Orcas Center brings the holiday spirit to life through song, music, art, and dance! Whether it’s a book talk, art show, craft market, concert, or dance extravaganza, there are so many activities to choose from that are sure to keep the warm glow of the season burning bright:

Sunday, Nov. 19, 3 p.m. – FREE

I’ll be Frank – Christmas Yarns with Frank Loudin. Take a walk down memory lane with renowned Orcas artist and author, Frank Loudin, (along with interviewer, Cathy Ferran) as he shares some to-tally unrehearsed “YARNS” from his latest book of heartwarming stories.

Friday, Nov. 24, 5:30 p.m. – FREE

San Juan Island Arts Council, along with the Visual Arts Committee of Orcas Center, present a county-wide traveling art show of High School Artists! Join us for a special art opening celebrating young artists from Lopez, San Juan, and Orcas Islands with music by Grace Zwilling. The show will be on display through Dec. 20.

Friday and Saturday, Nov. 24-25, 7 p.m. — by donation (tickets required)

The Olga Symphony is back for its annual fundraiser with music and guaranteed merriment benefiting the Orcas Center and other island charities. Melinda, Gordon, Z, JP, and Anita will bring guitar, fiddle, bass, mandolin, ukulele, banjo, dobro, musical saw and luscious vocals to you in a decidedly non-symphonic manner.

Saturday, Nov. 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – FREE

Orcas Center’s Visual Arts Committee (VAC) hosts its first Handmade Craft Market with and made goods made by artisans on Orcas Island. It’s a perfect way to “shop local” this holiday season and support our talented artisan community!

Saturday, Nov. 25. Doors open at 3 p.m., show is at 3:30 p.m. –$25

Storytime with Santa in the Black Box! Santa will read two stories and riff on reindeer and magic … and the North Pole! Interested in a photoshoot with Santa? Book your time for Sunday, November 26, or reserve your spot for storytime at https://SantaSeattle2023.as.me/orcas

Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1-3, at 7pm, Sunday at 2 p.m. – $5-$59

Orcas Choral Society takes to the Main Stage as it presents Handel’s Messiah this December 1-3, with a special sing-a-long on Sunday.

Five performances over Dec. 8-17

And finally, the Orcas Dance Collective is proud to present its maritime take on a holiday classic: The Sea Island Nutcracker. Featuring many wildlife and nautical themes that make our island home so magical, this full-length dream ballet showcases an inter-generational cast of local talent, with featured roles performed by The Orcas Dance Collective, Junior Dance Collective, Mini Dance Collective, and Class Series Students. There are just five performances from December 8 – 17. Tickets range from $10-$59. Get yours before they sell out!

Tickets for all these shows and more are available at www.OrcasCenter.org, or by calling the Orcas Center box office at 360-376-2281 ext. 100.