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2024 Christmas Season Events and Activities around Reno and Sparks

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Enjoy lots of family-friendly events and activities during the Christmas holiday season around Reno and Sparks. Here are some of the top choices. For even more, go to "December 2024 Events and Activities in the Reno Region."

Lots of people like to treat themselves to eating out on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Learn where to indulge yourself.

Going out and cutting your own Christmas tree makes a fun and memorable family outing. Get an inexpensive permit from public lands agencies (BLM or USFS) and other vendors, then head to the nearby forests to find that perfect tree.

Friday and Saturday, November 29 - 30, 2024. Friday 7 p.m., Saturday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Holiday Lights Festival will feature holiday shopping, live music, food trucks, breweries, and warm spirits alongside photos with Santa and an enchanting Christmas train ride at City Plaza. The event is free and open to the public and media. Free parking is available in the City Hall parking garage located at University Way and E. First Street. City Plaza is between City Hall and the Truckee River.

Sunday, December 1, 2024, 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. Presented by Sierra Nevada Ballet at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Reno. Visit the website for online tickets.

December 1 - 31, 2024. Among many, festivities include two weekends of Magical Christmas Fireworks and a Drone Show, 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, community celebrations and lots more. All events and activities up in Virginia City.

Thursday, December 5, 2024, 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.

Thursday to Saturday, December 5 - 7, 2024. Come to Victorian Square on December 6 at 6:30 p.m. for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, along with live entertainment and free hot chocolate. The parade starts on Saturday, December 7 at 1 p.m. This year's theme is "A Cowboy Christmas!" 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 December 5 to December 7, 2024.

Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade. Photo © Stan White

December 6 - 8, 2024. The dazzle of circus arts meets the excitement of Spirit of the Season in this special performance! Cirque stars tumble, soar, and delight while your Reno Phil Orchestra & Chorus, along with special guests, perform holiday and symphonic classics. It’s a perfect event for the entire family to enjoy together. At the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts. Choose from four showtimes and purchase tickets online.

• Friday, December 6 at 7:00 PM
• Saturday, December 7 at 2:00 PM
• Saturday, December 7 at 7:00 PM
• Sunday, December 8 at 2:00 PM

Saturday, December 7, 2024, 3 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. This year, the Sierra Alphorn Players will perform outside at 1 p.m. The May Museum will have festive decorations on display and offer free admission. 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. Visitors are asked to bring a sealed toy or non-perishable food item for Toys for Tots and the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. The Wilbur D. May Museum is inside Rancho San Rafael Regional Park at 1595 N. Sierra St. in Reno.

Saturday, December 7, 2024, 3 p.m. Join High Desert Harmony Chorus as we celebrate the holidays in festive style at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. As in years past, the chorus will be joined by our amazing Holiday Guest Chorus members, entertaining quartets, and the McQueen High School mixed choir. Visit the website to get online tickets.

Saturday and Sunday, December 7 - 8, 2024. You can get arts and crafts from numerous vendors while supporting local businesses. Find beautiful hand made items from tole 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.

Stop by the library to visit with Santa before he heads off to the North Pole to get ready for Christmas morning deliveries.

• Tuesday, December 10, 2024, 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Downtown Reno Library
• Wednesday, December 11, 2024, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Incline Village Library
• Friday, December 13, 2024, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Duncan / Traner Community Library

Saturday, December 14, 2024, 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."

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 $60, $35 for youth/students, $55 for seniors. Premium seating also available. (775) 524-2175.

• Friday, December 13, 2024, 6:30 p.m. - Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Reno
• Sunday, December 15, 2024, 3 p.m. - St. Theresa Catholic Church, S. Lake Tahoe
• Friday, December 20, 2024, 6:30 p.m. - Truckee High School Theater
• Saturday, December 21, 2024, 3 p.m. - First Presbyterian Church, Carson City
• Sunday, December 22, 2024, 3 p.m. - St. John's Presbyterian Church, Reno

November 5 through December 25, 2024. 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, Christmas tree lighting, Tahoe Film Fest and lots more. Note that many activities are adults only. Check the website for a complete schedule of events.

Take an evening drive during Christmas season to view some of the Christmas lights displays around the Truckee Meadows. Some people go all-out and create truly spectacular and amazing displays, complete with synchronized lights and music.

Friday, December 13, 2024, 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.

Saturday, December 14, 2024. 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.

Sunday, December 15, 2024, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. With a stellar cast, stunning costumes, and masterful choreography, the Reno Dance Company transforms the stage into a magical winter wonderland that will captivate both children and ballet lovers alike. Tickets start at $25. Visit the website to purchase tickets online for the show time of your choice. On the Grand Theatre Stage at Grand Sierra Resort, 2500 E. 2nd St. in Reno.

Friday through Sunday, December 20 - 22, 2024. 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.

Sunday, December 15, 2024, 3 p.m. Join the Reno Wind Symphony for "A Musical Winter Wonderland," a captivating free holiday concert that will warm your spirits and fill your heart with festive cheer. Experience a delightful selection of seasonal favorites and enchanting melodies, performed by talented musicians in a magical winter setting. Perfect for families and music lovers of all ages, this concert promises to be a joyful celebration of the holiday season. Tickets are free, but you must visit the website and register to attend. At Nightingale Concert Hall, 1335 N. Virginia St. on the UNR campus.

November 22 - December 29, 2024. 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.

December 19 - 31, 2024. Santa’s Epic Holiday Show is a spectacular Holiday Cirque show featuring holograms, projection mapping, interactive lasers, and amazing cirque performers. If you're searching for the best family Christmas events in Reno, this thrilling performance is the perfect way to make unforgettable holiday memories. Visit the website for more information and to buy tickets online. The Grand Sierra is at 2500 E. 2nd St. in Reno.

Saturday, December 21, 2024, 2 p.m. Joining the 17-piece orchestra is Tasche, a very talented and world-recognized R & B soul/rock artist ready to energize the stage with an engaging and entertaining holiday concert. From the most inventive yuletide grooves to straight-up soul and funk, Tasche will premiere an evening of big band music with a funky twist. Tickets are available online. The show is at UNR's Nightingale Hall, 1335 N. Virginia St. in Reno.

December 23, 2024 to January 3, 2025. Winter break activities for children and families around Reno and Sparks include camps and other things to do from several area organizations.

The Polar Express™ for the 2024 Christmas holiday season will visit the North Pole on select dates from November 15 through December 23. The Polar Express™ sells out every year. Get tickets as soon as possible if you want to ensure the best seats, date, and time for your family and/or group. Tickets are available online from the Polar Express website and by phone at 855-724-5102.

November 29 - 30 and December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 2024. Three departures each day at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Candy Cane Express trains will run on the V&T Railroad up in Virginia City. Get tickets in advance to ensure you get on board - reservations required. Tickets start at $26.

Saturday and Sunday, December 7 - 8, 14 - 15, 21 - 22, 2024. Santa Train rides will be running at the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City. You can visit with Santa aboard the train and write a letter to Santa at the "Letters to Santa" table. Buy raffle tickets supporting the Friends of the Nevada State Railroad Museum to win great prizes. Tickets are $10 for all riders; children 2 and under are free.

Christmas Day - Wednesday, December 25, 2024.

Christmas Tree Recycling

Thursday, December 26, 2024 through Monday, January 6, 2025. 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.

Saturday through Tuesday, December 28 - 31, 2024. 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

Tuesday, December 31, 2024. Enjoy lots of parties and fireworks while bringing in 2025.

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