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December 2024 Events and Activities in the Reno Region

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

Christmas Holiday Trains
	Festive train rides for the Christmas holiday season.

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

Big events during December, 2024 include...

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

Peanutcracker - The Story in a Nutshell - 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.

Christmas on the Comstock - 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.

Student Outreach Clinics from UNR - Women's Clinic - Tuesday, December 3, 2024, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. This clinic provides medical care aimed specifically at female concerns. This includes services such as Pap smears, breast exams, STD counseling, pregnancy tests, IUD placements, and physical exams for both gynecological and non-gynecological concerns. Unfortunately, we cannot offer pregnancy care at this time. 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.

Tahoe Film Fest - Thursday through Sunday, December 5 - 8, 2024. Films will be shown at various venues around north Lake Tahoe. 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 37th Annual Hometowne Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting - 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.

Siamsa - A Celtic Christmas - 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.

"Spirit of the Season" from the Reno Philharmonic - 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

"Little Miss Buttcracker" from Bruka Theatre - December 6, 7, 11 - 14, 18 - 21, 2024, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees December 8, 15, 2024, 2 p.m. This parody of The Nutcracker ballet is a cross between Little Miss Sunshine and Dance Moms. The show has evolved into a regional cult classic, offering a different underbelly to the original ballet each year it is performed. Not for ballet purists or those with tight slippers. Recommended: 12 years and up. Tickets available online. Bruka Theatre is at 99 N. Virginia Street in downtown Reno.

Reno Ice Christmas Show - Friday and Saturday, December 6 - 7, 2024, 7 p.m. to 9:30 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.

Jurassic Quest - Friday through Sunday, December 6 - 8, 2024. There’s no better place to make pter-iffic memories playing with adorable baby Dinos, excavating fossils, or even training a raptor while surrounded by behemoths like sky-scraping Spinosaurus and, the King himself, Tyrannosaurus rex. Jurassic Quest is the world's largest, most popular Dino event with unique and exciting experiences for the whole family. Tickets are available online. Show times are 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. At the Reno Sparks Convention Center, 4590 S Virginia St. in Reno.

Tuba Christmas at the May Museum - 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.

Light Up The Night Community Christmas Event - Saturday, December 7, 2024, 4 p.m. to 7 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, a petting zoo, pictures with Santa, Christmas music and carols, bounce houses, fire pits and s'mores, food trucks and more. The event is at Horizon Church, 2025 E. Prater Way in Sparks. No dogs.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day - Saturday, December 7, 2024. 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.

Student Outreach Clinics from UNR - General and Pediatric Clinic - Saturday, December 7, 2024, 8 a.m. to 12 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.

High Desert Harmony Chorus presents High Desert Holidays - 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, 4590 S. Virginia Stret in Reno. 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.

Magic of Santa Arts and Crafts Faire - 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.

Annual Share Your Christmas Drive-By Food Drive - 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.

TOCCATA presents Handel's Messiah and Holiday Favorites - 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

Reno Santa Crawl - 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."

Hands ON! Second Saturday - 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.

The Nutcracker Ballet at the Grand Sierra Resort - 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.

Reno Wind Symphony: A Musical Winter Wonderland - 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.

The Nutcracker Ballet at the Pioneer Center - 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.

Ugly Sweater Wine Walk - Saturday, December 21, 2024. 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).

Reno Jazz Orchestra presents "A Very Soulful Christmas" - 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.

Northern Lights Festival - 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.

Tintabulations Handbell Ensemble - Tintabulations will be holding several concerts around the area during December, 2024. Visit the website to learn when and where.

Christmas on Ice - 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.

"Santa's Epic Holiday Show" at the Grand Sierra Resort - 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.

Christmas Day - Wednesday, December 25, 2024.

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 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.

Nevada Chamber Music Festival - 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 Parties - Tuesday, December 31, 2024. Enjoy lots of parties and fireworks while bringing in 2025. There will be celebrations in Reno, Sparks, and up at Lake Tahoe.

New Year's Eve Dining - Tuesday, December 31, 2024. 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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