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December 2023 Events and Activities in the Reno Region

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Christmas Events & Activities
	Things to do during the Christmas holiday season.

Snow Play Areas
	Places for family fun in the snow around the Reno area.

Tahoe Area Ski Resorts
	Hit the slopes at one of the best winter sports areas in North America.

Big events during December, 2023 include...

• Christmas Events and Activities
• Winter Break Camps
• Christmas Tree Cutting Permits
• New Years Eve

Tahoe Film Fest - Thursday through Sunday, November 30 to December 3, 2023. Over 25 films will be shown at various venues around north Lake Tahoe and Truckee. See the full line-up of what is playing when and where at the Tahoe Film Fest schedule. You are encouraged to purchase tickets online, but box offices will be open on the day of the films as long as seats are available. All proceeds benefit UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC).

Christmas on the Comstock - December 1 - 31, 2023. Festivities include the Believe Again - A Christmas Giveaway shopping spree, two weekends of Magical Christmas Fireworks Shows, the fun-filled Candy Cane Express trains and the evening Train O'Lights, a Christmas concert, Parade of Lights, a saloon crawl, holiday artisan craft fair at St. Mary's Art Center and community celebrations. All events and activities up in Virginia City.

Tuba Christmas at the May Museum - Saturday, December 2, 2023, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuba Christmas is a free, family-friendly concert featuring holiday carols performed by local tuba, baritone, and euphonium players. Sing along to favorites such as Silent Night, Jingle Bells, and more. The May Museum will have festive decorations on display and offer free admission all day long. Attendees can also visit the Sierra Watercolor Art Show and those with little ones can enjoy the free Discovery Room from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Wilbur D. May Museum is inside Rancho San Rafael Regional Park at 1595 N. Sierra St. in Reno.

Reno Jazz Orchestra presents "Holiday Jazz: Music of the Season" - Sunday, December 3, 2023, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Kick off your holiday season with jazz orchestra arrangements of sacred and secular favorites featuring the musicians of the Reno Jazz Orchestra and Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra. Tickets are $35 for adults and $10 for students, available online. The show is at The Theater, 505 Keystone Ave. in Reno.

Peanutcracker - The Story in a Nutshell - Sunday, December 3, 2023, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Peanutcracker is a shorter, 45-minute narrated version of The Nutcracker that is designed for families with younger children to introduce them to the wonderful world of ballet and the traditional holiday ballet, The Nutcracker. The shortened ballet with its glowing Christmas tree, the Rat King's battle scene, Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy and animated narration has proven to be very popular with audiences of every age. At the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Reno. Visit the website for online tickets.

Christmas with the Crawfords - December 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. and December 10, 16, 17 at 2 p.m. This riotous camp classic is based on the actual Christmas Eve live radio broadcast from the Crawford family's Brentwood mansion in 1949. Filled with exaggerated silver screen icons, this mash-up musical parody is a loving homage to Hollywood's "Golden Age." Bruka Theatre is at 99 N. Virginia St. in Reno. Tickets are available online.

Northern Lights Festival - November 3 through December 31, 2023. This festival of lights features the north Tahoe communities of Incline Village and Crystal Bay. There will be many special activities at various venues during the festival, including holiday concerts, opening day at Diamond Peak ski resort, Tahoe Film Fest and lots more. Note that many activities are adults only. Check the website for a complete schedule of events.

Sparks 36th Annual Hometowne Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting - Thursday to Saturday, November 30 to December 2, 2023. Come to Victorian Square on December 2 for the traditional Christmas parade festivities starting at 11 a.m., along with entertainment, photos with Santa, and arts and crafts. The parade starts at 1 p.m. This year's theme is "Dashing Through the Decades!" The tree lighting ceremony will be the night of December 1 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. In addition to parade and tree lighting festivities, enjoy the 39 North Pole Village holiday festival of lights with a big selection of events and activities. The festival runs from November 30 to December 2, 2023.

Magic of Santa Arts and Crafts Faire - Saturday and Sunday, December 2 - 3, 2023. You can get arts and crafts from numerous vendors while supporting local businesses. Find beautiful hand made items from toll painted snowmen and beautiful doll clothes to fine wood work. Admission good for both days is $5 for adults, $4 seniors and students, kids under 16 are free. Get $1 off admission by donating a can of food or new socks. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Free admission 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Location is the Reno Sparks Convention Center, 4590 S. Virginia Street in Reno. Free parking.

Student Outreach Clinics from UNR - General and Pediatrics Clinic - Tuesday, December 5, 2023, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Services for adults include screenings and diagnosis, lab services, x-rays, EKGs, blood pressure monitoring, some treatments and referrals. Services for patients age 18 and younger include Head Start physicals, sick child visits, well child checks and nutrition counseling. Clinics are by appointment only. To schedule, call (775) 391-0632 or email studentoutreachclinic@med.unr.edu. Clinics are held at the University Health Building, 745 W. Moana Lane in Reno.

Siamsa - A Celtic Christmas - Wednesday, December 6, 2023, doors open at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Featuring International Irish dance champions and a cast of the finest dancers, singers, musicians and actors, this show takes you into the magical world of Irish traditions and customs as it searches for the true meaning of Christmas. In the Grand Theatre at the Grand Sierra Resort, 2500 E. 2nd St. in Reno. Tickets available online.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day - Thursday, December 7, 2023. Each year on December 7, Pearl Harbor Survivors, veterans, and visitors from all over the world come together to honor and remember the 2,403 service members and civilians who were killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. On August 23, 1994, the United States Congress designated December 7 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

City of Reno Menorah Lighting - Thursday, December 7, 2023, 4:30 p.m. Families and children of all ages are welcome to attend. The event features speeches from dignitaries, a choir performance, the Menorah lighting with candle distribution and blessings, and lively traditional Horah dancing. Food will be provided after the Menorah lighting. The event is free and open to the public. At Reno City Plaza between City Hall and the Truckee River.

Artown Encore Series: Pink Martini - Thursday, December 7, 2023, 7:30 p.m. Pink Martini with China Forbes, brings a mix of classical, jazz, Latin and pop music to the Grand Sierra Resort's Grand Theatre. Online tickets start at $25. To avoid fees, buy tickets at the Grand Theatre box office or call 775-789-1115.

"Spirit of the Season" from the Reno Philharmonic - December 8 - 10, 2023. Celebrate the magic and warmth of the holiday season with your favorite festive movie music. Back by popular demand, the Reno Phil Orchestra and Chorus will take the stage for beloved classics and holiday concert must-haves. Sit back and enjoy "Holiday Music from the Movies." At the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts. Choose from four showtimes and purchase tickets online.

• Friday, December 8 at 7:00 PM
• Saturday, December 9 at 2:00 PM
• Saturday, December 9 at 7:00 PM
• Sunday, December 10 at 2:00 PM

Annual Share Your Christmas Drive-By Food Drive - Friday, December 8, 2023, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be four donation drop off locations - Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Governor's Mansion in Carson City, Carson Valley Inn in Minden, Raley's in Fernley. All non-perishable food items are accepted. You can also text the word "SHARE" and then a dollar amount to 50155 to donate directly to the Food Bank of Northern Nevada.

Reno Ice Christmas Show - Friday and Saturday, December 8 - 9, 2023, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. This Christmas show features Santa Claus and is at Reno Ice Community Ice Arena, 15500 Wedge Parkway in south Reno. Get tickets at the front desk. $10 adults, $5 kids 12 and under.

Drive Through Holiday Celebration at Washoe Lake State Park - December 8 - 10 and 15 - 17, 2023, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Washoe Lake State Park is hosting its 4th annual drive-through holiday celebration. Campground Loop B will be decorated with lights, holiday scenes, our favorite holiday movie quotes, and more. Vehicle clearance is limited to nine feet, six inches (9'6"). Participants will stay in their vehicles as they drive through the loop. Drivers should be prepared for congested traffic and a long line at the park entrance. Park staff has added an extra weekend to the event to help alleviate wait times. The park entrance fee is $5 per vehicle for Nevada residents and $10 per vehicle for non-Nevada residents. There is no additional charge for this program. We can accept cash, credit cards, and checks.

Reno Santa Crawl - Saturday, December 9, 2023, starting at 8 p.m. The Reno Santa Crawl draws thousands of Santas and Mrs. Santas to the largest event of its kind in the country. Start of the main event is in downtown Reno at the Silver Legacy, with an extra start location at Lead Dog Brewing on E. 4th Street in the Brewery District. The crawl features 41 venues and is a 21+ event. The list of participating bars and restaurants is extensive. Buy a pass, get your Santa on and join the fun. If you like this sort of thing, learn about more crawls from "Beer Crawls in Reno."

Hands ON! Second Saturday - Saturday, December 9, 2023. Come to the Nevada Museum of Art for a day of fun family activities and free admission for all. Participate in hands-on art projects, storytelling, live music, tours and more. Projects and stories this month have a "Winter Wonderland" theme. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

TOCCATA presents Handel's "Messiah" - Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus brings its annual production of Handel's "Messiah" to five Reno - Tahoe area locations. Tickets are available at the door 30 minutes prior to the concert, or can be purchased online. General admission is $30 adults, $25 seniors, free for persons under age 23. Preferred seating is $40, $15 for youth/students, $35 for seniors. Premium seating also available. (775) 298-6989.

• Saturday, December 9, 2023, 3 p.m. - Carson Valley United Methodist Church, Gardnerville
• Sunday, December 10, 2023, 3 p.m. - Assumption Catholic Church, Truckee
• Friday, December 15, 2023, 6:30 p.m. - St. Francis Catholic Church, Incline Village
• Sunday, December 17, 2023, 3 p.m. - St. Theresa's Catholic Church, South Lake Tahoe
• Saturday, December 23, 2023, 2:30 p.m. - Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Reno

"'Twas the Week After Christmas" by Reno Little Theater - Saturday and Sunday, December 9 - 10, 2023. 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. A hilarious and heartwarming musical about what happens when the North Pole loses the Christmas Spirit. Tickets are available online and at the Reno Little Theater box office. Located at 147 E. Pueblo St. in Reno.

The Nutcracker Ballet at the Grand Sierra Resort - Wednesday and Thursday, December 13 - 14, 2023, 7 p.m. With a cast of the finest talents and a lavish blend of costumes, scenery and outstanding choreography, The Reno Dance Company's extraordinary production creates a magical winter wonderland that mesmerizes children and ballet enthusiasts of all ages. In the Grand Sierra's Grand Theatre. Tickets available online.

The Nutcracker Ballet at the Pioneer Center - Friday through Sunday, December 15 - 17, 2023. A.V.A. Ballet Theatre presents its annual production at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts in Reno, with music by the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra. Friday's performance is at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. A special Sugar Plum party will be held after the Saturday and Sunday afternoon performances where children can meet the Nutcracker characters. Visit the website to get tickets for the performance you prefer.

Disney's "The Little Mermaid, Jr." from Sierra School of Performing Arts - Friday through Sunday, December 15 - 17, 2023. In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home — and her fins — behind and live in the world above. But first, she'll have to defy her father, King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she's the girl whose enchanting voice he's been seeking. December 15 at 7 p.m., December 16 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., December 17 at 2 p.m. At Damonte Ranch High School, 10500 Rio Wrangler Parkway in Reno. Tickets are available online.

High Desert Harmony Chorus presents High Desert Holidays - Saturday, December 16, 2023, 3 p.m. Enjoy holiday choral magic featuring selections such as White Christmas, O Chanukah, O Chanukah, Ring Out the Bells, and more. We look forward to performing at the beautiful new Hug High School Theater in Sparks. We will be joined by HDH's Holiday Guest Chorus, the Hug High School Choir and special guests. At Hug High School, 3530 Sullivan Lane in Sparks. Visit the website to get online tickets.

Reno Wind Symphony: Sounds of the Season - Sunday, December 17, 2023, 3 p.m. Our holiday program will include even more variety than previous seasons, along with featuring two auxiliary groups within the Reno Wind Symphony. One of the featured selections will be the Concert Suite from the Polar Express. The story teaches friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas in an amazing magical adventure to the North Pole on Christmas Eve aboard The Polar Express. Tickets are free, but you must register to attend. At Nightingale Concert Hall, 1335 N. Virginia St. on the UNR campus.

Tintabulations Handbell Ensemble - Tintabulations will be holding several concerts around the area during December, 2023. Visit the website to learn when and where.

Christmas on Ice - November 22 - December 30, 2023. Glide into the Eldorado Showroom for world-class synchronized skating and freestyle figures skating performed on real ice, alongside a stunning cast of singers and the highest-kicking chorus girls this side of the North Pole. Christmas on Ice is perfect for the entire family. At the Eldorado, 345 N. Virginia St. in Reno. Tickets are available online.

High Noon with Neal Cobb Winter Series: Home is Nevada: Animal Ark, episode #9 Video - Thursday, December 21, 2023, 12 noon to 1 p.m. Live on Facebook and Zoom. A special viewing of Home Is Nevada, where hosts Neal Cobb & Dick Stoddard get a behind the scenes tour at Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary. This streaming presentation is free to attend, but you must register from the website.

"Christmas in Space" at the Grand Sierra Resort - December 19 - 31, 2023. Hold onto your (space) seats, because this show features an unparalleled cast of acrobats, daredevils, and cirque performers who will leave you mesmerized. At the forefront of entertainment technology, the show utilizes mind-blowing projection mapping and interactive lasers that redefine 'holiday lights.' It's the perfect holiday treat for the whole family. Visit the website for more information and to buy tickets online. The Grand Sierra is at 2500 E. 2nd St. in Reno.

Ugly Sweater Wine Walk - Saturday, December 16, 2023. The Riverwalk Merchants present this fun event every third Saturday of the month. Tis' the season to rock ugly sweaters. Get festive in your ugly sweaters for the Reno Wine Walk this Saturday. Visit any of the start locations with $30 and receive your wine glass and hand stamp (with photo ID), then make the rounds sampling wines at numerous businesses in the area from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. This is a 21+ event. Pets and strollers are not advised. For more information, call (775) 825-WALK (9255).

Christmas Day - Monday, December 25, 2023.

Christmas Tree Recycling - Tuesday, December 26, 2023 through Sunday, January 7, 2024. This program is an excellent way to give your Christmas tree a new purpose while keeping it out of the landfill or letting it be illegally dumped on our public lands and open spaces.

Winter Break Camps and Activities - December 25, 2023 to January 5, 2024. Winter break activities for children and families around Reno and Sparks include camps and other things to do from several area organizations.

Nevada Chamber Music Festival - Thursday through Sunday, December 28 - 31, 2023. Six concerts in four days featuring Reno Chamber Orchestra musicians and ensembles from around the world. Visit the website for online festival passes and single tickets. Performances at Hall Recital Hall, University Arts Building (UAB), University of Nevada-Reno Campus.

New Year's Eve Parties - Sunday, December 31, 2023. Enjoy lots of parties and fireworks while bringing in 2023. There will be celebrations in Reno, Sparks, and up at Lake Tahoe.

New Year's Eve Dining - Sunday, December 31, 2023. Here are some dining spots for satisfying your appetite while bringing in the New Year in the Reno / Sparks area.

Reno-Tahoe Senior Winter Games - Dates posted when available.

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