What’s happening this week around Thurston County

Sunday, Dec. 22

Ballet Northwest presents The Nutcracker: This version of the ballet, South Sound’s longest-running, is in its 40th year, and features a pair of guest dancers: Lucas Matzkin, an advanced student at the American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School in New York, will dance the part of the Cavalier, and Ballet Northwest alum Natalie Allenton, who dances with Seattle’s Spectrum Dance Theatre, shares the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy with Grace Collins, 16 and a junior at Olympia High School. The final performance is at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. S.E., Olympia. The remaining tickets are $18 to $27.

Harlequin Productions’ A Christmas Carol: Seasonal spirit and otherworldly spirits are plentiful in Harlequin Productions’ “A Christmas Carol,” on stage through Tuesday, Dec. 24. The company’s production features a quartet of carolers who sweetly set the scene both on and off stage. Remaining performances are at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23, and 2 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday, Dec. 22 and 24, at the State Theater, 202 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia. Tickets are $33-$55.

Olympia Film Society hosts holiday film screenings: The Olympia Film Society is making merry with screenings of “The Muppet Christmas Carol” and “Elf.” The Muppets’ version of “Carol,” with Michael Caine as Scrooge and Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit, is screening at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22 at the Capitol Theater, 206 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia. Tickets are $5-$12. Will Ferrell’s “Elf” — about a human being raised at the North Pole — is the society’s current Kids Club selection. Those 12 and younger are admitted free to the screenings, happening at 1 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 22 and 29.

Monday, Dec. 23

SOGO presents Messiah Sing-Along: Come to sing or come to listen to the 24th annual Community Messiah Sing-Along. Composer George Frideric Handel famously secluded himself for 23 days to create this work. Become part of a tradition stretching back hundreds of years. The performance will feature Cameron May, SOGO music director and conductor, as well as vocal soloists Danielle Tobin (soprano), Crystal Zimmerman (mezzo-soprano), Dan Colgan (tenor) and Paul Nakhla (baritone). The concert begins at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23, at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. Admission is free and no tickets are needed, but donations are appreciated. Schirmer scores are available for rent or purchase ($10). Find more information on the concert program on the SOGO website.

Wednesday, Dec. 25

Temple hosts screening of “Fiddler on the Roof”: Olympia’s Temple Beth Hatfiloh will host the screening of the 1971 the musical classic “Fiddler on the Roof” at 4 p.m. at the Capitol Theater, 206 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia, with doors open at 3. Costumes are encouraged. Tickets are $13, $10 for film-society members.

Community Chanukah Dinner Party: Chabad of Olympia Jewish Discovery Center is hosting this dinner from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 25, at the center, 1335 Fern St. SW, Olympia. The event includes a falafel dinner, latkes, donuts, gelt; a Grand Dreidel Tournament; Chanukah music; and kids crafts and games. Admission is $18 for adults and $12 for children. RSVP at www.jewisholympia.com/dinnerparty

Saturday, Dec. 28

Fisher scones at Tumwater Fred Meyer: The Fisher scone food truck will be parked at the Tumwater Fred Meyer, 555 Trosper Road SW, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28. They will be selling fresh fair scones as well as baking mixes.

Water-saving resolutions: Get ready to make your water-saving New Year’s resolutions at the WET Science Center, 500 Adams St. NE, Olympia. Participants who join the fun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. can play games, learn about their “water footprint”, and make a water resolution for 2025. All ages are welcome; admission is free.

Sunday, Dec. 29

Giant Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Celebration: Chabad of Olympia Jewish Discovery Center is hoting this event at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29, at Olympia’s Port Plaza, 701 Columbia St. NW. It will feature the Grand Menorah lighting; latkes, donuts and other Chanukah treats; and crafts for kids. The event is free and open to the public. RSVP at jewisholympia.com/celebration

A Magical Cirque Christmas: The Washington Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Olympia will host two performances of this variety show full of nostalgia, charm, and awe-inspiring performances for all ages. Performances begin at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec 29, at the center, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. Get ready to be dazzled and filled with holiday cheer as you watch world-class entertainers perform to holiday music.

This story was originally published December 21, 2024 at 12:00 PM.