— from Bethany Marie for Orcas Center —

As the days grow shorter and nights get colder, Orcas Center helps keep holiday spirit alive through song, music, and dance. There are many traditional holiday concerts, films, and performances to choose from that are sure to keep the warm glow of the season burning bright.

Kicking off the holiday festivities on November 21-23, is The Roasted Nut Too, (tickets $15-$47; show-time 7 p.m. and 2 p.m.) an original dance performance from The Island Inspiration All-Stars. Stick around for an after-performance Dance Party with Bruce Pavitt and Carrie “DJ CARE” Barroll in the Black Box Tickets are just $5 at the door, or free with your Roasted Nut ticket.

After you’ve stuffed yourself silly with a Thanksgiving feast, join The Olga Symphony (and Friends!) on November 29 and 30, (tickets $5; show-time 7:30 p.m.) for their annual fundraiser with music and guaranteed merriment benefiting the Orcas Center and other island charities. Our local musicians and vocalists will feature a range of holiday classics and beloved favorites sure to keep you in the festive spirit through the rest of the year.

The Choral Society performs December 7 and 8 (tickets $5-$18; show-time 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.), and The Community Band takes the stage the following week on December 14 (admission by donation; show-time 3 p.m.).

What holiday season would be complete without a viewing of these holiday traditions: A Christmas Carol comes to Center Stage in a special presentation by The San Juan Community Theatre December 15 (tickets $15-$47; show-time 3 p.m.). Christmas Around the World features local dance students showing their talents in a holiday performance on December 17 (tickets $10-$47; show-time 6 p.m).

And later in the week, there will be a screening of the holiday classic: The Nutcracker performed by The Bolshoi Ballet on December 21, (tickets $12-$47; show-time 2 p.m.).

Crow Valley String Band will be the last concert of the year at Orcas Center on December 20 (tickets $15-$47; show-time 7:30 p.m.); and finally, The Magic Flute, presented by the Metropolitan Opera, rounds out the holiday offerings on December 28 (tickets: $12-$47; show-time 1 p.m.).

Tickets for all of these shows and more are available at www.OrcasCenter.org, or by calling the Orcas Center box office at 360-376-2281 ext. 1.

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