NewToReno Info

2019 Christmas Events and Activities around Reno and Sparks

Search NewToReno

Custom Search

Thanksgiving Dining
	Explore numerous options for dining out rather than cooking a big meal at home.

Thanksgiving Activities
	Thanksgiving is a time when activities revolve around good food and visiting with family and friends.

Christmas Tree Cutting Permits
	You can get Christmas tree cutting permits to go get a tree on nearby public land.

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 2019 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.

A Christmas Story The Musical

Friday through Sunday, November 29 to December 1, 2019. A CHRISTMAS STORY THE MUSICAL, brings the classic 1983 movie to hilarious life on stage. Set in 1940s Indiana, a young and bespectacled Ralphie Parker schemes his way toward the holiday gift of his dreams. At the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, 100 S. Virginia Street in Reno. Visit the website to get tickets online or call (775) 434-1050. Use the code "RALPHIE" for online presale tickets.

Tuba Christmas Concert

Saturday, December 7, 2019, 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. The May Museum is inside Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, 1595 N. Sierra Street in Reno.

City of Reno Annual Tree Lighting

Saturday, December 7, 2019, 5:30 p.m. The event begins at noon in City Plaza (between City Hall and the Truckee River) with a makers/artisan fair, food trucks, and live music. Tree lighting festivities begin at 5 p.m. with several different entertaining groups such as the Kennelly Irish Dancers, Gospel Choir and "Santa's Christmas Wonderland" from the Eldorado. Santa will be on site from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. for free photos with the kids. At 6 p.m., Mayor Hillary Schieve and City of Reno Council members will start the official countdown to the tree lighting. Following this, enjoy free ice skating at Rink at The Row.

Reno Winter Light Festival

December 7 - 14, 2019. This event begins with the Reno tree lighting on Saturday. Three temporary public art pieces will be on display through the duration of the Winter Light Festival. They will be at the ReTRAC Plaza on Virginia Street and at Wingfield Park. On closing night (Dec. 14) from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., come to City Plaza for the Fire & Ice Show, featuring an ice carving competition and fire art and dancers. It's all free and open to the public.

December 6 - 8, 13 - 15, 20 - 24, 2019. This winter holiday event includes the Holiday Express Train to the North Pole, pictures with Santa and craft making in Santa's Village, plus thousands of lights. The train ride is a custom narrated journey around the inside of the stadium to Santa's Village. Hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays and December 22 - 24 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. $10 per person, kids 2 and under free. Greater Nevada Field is at 250 Evans Avenue in Reno.

Sparks Annual Hometowne Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting

Friday and Saturday, December 6 - 7, 2019. Come to Victorian Square on December 7 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 "Christmas Around the World." Get a picture with Santa and check out the Community Faire with information on how you can give back to your community this holiday season. The tree lighting ceremony will be the night of December 6 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Event includes live music entertainment.

Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade. Photo © Stan White

Friday through Sunday, December 6 - 8, 2019. The Reno Phil and conductor Jason Altieri invite you to a classic holiday celebration full of orchestral arrangements, jazzy numbers, traditional holiday tunes and carols. Performances at the Pioneer Center will be at 7 p.m. on December 6, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on December 7 and at 2 p.m. on December 8. Tickets start at $16 and are available online. The Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts is in downtown Reno at 100 S. Virginia Street.

Starting on December 1, 2019. Go up to Virginia City for Christmas celebrations that include Candy Cane Express trains, photos with Father Christmas, the Parade of Lights, Christmas craft fair, St. Mary's Art Center Holiday Faire, children's art program, A Comstock Christmas Carol at Piper's Opera House, The Grinch Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl and Christmas in the Sierra Concert.

39 North Pole Village Holiday Lights Festival

Thursday through Saturday, December 12 - 14, 2019. Victorian Square in downtown Sparks becomes a sparkling winter wonderland with thousands of lights in celebration of the holidays. Stroll through the holiday lights, enjoy photos with Santa, kids activities, decorating contests and vendors. You can take part in The Griswold Challenge, where local families and businesses compete in a light display contest inspired by Clark Griswold from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. This is a People's Choice contest, so people attending the event will determine the winning team. Hours are 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday.

Friday through Sunday, December 13 - 15, 2019. 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.

December 5 - 7, 11 - 14, 18 - 21, 2019. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. Matinees on December 8 and 18 start at 2 p.m. What began as a Brüka parody of "The Nutcracker" has evolved into a regional cult classic, offering a different underbelly to the original ballet each year it is performed. This years theme explores re-creation with a wink to Mary Shelly and an observance of neologisms that dynamically flavor a new holiday conversation for the millennium. Advance tickets are $26 for students/seniors/military, $28 general admission. All tickets are $30 at the door. Reservations are available through the box office at (775) 323-3221. Tickets (with service fee) are available online.

December 19, 2019 - January 1, 2020. 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. For the whole family. Both matinee and evening shows. Visit the website for times and tickets.

Friday through Sunday, December 20 - 22, 2019. Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity. Showtimes are Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sunday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Visit the website for online tickets or call (775) 813-8900. Reno Little Theater is at 147 E. Pueblo Street.

Northern Lights Tahoe

November 29 through December 31, 2019. 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 concerts, a Santa crawl, opening day at Diamond Peak ski resort, holiday craft fair, holiday sing-a-long, and lots more. Note that some activities are adults only. Check the website for a complete schedule of events.

November 26 through December 29, 2019. Featuring glittering costumes, sensational sets, a dazzling cast and the highest kicking chorus dancers this side of the North Pole, bring the whole family to sing along to songs like "White Christmas," "Winter Wonderland," "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer" and many more. Tickets are available online. For more information on show times and tickets call 800-879-8879. The Eldorado is at 345 North Virginia Street in Reno.

Saturday, December 14, 2019. The Gingerbread Festival is a fun family event and holiday tradition. Listen to holiday music performed by area choral groups and musicians, create your own mini-gingerbread house to take home, have your face painted and even enjoy a visit with Santa Claus. Admission is free and the event will be from 12 noon to 4 p.m. There are 8 different categories for the Gingerbread House Contest (you don't have to enter to come enjoy the festival). Judging will take place on Saturday morning. All entries will be on display at the Gingerbread Festival at Wilbur D. May Museum (1595 North Sierra Street, Reno) later that day. The entry fee is $10. You can register online or download and mail the form and fee to the May Arboretum Society. Entry deadline is December 9, 2019.

Reno Santa Pub Crawl

Saturday, December 14, 2019. The Reno Santa Pub 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 you can also have fun before the event with Santa skiing at Mt. Rose. The list of participating bars and restaurants is extensive. 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."

NorthStar Chamber Players present: "Woodwind Quintet Concert"

The popular woodwind quintet will perform favorite holiday classics at branches of the Washoe County Library. Enjoy Christmas carols, selections from The Nutcracker, and other seasonal music.

• Tuesday, December 17, 4 p.m., Sparks Library
• Tuesday, December 17, 6 p.m., Spanish Springs Library
• Wednesday, December 18, 4 p.m., Downtown Reno Library
• Wednesday, December 18, 6 p.m., South Valleys Library

December 19, 2019, to January 1, 2020. Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with a high-energy magical show for the whole family. 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. Visit the website to buy online tickets. At the Grand Theatre in the Grand Sierra Resort, 2500 E. 2nd Street in Reno.

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.

Science Saturdays at the National Automobile Museum

Saturday, December 14, 2019, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Join in on adventures that are out of this world, with "Discovering the Universe." 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.

Sunday, December 8, 2019, 11 a.m. "It's A Wonderful Life" at the Downtown Reno Library auditorium.

Sunday, December 8, 2019, 3 p.m. "A Christmas Carol" at the Spanish Springs Library.

Santa Claus will be making the rounds with Story Time at several branches of the Washoe County Library until shortly before Christmas. Here's where you can take the kids to visit St. Nick...

• Tuesday, December 10, 2019, 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., Downtown Reno Library
• Friday, December 13, 2019, 10:15.m. to 10:45 a.m., Sparks Library
• Saturday, December 14, 2019, 11 a.m. to 12 noon, Duncan / Traner Community Library
• Thursday, December 19, 2019, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Spanish Springs Library
• Friday, December 20, 2019, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., South Valleys Library
• Saturday, December 21, 2019, 11 a.m. to 12 noon, Northwest Reno Library
• Saturday, December 21, 2019, 11 a.m. to 12 noon, Sierra View Library

TOCCATA presents "Messiah"

Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus brings its annual production of Handel's "Messiah" to five northern Nevada 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 young people under 23. Preferred seating is $40 and $15 for youth/students. (775) 298-6989.

• Sunday, December 8, 2019, 3 p.m. - Trinity Lutheran Church, Gardnerville
• Saturday, December 14, 2019, 3 p.m. - Harrah's Showroom, Stateline (South Lake Tahoe)
• Sunday, December 15, 2019, 3 p.m. - Genoa Lakes Golf Club (special ticketing - refer to website)
• Saturday, December 21, 2019, 3 p.m. - The Chateau, Incline Village
• Sunday, December 22, 2019, 4 p.m. - St. John's Presbyterian Church, Reno

Polar Express on the V&T Railroad

Trips to the North Pole continue on the V&T Railroad through December 24, 2019. Plan ahead - getting advance tickets is a must for those wanting to ride the Polar Express to the North Pole this holiday season.

November 29 - 30 and December 7, 8, 14, 15, 2019. Two departures each day at 12 noon and 2 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 - this is a popular activity.

Saturday and Sunday, December 7 - 8, 14 - 15, 21 - 22, 2019. Come ride the festive steam train during the Christmas holiday season at the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City. Santa Trains will run every half hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $5 per person. Kids under 3 free if sitting on a lap.

Friday and Saturday, December 13 - 14, 2019. Friday, December 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 14 at 2 p.m. Headlining the performance this year are world-renowned trombone soloist Bob McChesney and dynamic entertainer and GRAMMY nominee vocalist Calabria Foti. The whole family will enjoy over two-hours of music and songs that will include The Christmas Song, Let It Snow, White Christmas, and many other classics that will rekindle the magical memories of being home for the holidays. At Cargo Concert Hall at the Whitney Peak Hotel in Reno. Tickets start at $25 for general seating (plus processing fee), $10 for students (with I.D.) and can be purchased online or by calling (775) 372-6160.

New Year's Eve

Tuesday, December 31, 2019. Enjoy lots of parties and fireworks while bringing in 2019.

Christmas Events and Activities at Lake Tahoe and Nearby Areas

Friday and Sunday, December 6 and 8, 2019. The Festival is a multi-day holiday extravaganza, featuring lavishly decorated holiday trees, wreaths, and decor, local entertainment, a kids' craft area, photos with Santa, and a Teddy Bear Hospital. The annual event will benefit the Community Health Endowment. It will be at the Harrah's Tahoe in Stateline, NV. Visit the website for event details.

Friday, December 6, 2019. Nevada's oldest town celebrates Christmas with a tree lighting, caroling and visit from Santa on Friday starting at 5:30 p.m. On Saturday, December 14, 2019, Breakfast with Santa will have seatings at 8:30 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 10:50 a.m. Tickets are $5, kids 4 and under are free. Check the website for more events during December. Genoa is in the Carson Valley, about 42 miles from Reno. It is home to Mormon Station Memorial State Park.

Sponsored Links

Share NewToReno(dot)com