be served, and free gift wrapping will be offered.

Christmas Cantata: New Life Baptist Church and other regional churches will host “A Child is Born” at 5 p.m. at the church at 7838 Pacific Ave. SE, Lacey. The musical program will feature a multicultural choir, orchestra and dance team. Participants will sing Christmas carols as well as traditional Christmas songs in other languages. Proceeds go to the Boys & Girls Club of Thurston County. A dessert reception will follow the concert.

Voices against gender-based violence: At 1 p.m., Zonta of South Puget Sound is kicking off 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence in Education with a public gathering in the Capitol Rotunda. The public is invited to speak up about their #MeToo experiences and work to confront and reduce gender-based violence through effective laws, policies, and institutional practices.

Kealy Winter Wonderland Opening Cookie Night: Enjoy more than 40,000 magical Christmas lights dancing to music from 5 to 10 p.m. at the home at 5464 E. Agate Road, Shelton. They will be giving out cider and cookies in the cookie shack. Write a letter to Santa and take a picture in Santa’s sleigh. Admission is free, but they are collecting food donations. If you miss opening night, the lights will be on through the end of the year from 5 to 9 p.m. weekdays and 5 to 10 p.m. weekends.

Sunday

Downtown for the Holidays: The Olympia Downtown Association will host its holiday kickoff from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event includes photos with Santa, free trolley rides, live music, a holiday parade on Capitol Way at 3 p.m., and the tree lighting in Sylvester Park at 4 p.m. Information: tinyurl.com/y7p4nolv.

Gingerbread Village: SideWalk’s annual Gingerbread Village will be set up from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. as part of Olympia’s Downtown for the Holidays celebration. The Gingerbread Village at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts features gingerbread designs created by teams of community members. Visitors can view and vote ($1 per vote) on the creations. Proceeds go to SideWalk’s mission to end homelessness in Thurston County.

Singalong “Annie:” The Washington Center for the Performing Arts hosts a singalong of the 1982 film version of the musical “Annie,” which starred Aileen Quinn, Carol Burnett, Tim Curry, Bernadette Peters and Albert Finney at 5 p.m. at the center, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. Local host Lauren O’Neill will warm up the audience and lead the costume contest. Tickets are $11-$22 (plus a $3 fee) at washingtoncenter.org.

Opening Night at Oly Lightstravaganza: Starting at 5 p.m., Oly Lightstravaganza 2017 will feature more than 50,000 lights in a walk-through display at 1515 10th Ave SE, Olympia. Opening night features goody bags for the first 500 kids, and cookies and cider while supplies last. Lights will then be on nightly from 4:45 to 10:30 p.m. through the new year, with cookies and cider on select nights.

Monday

Jazz Senators Holiday Concert: The Jazz Senators will perform an eclectic selection of big band music from across the decades, including a few very hip arrangements of favorite holiday tunes, from 8-10:30 p.m. at Rhythm & Rye, 311 Capitol Way N., Olympia. Admission by suggested donation of $5 to $20. 21 and older only.

Friday

Yule Ball: From 7 to 10 p.m., area teens are invited to the Yule Ball at Tumwater Timberland Library. Inspired by the tales of Harry Potter, the evening includes hors d’oeurves, entertainment and dancing. Those who attend can dress as their favorite character, in their winter’s finery, or as comfortably as they please. Registration is required, so pick up an invitation at the information desk at the library at 7023 New Market St. SW. The event is for teens only; no other library services will be available.

The Derek Nelson Quintet: The quintet will present the first program of the 2017 “Fridays at the First” concert series at noon at First Christian Church, 701 Franklin St. SE, Olympia. Enjoy an hour of the music of Horace Silver in a classic jazz quintet format, with a few holiday-themed tunes as a bonus. Coffee and cookies are provided at 11:30 a.m. Free, with any donations going to the musicians. Kids are welcome.

Dec. 2

Olympia Toy Run: The 40th annual event will bring motorcyclists together to collect toys and money for The Salvation Army for distribution to needy kids through its Toy n’ Joy Shop. Gates open at 10 a.m. in the Sears parking lot at South Sound Center off Interstate 5 at Sleater-Kinney Road in Lacey. Then at 1 p.m., riders will make their way through Olympia to the Capitol Campus. Admission is $10/single rider or $15/couple or a new unwrapped toy for a kid of any age.

World AIDS Day Gayla: Mpowerment Washington will host dinner, a silent auction and music event at the Woman's Club of Olympia,1002 Washington St SE, Olympia. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for socializing and the silent auction; dinner is at 7 p.m. Singing and music provided by Michael Larson. Mpowerment Washington is a local non-profit that provides funds for free HIV/AIDS testing in Thurston County and educational seminars on safer sex. Tickets and information available at mpowerwa.org or 360-754-8888.

Hawks Holiday Happening Gift & Craftfair: More than 165 vendors will offer specialty items and handmade treasures from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at River Ridge High School, 350 River Ridge Drive SE, Lacey. Free entry, free parking, free door prizes, free entertainment, and free photos with Frosty. Proceeds benefit River Ridge band students. Information: macyhome@comcast.net

This story was originally published November 25, 2017 at 2:11 AM with the headline "What’s Happening for Nov. 25."