Weekend Warrior: December 2021

Gather your loved ones and head on down to Victorian Square in Sparks for a good old-fashioned, hometown Christmas celebration. This year’s event features double the live entertainment, a brilliant saturation of holiday light displays and free photos with Santa Claus who is itching to read those well-drafted wish lists.  A heated tent invites you in to check a few gifts off your holiday shopping list. Each night at dusk, you’ll marvel at the Griswold Challenge, a splendid holiday light decorating contest expected to fully illuminate Victorian Square. Parade Day is Saturday.  For more information and registration for the Griswold Challenge, visit 39NorthDowntown.com.

Believe Again: A Christmas Shopping Giveaway
December 1-18
Support local business and complete your shopping for the rest of the year at Virginia City’s unique stores this year, eat at a restaurant, enter to win a $500 gift card, and get a room and stay the night! To enter the drawing. Simply bring your receipts to the Visitors Center and receive a raffle ticket for every $5 spent in town. Two winners will each receive a $500 shopping spree in Virginia City.  Shop between Dec 1-18. Winners announced Dec 20. Visitor Center hours are 10 am to 5 pm daily (86 South C St).

Holiday Decorating Contest
December 3-4
Virginia City’s shops don’t just decorate for Christmas, they go full Clark Griswold. With lights bright enough for Santa Claus to see from his sleigh in-flight and see what makes this small-town Christmas so special. Vote for your favorite light display between Dec 3-19 at the Visitor Center (86 South C St).

Christmas in the Sierra Concert with David John & The Comstock Cowboys
December 3 (7 pm)
Help ring in the Holiday Season and enjoy this Christmas extravaganza. This genuine local band is always a crowd favorite!

Candy Cane Express
December 4-5, December 11-12 & December 18-19 (Departing 12 pm, 1:30 pm, and 3 pm)
Steeped in holiday spirit, this whimsical train has become a cherished local tradition for families of all ages. On the scenic 45-minute journey over the original 150-year old V&T railroad route, you will enjoy hot cocoa or cider, candy canes & cookies on the festively decorated train.

The Grinch Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl
December 4 (11 am-5pm)
Have some fun during “The Grinch Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl” with festival specialty holiday drinks at featured locations. The saloon crawl starts at 11 am with check-in starting at 10 am. Register online through the link below.

St. Mary’s Art Center 7th annual Holiday Faire
December 4 (10 am-4 pm) and December 5 (10 am-3 pm)
St. Mary’s Art Center offers a truly festive holiday shopping experience with over 20 local and regional artists and makers sharing and selling their creations in a decorated, music-filled space. This is the perfect shopping opportunity to give truly one-of-a-kind gifts while also supporting local artists and artisans. Admission is free.

Parade of Lights
December 4 and December 11 (5 pm)
See the spirit of Christmas travel through the historic town of Virginia City as Christmas cheer lights up the streets at the annual Parade of Lights. Sip some hot cocoa and enjoy sweet treats from VC’s local shops as you take in the warmth of this beloved event.

Magical Christmas Fireworks Show
December 4 and 11 (6 pm)
Nothing says holiday magic like fireworks during the holidays. The fireworks take place following the Parade of Lights.

Train O’ Lights
December 3 & 4, December 10 & 11, December 17 & 18 (5 pm, 6 pm, 8 pm)
The historic Virginia & Truckee Railroad illuminates the evening sky with thousands of LED lights, creating a magical Christmas memory that will last forever. Trains depart from the Virginia City depot and the narrated, round-trip ride lasts about 40 minutes.

Tidings & Tinsel at Piper’s Opera House
December 4 (1-4 pm) $10 per child
A fun-filled afternoon for the kids at Piper’s Opera House! Bring the little ones to enjoy decorating Christmas tree cookies, writing letters to Santa, ornament decoration, and other fun Christmas crafts. Santa makes an appearance from 1-3 pm. Author Monica Marcinko will read her story, “I Want to Be An Elf” from 3-4 pm. Hot cocoa and cider will be available for purchase along with mixed drinks for the grownups.

A Comstock Christmas Carol by Piper’s Players
December 10 (7 pm), December 11 (2 pm and 7 pm) and December 12 (2 pm)
This family-friendly play features the story of the Christmas Carol and is set to the fun and light-hearted music of The Muppets Christmas Carol. The classic Christmas tale is one for the whole family with music and dancing to entertain all ages. Shows take place December 10 (7 pm), December 11 (2 pm and 7 pm) and December 12 (2 pm).

Register for and purchase tickets to these special events at VisitVirginiaCityNV.com!

If you’re seeking and enchanting evening of music and dance, Siamsa: A Celtic Christmas at the Grand Sierra Resort is a must see.  Siamsa is actually pronounced “Shimsa,” and in Gaelic, means “to celebrate.”  The charming story, dance and artistic expression of Siamsa depicts the tale of three young orphans in search of “The Candle in the Window,” the light that symbolizes the true meaning of Christmas.  This uplifting production follows a search takes them on an eventful journey from Celtic village to village, where they encounter traditions, superstitions, customs and amusing antics along the way. This year’s production of Siamsa features exciting Irish dance champions, vocalists, musicians and local actors. Purchase tickets in advance at GrandSierraResort.com.

The stage at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts comes alive with a favorite holiday tradition of The Nutcracker.  Talented performers of A.V.A. Ballet Theatre and the gorgeous, live accompaniment of the Reno Philharmonic combine to bring an exciting rendition of the popular holiday ballet.  Laura Jackson will conduct the orchestra, while principal dancers who have performed with professional ballet companies  assume leading roles along side a large cast of local dancers. Purchase tickets at the Pioneer Box Office Monday-Friday (10 am to 4 pm), 2 hours before each show, online at PioneerCenter.com or by calling (775) 434-1050.

Ho! Ho! Ho! Santas, Mrs. Clauses and every Christmas-themed character imaginable will be roaming the streets of Downtown Reno the evening of December 11 at one of the most massive Santa pub crawls in the U.S.  Will you be among the Christmas-clad-crowd totaling more than 15,000??  It’s a sight be behold, and quite a lot of fun, I must admit. Reno’s Santa Pub Crawl has 4 basic rules to follow: 1) Dress Up, 2) Buy Passes, 3) Buy a Few Small Gifts (to give to strangers) and 4) Be Nice. Proceeds help support local schools. Discover which 33 bars/taverns are hosting the phenomenal party, purchase passes, download the event map, get info on hotels, and more at RenoSantaCrawl.com. 

TOO SHORT:  Saturday, December 4 @ LEX Nightclub-Grand Sierra (Hip Hop/Gangsta Rock)
PINK MARTINI:  Thursday, Dec 9 @ Grand Sierra Resort (Classical/Traditional Pop)
JAMIE JOHNSON: Saturday, Dec 11 @ Grand Sierra Resort (Country) 

Broadway Comes to Reno again, presenting magnificent performances of Fiddler on the Roof!  A wonderful cast and a lavish orchestra tell this heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and the timeless traditions that define faith and family.  Featuring the favorite classics “Tradition,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” and “To Life,” the fresh and authentic vision performed in this beloved theatrical masterpiece introduces a new generation to this uplifting celebration that raises its cup to joy, to love and to life!  For more information and tickets in advance, visit PioneerCenter.com.