Weekend Warrior: Dec 2024

I hope you all are enjoying this magical time of year!  Here is your official guide to some of the best events in and around the Reno-Sparks, Nevada region in December. The “WW” is published monthly for my family, friends, and real estate clients. If you received this from a friend or via social media, and want to get it directly, let’s connect. Now, get out and enjoy the many awesome events that Northern Nevada has to offer as you wrap up 2025. And… HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

When capturing the spirit of Christmas, nobody does it better than Virginia City!  At this historic mining town near Reno, Christmas on the Comstock is a festive, month-long annual celebration filled with events sure to warm your heart and bring joy to your soul. Carve some time out of your busy holiday season by heading up Geiger Grade for one of the memorable experiences this bustling town has to offer:

V&T Candy Cane Express and Electric Holiday Train O’ Lights Dec 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, and 22 @ 12 pm, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Steeped in the holiday spirit, this whimsical train has become a cherished local tradition for families of all ages. Heated seats, Christmas carols, and a free cookie make for a magical holiday treat. Trains depart from the Virginia City depot, and the narrated, round-trip ride lasts about 40 minutes. Trains sell out, so reserve seats early here.

Electric Holiday Train O’ Lights Dec. 6, 7, 13, 20, 21, 27, & 28 @ 6 p.m. Step into a world of vibrant holiday wonder aboard the Virginia & Truckee Electric Holiday Train O’ Lights. With thousands of LED lights, heated seats, and complimentary cocoa, this magical 40-minute round-trip journey is a must-see for the whole family. Reserve your seats here.

Christmas Candlelight Tour at Mackay Mansion Nov 29, 30 & Dec 6, 7, 13, 20, 21, 27, 28 @ 6 p.m.
Take a guided tour of the Mackay Mansion to uncover its fascinating history and hear intriguing tales of paranormal encounters. Enjoy the mansion’s seasonal decorations, and end your visit with a cozy cup of hot chocolate. Learn more and purchase tickets here.

Holiday Town-wide Decorations December 2024
Whether you’re cruising through town or strolling the festive streets, you’ll be surrounded by the magic of Christmas at every turn. It’s a whimsical wonderland you won’t want to miss!

Gingerbread Decorating Contest Dec. 1-20 throughout Virginia City
As you peruse Virginia City, remember to support your favorite merchants and their gingerbread houses! Through the Storey County Chamber of Commerce, VC merchants are participating in a county-wide gingerbread house competition and need your vote. Pick up a map of participating businesses at the Visitor’s Center and vote for Most Creative, Most Festive, and Most Delicious Looking.

St. Mary’s Art Center 10th annual Holiday Faire Dec. 7 @ 10 am to 4 pm and Dec. 8 @10 am to 3 pm 
Get into the holiday spirit at St. Mary’s Art Center, where over 20 talented local and regional artisans gather to share their creations. Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts in a beautifully decorated, music-filled wonderland that’s perfect for finding something unique and supporting amazing artisans. Admission is free!

Senior Center Craft Fair Dec. 7 @ 10 am – 5 pm and Dec. 8 @ 10 am – 3 pm
Handmade and one-of-a-kind gifts made by local artists and artisans. Admission is free to this fair as well!

The Grinch Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl Dec. 7 @ 1 to 5 pm
The businesses of Virginia City aren’t the only ones getting lit on December 7. Grab your friends and designated driver, and partake in holiday cheer as you bounce from bar to bar during the Grinch Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl. You’ll enjoy festival specialty holiday drinks at featured locations and marvel at the beauty of the wonderland of VC’s lights at the same time!

Parade of Lights Down C Street Dec. 7 @ 5 pm and Dec. 14 @ 5 pm
Enjoy a cozy cup of hot cocoa and delicious treats from local shops as you soak in the warm yuletide magic of Virginia City while brilliantly decked-out vehicles ooze holiday spirit, making their way slowly down C Street. The music, the lights… you don’t want to miss this one!

Magical Christmas Fireworks Show Dec. 7 @ 6 pm 
Experience the magic of spectacular Christmas fireworks as dazzling colors light up the winter sky, filling your heart with joy and wonder. It’s the perfect way to spark holiday cheer and create unforgettable memories with loved ones!

Christmas Drone Show Dec. 14 @ 6 pm 
Gather together for the magic of Sky Elements’ inaugural free drone show! Watch in wonder as a massive rotating Christmas tree lights up the sky or Santa waves a cheerful “hello.” This creative display is sure to astound and delight this holiday season.

Nightmare Before Christmas Tea Party Dec. 14 @ 6 pm – 9 pm 
Join a Nightmare Before Christmas-themed tea party filled with sweets, treats, and a raffle in the historic Mackay Mansion dining room. After the hour-long tea party, take part in a two-hour ghost hunt inside the mansion, using paranormal equipment to uncover its spooky secrets. Purchase tickets here.

Santa’s Workshop at the Gold Hill Hotel Dec. 15 @ 10 am – 12 pm 
Kick off your Sunday morning at Gold Hill, where the Great Room becomes Santa’s Workshop! Kids are invited to decorate sugar cookies, roast marshmallows, sip on hot cocoa, craft their own holiday ornaments, and even hang out with Santa himself. Best of all, proceeds support the Virginia City Middle School Student Leadership—holiday fun for a great cause! Learn more here.

Boar’s Head Feast Dec. 17 @ 6 pm – 8 pm
Enjoy a historic and festive evening celebrating the magic of Christmas with a Boar’s Head Feast. Immerse yourself in a medieval tradition featuring an enchanting old English play and a grand feast at the First Presbyterian Church. Learn more here.

Piper’s Opera House Presents: The Nutcracker vs. The Tommyknockers Dec. 14 & 15, 20, 21 & 22 at select times
Experience The Nutcracker like never before with a Virginia City twist as Clara, Fritz, and Uncle Drosselmeyer take on The Tommyknockers, mischievous mine spirits known for luring away the unsuspecting. This 90-minute holiday adventure is packed with humor, adventure, and festive magic! Visit PipersOperaHouse.com for more information and ticket sales.

Looking for the most unforgettable family Christmas event in Reno? Get ready for the ultimate holiday extravaganza as Santa steals the spotlight in Santa’s Epic Holiday Show! This high-energy holiday cirque spectacular is packed with jaw-dropping holograms, mesmerizing projection mapping, interactive lasers, and awe-inspiring skilled acts. Look no further—this show blends cutting-edge tech with holiday cheer to create magical memories for all ages. From snapping a photo with Santa to soaking in the dazzling surprises, this is one holiday experience you don’t want to miss! Book your seats for a solid evening of fun for the whole family at GrandSierraReno.com, or visit the box office at GRS for added savings.

Get into the holiday spirit with Christmas on Ice at the El Dorado in Reno! This dazzling production combines world-class ice skating, festive music, and stunning costumes for a show that’s pure holiday magic! Whether you’re a fan of graceful choreography or toe-tapping Christmas classics, this family-friendly performance promises to delight audiences of all ages. Located in the heart of downtown Reno, it’s the perfect way to add sparkle to your holiday season. Don’t miss this seasonal favorite—it’s a must-see for all who want to celebrate the joy of Christmas! Purchase tickets in advance at Ticketmaster.com, or save $$ by visiting the El Dorado box office.

Step into the enchanting world of Siamsa: A Celtic Christmas, where the magic of the season meets the timeless beauty of Celtic traditions! This spellbinding holiday production brings together International Irish Dance Champions and an extraordinary cast of dancers, vocalists, musicians, and actors to create a celebration like no other. From the mystical landscapes of Galicia, Spain, to the heart of Ireland and Scotland, the journey unfolds in search of the true meaning of Christmas. Presented by Shamrock Productions, this dazzling performance blends breathtaking choreography, opulent costumes, stunning scenery, and an original holiday tale. Perfect for families and Irish dance enthusiasts alike, Siamsa promises an unforgettable evening filled with heart, culture, and the spirit of the season. Tickets can be purchased at GrandSierraResort.com, or you can save $$ on the convenience fee by visiting the Grand Sierra box office in person.

Set against the stunning backdrop of majestic North Lake Tahoe, the 10th Annual Tahoe Film Festival celebrates 27 award-winning films from around the globe. Amidst the holiday shopping hustle, the festival provides a serene escape, allowing film-goers to immerse themselves in rich storytelling and cultural exchange. Beyond entertainment, the event supports local businesses and benefits scientific research and educational outreach on and around Lake Tahoe. Check out the lineup of the films at the festival and their trailers at TahoeFilmFest.com.

One of Reno’s most cherished holiday traditions fills the Pioneer Center as Spirit of the Season wows us again! The dazzle of circus arts meets the excitement of this heartwarming production! Cirque stars will tumble, soar, and delight while your Reno Phil Orchestra & Chorus and special guests perform our favorite holiday and symphonic classics. It’s a perfect event for the entire family to enjoy together. Continue your tradition, or begin your new tradition, this year at Spirit of the Season! Tickets may be purchased online at RenoPhil.com or the Pioneer box office M-F from 11 am to 4 pm and two hours before each show.

Step back in time and experience the old-fashioned charm of Sparks’ 37th Annual Hometowne Christmas Parade! This year’s theme, “A Cowboy Christmas,” brings festive floats, marching bands, and community spirit to Victorian Avenue on Saturday, December 7th, at 1:00 p.m. The holiday magic begins the night before with the tree lighting ceremony on Friday, December 6th, at 6:30 p.m., complete with live entertainment and free hot chocolate. Be sure to visit the enchanting 39 North Pole Village for dazzling light displays, unique crafts, and delicious treats—and don’t forget photos with Santa! Dust off your boots and celebrate the season with neighbors and friends in this heartwarming hometown tradition! Learn more about these wholesome community gatherings at CityofSparks.us.

JUSTIN RUPPLE: Friday, December 6 (8 pm) & Saturday, December 7 (6 & 8:30 pm) @ The Theatre
This talented comedian, impressionist, and actor is best known for his role in How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World. He has performed on major platforms like NBC’s America’s Got Talent and is celebrated for his spot-on celebrity impressions. With his unique blend of humor and vocal talent, Justin delivers unforgettable performances perfect for audiences of all ages. HERE is a little taste of Justin’s impressionist talents.

LA INDIA YURIDIA: Friday, December 13 (8 pm) @ Grand Sierra Resort
Renowned for her fearless humor and sharp social commentary, Mexico’s iconic stand-up standout hilariously dissects the struggles of marriage, motherhood, and life’s absurdities through a feminist lens. If you understand Spanish, enjoy THIS VIDEO of La India Yuridia sharing a horrible but funny travel experience.

DANIEL TOSH: Saturday, December 14 (8 pm) @ Grand Sierra Resort

Looking for a gift that’s as unique as your special someone? Or maybe it’s time to spoil yourself with a stunning new treasure (because, why not?). Natasha’s World Jewelry is rolling out a jaw-dropping collection of Spanish-designed pieces that’ll steal your heart and upgrade your style game. Say hello to Uno de 50, MY personal favorite jewelry designer. Uno de 50 takes leather, metals, beads, crystals, and more, tastefully blended to create show-stopping designs. Want to learn more or snag your favorites? Check them out on Natasha’s World Jewelry’s Facebook Page or shop the collection online at NatashasWorldJewelry.com. Don’t wait—your next obsession is just a click away!

He’s conquered Broadway—now the ghost with the most haunts Reno in the best way possible! Inspired by Tim Burton’s wickedly iconic film, this side-splittingly funny musical follows Lydia Deetz, a wonderfully weird teen whose life turns supernatural when she befriends a ghostly couple and a stripe-loving demon with plenty of tricks up his sleeve. Packed with a devilishly clever script, jaw-dropping sets, and a spine-tingling score straight from the Netherworld, Beetlejuice is, as Variety puts it, “Screamingly good fun!”  But beneath the chaos and comedy (six feet under, to be precise), this show is a heartwarming celebration of family, love, and seizing every last Day-O. Purchase your tickets in advance at PioneerCenter.com or save a little dough at the Pioneer box office 

ALLMAN BETTS FAMILY REVIVAL: Friday, December 20 (8 pm) @ Grand Sierra Resort
The Allman Family Revival celebrates the enduring legacy of Gregg Allman and Southern rock, featuring an electrifying lineup of talented musicians. With soulful jams, powerful vocals, and an atmosphere of unity, this concert is a heartfelt tribute to the music that defined a genre. Catch Allman Betts hits like “Pale Horse Rider” at the GRS!

BRET MICHAELS: Saturday, December 28 (8 pm) @ Nugget Resort Casino
Former Poison lead singer Bret Michaels brings a high-energy party, blending Poison’s iconic glam-rock anthems like “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” with his infectious charisma. It’s a feel-good celebration filled with nostalgia, rock ‘n’ roll hits, and an unbeatable connection with the crowd.

The Reno Santa Pub Crawl is the ultimate holiday celebration, where the streets of downtown Reno transform into a sea of red and white. Thousands of Santas, elves, snowflakes, and thousands of other festive revelers take over the city’s bars and pubs, spreading cheer and good vibes with every jingle of their bells. This merry tradition not only guarantees a night of laughter and camaraderie but also supports local charities, making your holiday shenanigans even more meaningful. Fashion your most outrageous holiday attire, grab your friends, and get psyched for a memorable night of holly jolly bar hopping. Whether you’re naughty or nice, this is the kind of holiday magic you won’t want to miss! Learn more about where to buy your crawl cup and pick up your map, hotel specials, and more at CrawlReno.com.

Take a break from holiday shopping and crowds to nestle into a comfy seat at the Grand Sierra Resort on Sunday, December 15. You’ll experience the wonder as the timeless story of The Nutcracker unfolds, transforming the stage into a magical winter wonderland. The Reno Dance Company weaves a spellbinding tale with a stellar cast, exquisite costumes, and choreography, featuring 25 professional dancers and over 80 local children. Purchase tickets at the Grand Sierra box office to save a little cash, or online at GrandSierraResort.com.

Experience the enchantment of the season as A.V.A. Ballet Theatre presents the timeless ballet, The Nutcracker. Watch as Clara, the Prince, Snowflakes, Ginger Girls, Mother Ginger, Mischievous Mice, The Sugar Plum Fairy, Snow King & Queen, and more bedazzle us with their graceful movement in Alexander Van Alstyne’s dazzling rendition of this holiday classic. Tchaikovsky’s iconic score will be brilliantly brought to life by the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, led by the extraordinary conductor Laura Jackson, making this a truly magical performance you won’t want to miss! Purchase tickets a the Pioneer Center box office M-F from 11 am to 4 pm and 2 hours before each show or online at PioneerCenter.com.