NewToReno Info

2020 Christmas Events and Activities around Reno and Sparks

Search NewToReno

Custom Search

Free Gardening Classes
	It's not super easy, but you can grow vegetables and other plants in Reno and northern Nevada.

Washoe County Restaurant Inspections
	Is it savory or does it suck? Find out before you dine out.

Snow Play Areas
	Take a fun family outing to a nearby snow play area.

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 2020 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.

Sparks Annual Hometowne Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting

Canceled for 2020.

Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade. Photo © Stan White

Saturday, December 5, 2020, 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 6, 2020, 2 p.m. $25 per household / viewing device. This is a livestream concert. Ring in the holidays and let conductor Jason Altieri, along with the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, whisk you away to a winter wonderland for this year's Spirit of the Season. Even if we cannot celebrate together in person this year, the Reno Phil will still bring festive cheer by offering a special virtual concert experience celebrating being Home For the Holidays. Tickets are available online. Following these two performances, you can purchase an on-demand replay of the show for $30 that is good from 10 a.m. on December 7 through December 25, 2020. (775) 323-6393.

Canceled.

39 North Pole Village Holiday Lights Festival

39 North Pole Village is canceled for 2020. However, you can still 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 can view businesses and houses around Sparks to determine the winning displays. Registration deadline is December 10, 2020. You can download the entry form from the website. For more info, call (775) 690-2581.

December 1 - 31, 2020. Experience the magic of The Nutcracker Ballet in your own home, presented by A.V.A. Ballet Theatre with the Reno Philharmonic. The Nutcracker Ballet is a holiday tradition for all ages and this year, they will bring the magic to you. Stream and enjoy this encore performance all month long.

Northern Lights Festival

November 27 through December 31, 2020. 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 Santa Pub Crawl

Canceled.

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 11, 2020, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. KTVN 2 News and other community sponsors will be collecting food donations at 3 different locations - Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Governor's Mansion in Carson City and Carson Valley Inn in Minden. You don't need to get out of your car - volunteers will be on hand to unload donations for you.

Science Saturdays at the National Automobile Museum

Saturday, December 12, 2020. 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.

Saturday, December 12, 2020, 7:30 p.m. Please join us as we present The Holiday Celebration, which is one of the most crowd-pleasing events of our entire schedule, done virtually this year. The concert is free, with donations welcome to help cover technology costs.

Celebrate various winter holidays with arts and crafts from various cultures around the world in this 5 day online series. Each day will feature a different holiday. All virtual events are shared on Facebook, and are archived on the Library website and YouTube.

• 12-9-20: Hanukkah
• 12-10-20: Japanese inspired Furoshiki
• 12-11-20: Winter Solstice
• 12-12-20: Christmas
• 12-13-20: Kwanzaa

Santa's Drive-Thru Village

December 11 - 13 and 18 - 24, 2020. There will be no Polar Express trains during the 2020 holiday season. Instead, come enjoy "Santa's Drive-Thru Village" and visit the North Pole as a 2020 replacement for the Polar Express. While staying in your car, drive through the North Pole at the Eastgate Depot and witness Santa, Mrs. Claus and dozens of elves busy at work before Christmas. Tickets are $20 per car and available online or by calling 877-724-5007. The Village will be open from 6 p.m. through 9 p.m. The Eastgate Depot is east of Carson City on Hwy. 50 at 4650 Eastgate Siding Road.

November 27, 28, 29 and December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 2020. 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 - this is a popular activity. Due to COVID, tickets are being sold in family packs to allow for required social distancing. A two seater is $48, and 4 seater is $96, a 6 seater is $144 and an 8 seater is $192.

Saturday, December 19, 2020 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 20, 2020 at 2 p.m. Enjoy these two shows being streamed live from the Good Luck Macbeth Theater in Reno. Admission is free with donations gladly accepted.

New Year's Eve

Thursday, December 31, 2020. Enjoy lots of parties and fireworks while bringing in 2019.

Sponsored Links

Share NewToReno(dot)com