Hear Those Sleigh Bells Jingling: Thrifty Thurston Finds Family Holiday Concerts Around Olympia

Thurston County kids participate in the Olympia Youth Chorus, bringing holiday cheer to the region. Photo courtesy of Jim Tobin.
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By Jennifer Crain

The Olympia Youth Chorus choirs will be singing holiday cheer throughout the season. Photo courtesy Jim Tobin.

When I was a kid, listening to holiday standards was a given. I’d turn the dial until “Winter Wonderland” was piping through the tinny speakers on the clock radio in my bedroom. I’d sing along with The Andy Williams Christmas Album over and over as it spun on the turntable downstairs.

But it wasn’t just that I could parrot all four verses of “Joy to the World” by the time I was eight. I loved holiday music because I sang it formally, year after year, standing on risers in the choir room: jaw dropped, cheekbones lifted, performance face on. It was fun and challenging and, when we got it right, thrilling to be part of making a beautiful sound.

As an adult, I get the same feeling all over again when I hear holiday songs performed by a group of practiced singers. The best choirs make a holiday performance cheerful, reflective and celebratory, all in the space of an hour or so. Listening is a festive way to welcome the season.

Thurston County has many opportunities for families to hear choirs perform over the next several weeks. Check out these concerts for every budget, from free to under ten dollars for kids’ tickets. (If you hurry you can even make the sing-along at St. Martin’s tonight!)

December 6

Saint Martin’s University Chorale and the American Legion Band

St. Martin’s Christmas Carol Sing-Along and Tree Blessing

Thursday, December 6

7:00 p.m. Concert Sing-Along in Marcus Pavilion
8:00 p.m. Tree Blessing and Reception in Norman Worthington Conference Center
Saint Martin’s University Campus, Lacey

FREE
Click here for more information.

December 7 

Con Brio Women’s Ensemble

Fridays at the First

Friday, December 7 at 12:00 p.m., preceded by free refreshments at 11:30 a.m.

First Christian Church, Olympia

FREE

Click here for more information.

Thurston County kids participate in the Olympia Youth Chorus, bringing holiday cheer to the region. Photo courtesy of Jim Tobin.

Olympia Choral Society and Olympia Youth Chorus

‘Tis the Season

Friday, December 7 at 7:30 pm

North Thurston Performing Arts Center, Lacey
FREE

Donations accepted to benefit Homeless Backpacks.

Click here for more information. 

December 8

Olympia Choral Society and Olympia Youth Chorus

‘Tis the Season

Saturday, December 8 at 7:30 pm

North Thurston Performing Arts Center, Lacey
FREE

Donations accepted to benefit Homeless Backpacks.

Click here for more information.

December 9

Olympia Choral Society and Olympia Youth Chorus

‘Tis the Season

Sunday, December 9 at 2:30 pm

North Thurston Performing Arts Center, Lacey
FREE

Donations accepted to benefit Homeless Backpacks

Click here for more information.

The Seattle Jewish Chorale performs this Sunday, December 9 at Temple Beth Hatfiloh in Olympia. Photo courtesy Steve Shay.

Seattle Jewish Chorale

A Hanukkah Celebration for All!

Sunday, December 9 at 4:00 p.m.

Temple Beth Hatfiloh, Olympia

Tickets $12.00 adult, $10.00 student/senior, $6.00 children under 12; Un(der)employed, pay what you can

Click here for more information.

December 14

Olympia Youth Chorus Cantabile Choir

World Music: Holiday Music with Cantabile

Friday, December 14 at 6:30 pm

Timberland Regional Library, Olympia

FREE

Click here for more information. 

December 15

Kids in Koncert – Christmas Concert

Saturday, December 15 at 2:00 pm

The Capitol Theater, Olympia

FREE, donations welcome

Click here for more information.

Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia – Brass Choir Holiday Concert

Saturday, December 15 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm

First Christian Church

Tickets $10.00 adult/senior, $5.00 student, $25 Family (2 adults, 2 children)

Click here for more information.

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