What’s Happening events calendar for Dec. 21, 2019 in Olympia

Friday through Jan. 1

24th Annual Model Train Festival: The Washington State History Museum at 1911 Pacific Ave. in Tacoma will again showcase model railroad scenes for the holidays. Train clubs from throughout Western Washington will set up their layouts throughout the museum. The South Sound Activity Room gives kids a chance to get hands-on with toy trains, Lincoln Logs and Legos. The festival runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Dec. 20 through Jan.1. The museum is closed Dec. 24 and 25. Santa will be on hand for free digital photos from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 21-23. Tickets are $11-$14. Kids 5 and younger get in free. Visit www.modeltrainfestival.org to learn more.

Saturday

Capital Mall Instant Poetry Pop-Up: Join Olympia’s Poet Laureate Sady Sparks and other local writers for word games, poems written on typewriters, and creative opportunities from noon to 5 p.m. in the Macy’s Court at Capital Mall, 625 Black Lake Blvd. SE. Free.

Priest Point Park Volunteer Work Party: From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., volunteers will pull English ivy and plant rhododendrons at the park at 2600 East Bay Drive NE. Directional signs will be posted inside the park. The group will meet just south of the playground. Visit http://volunteer.olympiawa.gov/ for more information and to register for work parties.

Gingerbread House Workshop: Tenino Timberland Library will host this event where participants can construct their own gingerbread houses out of graham crackers and decorations to take home. The event, for all ages, runs 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the library, 172 Central Ave. W., Tenino.

Molina Healthcare and Ralph’s Thriftway to distribute free groceries: Molina Healthcare is partnering with Ralph’s Thriftway to distribute 250 bags of groceries to individuals and families from 10 a.m. to noon at Ralph’s, 1908 Fourth Ave. E, Olympia. Each bag will include a ham, brown rice, russet potatoes, vegetables, and bread. All are welcome, and bags will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last.

Saturday and Sunday

Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation Choir holiday concert: The choir directed by Troy Arnold Fisher will perform a concert titled “For A Breath of Ecstasy,” featuring the poetry of Sara Teasdale set to the music of Michael John Trotta, at 2 p.m. Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday. Traditional Christmas music will be part of the free concert as well, and light refreshments will be served. OUUC is located at 2315 Division St. NW. Free, but donations greatly appreciated.

Sunday

Olympia Giant Chanukah Celebration & Gelt Drop: The Chabad of Olympia Jewish Discovery Center will host the 11th annual community Chanukah celebration from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Sylvester Park, 615 Washington St. SE, Olympia. Chanukah is the Jewish festival of lights, and the Menorah serves as symbol of the strength of light over darkness. The event will include the lighting of a 9-foot Menorah, a chocolate gelt drop with Olympia Fire Department, hot latkes and donuts.

Procrastinators Craft Sale: Three Magnets Brewing Co. will host this fundraiser from 1-5 p.m. for Community Print Olympia, a collectively run letterpress shop in downtown Olympia. Vendors will offer letterpressed goods, jewelry, wool goods, bath products, baskets, beadwork, hair accessories, jams and jellies, hats, wood wares, ceramics, zines, buttons, chocolates and calendars. Three Magnets is at 600 Franklin St. SE, Olympia.

Monday

Olympia Symphony’s “Home for the Holidays” concert: This new concert will feature traditional favorites, seasonal classics, and audience carols from 7-8 p.m. at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE. Free admission, but donations will be matched by concert sponsors up to $6,000.

Friday

Ugly Sweater Bingo: That sweater in the back of your drawer might win you a prize when Oly Bingo Night adopts an Ugly Sweater theme for its monthly gathering at the Olympia Senior Center, 222 Columbia St. SE. In addition to a costume contest, the event includes a full-service bar, Jello shots, 50/50 raffle and $5 themed dinner at 6 p.m. Games start at 7 p.m. Must be 21 or older. For more information or to reserve a table of 6 people, contact 360-586-6181.

The Gabriela Joya Quartet performs a free concert: Internationally renowned flutist Gabriela Joya performs jazz-influenced traditional Cuban music in the season finale the 2019 “Fridays at the First” series of free noontime concerts. She will be joined by local musicians for the concert at First Christian Church of Olympia, 701 Franklin St. SE. The church library opens at 11:30 for complimentary coffee and cookies. The concert begins at noon and lasts about an hour. Admission is free, but donations are welcomed by the musicians. Information: 360-943-8025 or churchoffice@firstchristianolympia.org

Want to submit a community event for inclusion in What’s Happening? Send it 10 days or more in advance, written in the format you see above, to news@theolympian.com. Pictures are appreciated.