What to do this weekend? See ballet, tour historic homes in Bigelow Neighborhood
Olympia’s oldest ‘Nutcracker’
The holiday classic “The Nutcracker” is the world’s most produced ballet (https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Nutcracker) — and also Olympia’s most produced ballet, since two local companies stage the story of a young girl’s visit to a land of fairies, sweets and rodents waging war against toy soldiers. Ballet Northwest’s rendition, in its 41st year, opens Friday, Dec. 12. The production, noted for sets designed by Jill Carter, features guest artist Maddox Ellison, from American Ballet Theatre’s School in New York, as the Cavalier. The Sugar Plum Fairy will be danced by Grace Collins, a senior at Olympia High School, and Ivy Nakauye, a freshman at Stadium High School in Tacoma. Emery Peters, in eight grade at Jefferson Middle School, and Autumn Pratt, in eighth grade at Bush Middle School in Tumwater, will share the role of Clara. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, 13, 19 and 20 and 2 p.m. Dec. 13, 14, 20 and 21 at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. Tickets (https://www.washingtoncenter.org/organizer/bnw/) are $24-$47. As at all of the shows at the center during the holiday season, there’ll be snow falling on the sidewalk outside. (Yes, it’s faux snow, but isn’t that better than all the rain you’ve been slogging through?)
Local goods, homemade treats at Duck the Malls
Known for screening independent and alternative films, the Olympia Film Society also offers an alternative for holiday shopping: Duck the Malls (https://olympiafilmsociety.org/duckthemalls/). The sale, happening Saturday, Dec. 13, on the stage and in the aisles of the historic Capitol Theater, showcases locally made items from more than 50 makers. Offerings include board games, ceramics, dolls, toys, lighting and musical instruments. Another highlight of the event is the array of homemade goodies — including vegan and gluten-free selections — on offer at the concessions stand. You can get presents wrapped at the sale, too, and learn more about the film society’s offerings. Another place to shop for locally made gifts is the Contemporary Arts Market at LGM Studio, in the alley between State Avenue NW and Fourth Avenue. The sale, showcasing the work of 11 artists, is open from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 12 and from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 13 and 14.
Historic homes decked in holiday style
The Olympia Historical Society’s Holiday Historic Home Tour, happening Sunday, Dec. 14, celebrates architecture, history and holiday cheer. This year’s tour focuses on the Bigelow Neighborhood, including the 1903 Curtiss House (https://olympiahistory.org/curtiss-house/), a Victorian cottage that features many original windows. “It’s a beautiful space,” said Erin Whitesel-Jones of the historical society. The tour, from noon to 4 p.m., includes five private homes as well as The Bigelow House Museum, 918 Glass Ave. NE, Olympia, and the Woman’s Club of Olympia, 1002 Washington St. SE, Olympia. Tickets (https://olympiahistory.org/tour-of-homes-2025/) are $35 and can be purchased the day of the tour at the museum and the Woman’s Club.
Freelance writer Molly Gilmore would rather do without rodents, even in a ballet.
This story was originally published December 11, 2025 at 5:00 AM.