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December 2021 Events and Activities in the Reno Region

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Big events during December, 2021 include...

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

"Spirit of the Season" from the Reno Philharmonic - Gather the family for a true holiday tradition. The Reno Phil, Reno Phil Chorus and conductor Jason Altieri invite you to the Spirit of the Season, a classic holiday celebration full of orchestral arrangements, jazzy numbers, traditional holiday tunes and carols. At the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts. Choose from four showtimes and purchase tickets online.

• Friday, December 3 at 7:00 PM
• Saturday, December 4 at 2:00 PM
• Saturday, December 4 at 7:00 PM
• Sunday, December 5 at 2:00 PM

Northern Lights Festival - November 20 through December 31, 2021. 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.

Reno's Annual Holiday Tree Lighting - Wednesday, December 1, 2021, 6 p.m. Join the City of Reno and members of the Reno City Council as we light the official Holiday Tree at Reno City Plaza. Free and open to the public.

Christmas on the Comstock - December 1 - 31, 2021. Festivities include the Believe Again Christmas Challenge shopping spree worth $1,000, two weekends of Magical Christmas Fireworks Shows, the fun-filled Candy Cane Express trains and the evening Train O'Lights, a Christmas play, Parade of Lights, a saloon crawl, holiday artisan craft fair at St. Mary's Art Center and community celebrations.

Tahoe Film Fest - Thursday through Sunday, December 2 - 5, 2021. 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).

Sparks 34th Annual Hometowne Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting - Friday and Saturday, December 3 - 4, 2021. Come to Victorian Square on December 4 for the traditional Christmas parade festivities from 10:30 a.m. to about 2:30 p.m., along with entertainment, photos with Santa, and arts and crafts. The parade begins at 1 p.m. This year's theme is "The ART of Christmas." The tree lighting ceremony will be the night of December 3 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 December 2 - 4, 2021.

Tuba Christmas Concert - Saturday, December 4, 2021, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. This free, family-friendly event features holiday carols arranged in four-part harmony and performed by local tuba, baritone, and euphonium players. The Wilbur May Museum will have festive decorations on display and offer free admission all day long. Hot cocoa, cider, and cookies will also be available for purchase. Don't forget to bring a new & unwrapped present for Toys for Tots. The May Museum is at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, 1595 N. Sierra Street in Reno.

Light Up The Night Community Christmas Event - Saturday, December 4, 2021, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Light Up The Night is an event open to all families and individuals in Reno-Sparks. The free event was created to usher in the Christmas season, and provide a free and fun Christmas event for the Reno / Sparks community. Come and enjoy pony rides, pictures with Santa, Christmas music and carols, bounce houses, fire pits and s'mores, food trucks, rock climbing wall and more. Canned food donations welcome. The event is at Horizon Church, 2025 E. Prater Way in Sparks.

Magic of Santa Arts and Crafts Faire - Saturday and Sunday, December 4 - 5, 2021. 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 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.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day - Tuesday, December 7, 2021. 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.

Siamsa - A Celtic Christmas - Wednesday, December 8, 2021, doors open at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Featuring dance and music, SIAMSA tells the story of three young orphans searching for the "Candle in the Window" – the light that represents the true meaning of Christmas. This year's production of SIAMSA features Irish dance champions, vocalists, musicians and local actors and actresses. In the Grand Theatre at the Grand Sierra Resort, 2500 E. 2nd St. in Reno. Tickets available online.

Pink Martini Holiday Show - Thursday, December 9, 2021, 7:30 p.m. Presented by Artown, 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 $20.

Annual Share Your Christmas Drive-By Food Drive - Friday, December 10, 2021, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be three donation drop off locations - Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Governor's Mansion in Carson City, Carson Valley Inn in Minden. 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.

The Nutcracker Ballet - Friday through Sunday, December 10 - 12, 2021. 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. Visit the website to get tickets for the performance you prefer.

"A Christmas Carol" from Bruka Theatre - December 10, 11, 15 - 18, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. December 12 and 18, 2021 at 2 p.m. The play is adapted and directed for three actors by Michael Grimm. This production is a hybrid of a staged reading and a performance piece. COVID-19 protocols will be observed and necessary for entry. See the website for details.

Reno Santa Pub Crawl - Saturday, December 11, 2021, starting at 7:30 p.m. The Reno Santa Crawl draws thousands of Santas and Mrs. Santas to the largest event of its kind in the country. The main event is in downtown Reno, but there are other related activities. The list of participating bars and restaurants is extensive. Buy a pass, get your Santa on and join the fun. The Reno Santa Crawl supports local schools through DonorsChoose.org. If you like this sort of thing, learn about more crawls from "Beer Crawls in Reno."

Hands ON! Second Saturday - Saturday, December 11, 2021. 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 will have a holiday theme. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Science Saturdays at the National Automobile Museum - Saturday, December 11, 2021. Join in on adventures that are out of this world. Admission is $12 per person for children and adults, which also includes admission to the Museum. For participants age 8 and up. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required approximately two days before the event. Call the Museum at (775) 333-9300 for more information.

High Desert Harmony Chorus presents High Desert Holidays - Sunday, December 12, 2021, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of holiday choral magic featuring selections such as White Christmas, O Chanukah, O Chanukah, Ring Out the Bells, and more. Sit back and take in our ever-growing guest chorus as well as special guest performances. We can't wait to share what we hope will be a beautiful holiday afternoon with you and your family. At The Theatre, 505 Keystone Ave. in Reno. Tickets are available online.

Tintabulations Handbell Ensemble - Tintabulations will be holding several concerts around the area during December, 2021. Visit the website to learn when and where.

Santa's Christmas Wonderland at the Eldorado - through December 26, 2021. This is a delightful and enchanting show that's complete with glittering costumes, a dazzling cast, your favorite Christmas songs and the highest kicking chorus girls this side of the North Pole. Tickets are available online. The Eldorado is at 345 N. Virginia Street in Reno.

TOCCATA presents "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 and $15 for youth/students. Be sure to read about the COVID-19 and mask requirements. (775) 313-9697.

• Sunday, December 5, 2021 at 3 p.m. - The Cornerstone Church, Incline Village
• Friday, December 10, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. - Trinity Lutheran Church, Gardnerville
• Sunday, December 12, 2021 at 3 p.m. - The Sierra Bible Church, Truckee
• Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 3 p.m. - Brewery Arts Center, Carson City
• Sunday, December 19, 2021 at 3 p.m. - St. Theresa's Catholic Church, South Lake Tahoe

Reno Wind Symphony: A Holiday Celebration - Saturday and Sunday, December 11 - 12, 2021, 7:30 p.m. Join us for two performances of A Holiday Celebration, featuring some of your favorite holiday tunes. There will also be an old-fashioned Christmas Sing–A–Long so bring your best voice. General admission is $10, $5 for seniors. Students are free with school ID. At UNR's Nightingale Concert Hall, 1335 N. Virginia St. in Reno.

Mystery Science Theater 3000 Live: Time Bubble Tour - Thursday, December 16, 2021, 7:30 p.m. Join host Emily Connor (Emily Marsh) and the world's greatest – and only – movie riffing robots, Tom Servo (Conor McGiffin), Crow (Nate Begle), and GPC (Yvonne Freese), as they take you on an exhilarating rollercoaster ride through the film Making Contact. Now you can sit in the same theater with your favorite characters and experience this long running comedy phenomenon in a universally-acclaimed LIVE event. At the Pioneer Center, 100 S. Virginia St. in Reno. Tickets available online.

Reno Jazz Orchestra Home for the Holidays 2021 - Friday, December 17, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 19, 2021 at 4 p.m. This year's production is a good old-fashioned tribute to the music that we grew up with here in America. The whole family will enjoy over two hours of music and songs that will rekindle the magical memories of being home for the holidays. Proof of covid vaccinations and masks required for entry. At The Theatre, 505 Keystone Ave. in Reno. Tickets are available online.

Winter Break Camps and Activities - December 17 - 31, 2021. Winter break activities for children and families around Reno and Sparks include camps and other things to do from several area organizations.

"Ho, Ho, Ho: The Santa Claus Chronicles" by Reno Little Theater - Friday through Sunday, December 17 - 19, 2021. We start off with a press conference where St. Nick's press secretary will answer questions about the jolly guy. You will also meet the elves Eeny, Meeny, Miney, and Sol who take care of the reindeer and you will also hear from the elves working the gift suggestion hotline. The Santa Claus Chronicles is partnering with Project Sweet Dreams. Project Sweet Dreams Mission is that all children have pajamas so they can have a good night's sleep filled with sweet dreams. Bring a new pair of pajamas. We are accepting all sizes (newborn through adult). Show times are 7 p.m. on December 17, 18, 19 and 2 p.m. on December 18 and 19. Tickets are available online. Located at 147 E. Pueblo St. in Reno.

"Holiday Dreams" at the Grand Sierra Resort - December 18, 2021 through January 1, 2022. Holiday Dreams is a unique holiday-themed show with a fresh approach, taking the time-honored elements of the holidays – like the music, decorations, and spirit of Christmas – and mixing them with computer animation and projection mapping, for a modern, up-to-date spin on the classic holiday show. There are multiple shows and times. 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 18, 2021. 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).

Student Outreach Clinics from UNR - General and Pediatrics Clinic - Saturday, December 18, 2021, 8 a.m. to 12 noon. 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.

Christmas Day - Saturday, December 25, 2021.

Christmas Tree Recycling - Saturday, December 26, 2021 through Sunday, January 10, 2022. 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.

Quick Lane Bowl - Monday, December 27, 2021. The Wolf Pack takes on Michigan State U. in this bowl game played in Detroit, MI. Kickoff is at 8 a.m.

Nevada Chamber Music Festival - Tuesday through Friday, December 28 - 31, 2021. Five concerts in four days featuring Reno Chamber Orchestra musicians and ensembles from around the world, curated by NCMF Artistic Director Clive Greensmith. 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 - Friday, December 31, 2021. Enjoy lots of parties and fireworks while bringing in 2021. There will be celebrations in Reno, Sparks, and up at Lake Tahoe.

New Year's Eve Dining - Friday, December 31, 2021. 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 - Canceled for 2022.

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