Out and about: See Scrooge, catch a film and celebrate solstice

Last call for ‘Carol’

Harlequin Productions’ “A Christmas Carol,” which has been playing to full houses, wraps up its run on Christmas Eve. The company’s take on the classic, adapted and directed by artistic director Aaron Lamb, sticks pretty closely to Charles Dickens’ original tale of Scrooge (Terry Edward Moore) and his change from miserly to merry. Scene-setting projections, spooky special effects and holiday libations available in the lobby add to the cheer. Remaining performances are at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 and 23 and 2 p.m. Dec. 24 at the State Theater, 202 4th Ave. E., Olympia. Tickets (https://harlequinproductions.org/show/a-christmas-carol-4/) are $33-$57.

Christmas movies

The Olympia Film Society celebrates the season with a movie about Christmas and a movie on Christmas. The seasonally themed flick is “Nightmare Before Christmas,” Tim Burton’s holiday mash-up, screening at 1 p.m. Dec. 24 at the Capitol Theater, 206 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia. “Nightmare” (https://olympiafilmsociety.org/nightmare-before-christmas/) is the current Kids Club movie, meaning those 12 and younger are admitted free. For the older crowds, tickets are $12, $9 for film society members. On the actual day, Dec. 25, the society is teaming up with Temple Beth Hatfiloh for a sing-along version of “Fiddler on the Roof (https://olympiafilmsociety.org/fiddler-on-the-roof/),” a film that surely needs no introduction. The “Fiddler” screening will also feature a costume contest and a blanket and coat drive. The film begins at 4 p.m. at the theater, with doors opening at 3:30. Tickets are $12, $9 for film society members.

Solstice celebration

Lakewold Gardens’ Winter Solstice Festival, happening all month long, greets the returning of the light with arts, music and literature on the theme. There’s a quilt exhibition, “Coming to Light,” inside the festively decorated Wagner House, and visitors are invited to stroll in the darkened garden, where prompts will inspire a focus on nature. The festival happens from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday-Sunday through Dec. 31 at the gardens, 12317 Gravelly Lake Drive SW, Lakewood. The event includes live music on weekends and literary readings each Thursday. There’ll be food, wine and snacks, too. Tickets (https://lakewoldgardens.org/) are $10-$20, with children younger than 5 admitted free.

Freelance writer Molly Gilmore talks about what’s happening in Olympia and beyond with 95.3 KGY-FM’s Michael Stein from 3 to 4 p.m. Fridays.