Celebrate the magic of the holiday season in Reno, NV, where a dazzling array of festive events await both locals and visitors. From the spirited Nevada Santa Crawl, transforming downtown into a sea of red and white, to the enchanting Christmas Tree Lighting that marks the official start of the holiday season, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Join the community in time-honored traditions such as the Christmas Wonderland, featuring towering ice sculptures and an outdoor ice rink, as Reno embraces the festive spirit with open arms. Discover the joy and warmth of the holidays in the heart of this vibrant city.
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Got questions? Like to help? Check out our Reno Holiday discussion here!
The Top Christmas Events in Reno
- Nevada Santa Crawl
- Eldorado Great Italian Festival
- Christmas Tree Lighting
- Crafts for Christmas
- Reno Philharmonic's Spirit of the Season
- The Nutcracker Ballet
- Sierra Winter Wonderland
- Holiday Bazaar
Reno Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Community-centered tree lighting ceremony
Description:
Reno's holiday season officially begins with the illumination of a towering evergreen in the heart of downtown. Local choirs fill the air with carols as the crowd gathers in anticipation. Witness the moment when thousands of lights burst into brilliance, transforming the tree into a beacon of holiday cheer. This tradition dates back to the early 1900s, symbolizing unity and hope for the community. You can join in singing classic holiday tunes as the tree comes to life.
Website:
Reno Holiday Markets and Shopping
Crafts for Christmas
What to Expect:
Handmade artisanal holiday gifts
Description:
Artisans from across the region converge in Reno to showcase their unique, handcrafted holiday wares. Browse through a diverse array of one-of-a-kind gifts, from intricate ornaments to cozy knitwear. Watch skilled craftspeople demonstrate their techniques, offering a glimpse into the creative process. This event celebrates the rich tradition of American folk art and craftsmanship that has thrived in the Sierra Nevada region for generations. Discover the perfect personalized present while supporting local artists and makers.
Website:
Holiday Bazaar
What to Expect:
Eclectic mix of vintage and handmade holiday items
Description:
Reno's Holiday Bazaar brings together an eclectic array of vendors offering unique gifts and decorations. Uncover vintage treasures and handcrafted items that capture the spirit of holidays past and present. Peruse booths filled with antique ornaments, retro-inspired decor, and one-of-a-kind artisanal creations. This event celebrates the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Reno's holiday traditions over the years. Discover the perfect conversation piece to add character to your holiday celebrations.
Website:
Reno Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Reno Philharmonic's Spirit of the Season
What to Expect:
Classical holiday music performance
Description:
The Reno Philharmonic Orchestra elevates the holiday season with a captivating concert of beloved classics and contemporary favorites. World-class musicians breathe new life into timeless melodies, filling the concert hall with rich, resonant harmonies. Experience the power of a full orchestra as they perform holiday staples alongside lesser-known gems. This annual tradition has been a cornerstone of Reno's cultural calendar for decades, showcasing the city's thriving arts scene. Let the music transport you to a world of nostalgia and celebration.
Website:
Reno Philharmonic's Spirit of the Season
The Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Professional ballet performance of a holiday classic
Description:
Graceful dancers bring Tchaikovsky's timeless tale to life on the Reno stage. Elaborate costumes and intricate set designs transport the audience to a world of sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers. Marvel at the precision and artistry of the performers as they execute challenging choreography. This production honors the rich history of ballet in America, which gained popularity in the early 20th century. Lose yourself in the enchanting story and mesmerizing movements of this beloved holiday tradition.
Website:
Reno Other Holiday Activities
Nevada Santa Crawl
What to Expect:
Massive Santa-themed pub crawl
Description:
Reno transforms into a sea of red and white as thousands don Santa suits for this spirited pub crawl. Revelers flood downtown bars, creating a jovial atmosphere unlike any other holiday event. Participate in themed drink specials at various venues while embracing the city's vibrant nightlife. This tradition began in 2000 with just 40 Santas and has grown into a major annual celebration. The event also supports local charities, embodying the giving spirit of the season.
Website:
Eldorado Great Italian Festival
What to Expect:
Celebration of Italian culture and cuisine
Description:
Reno's streets come alive with the flavors and sounds of Italy during this unique autumn festival. Savor authentic Italian dishes prepared by skilled chefs, showcasing regional specialties from across the country. Try your hand at grape stomping, a time-honored winemaking tradition. This event pays homage to the significant Italian-American community that has shaped Reno's cultural landscape since the early 20th century. The aroma of freshly baked focaccia wafts through the air, enticing visitors to explore the culinary delights.
Website:
Eldorado Great Italian Festival
Sierra Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Outdoor winter activities in the Sierra Nevada
Description:
The Sierra Nevada mountains become a playground for winter enthusiasts during this exhilarating event. Carve through fresh powder on pristine ski slopes or embark on a serene snowshoe trek through silent forests. Try your hand at ice fishing on a frozen alpine lake, guided by local experts. This celebration of winter sports pays homage to the region's long history as a destination for outdoor recreation. Embrace the invigorating chill of the mountain air as you explore the natural beauty of the Sierras.
Website:
Nearby Events
Christmas Wonderland (Sparks)
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday-themed experience
Description:
Step into a winter spectacle that transforms Reno into a holiday paradise. Towering ice sculptures glisten alongside elaborate light displays, creating a dazzling visual feast. Glide across the outdoor ice rink, surrounded by the crisp mountain air and twinkling lights. This event draws inspiration from European winter markets, blending Old World charm with Reno's unique character. Explore themed areas that transport you to different holiday traditions from around the globe.
Website:
Holiday Light Festival (Incline Village)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display experience
Description:
Reno's night sky comes alive with a dazzling drive-through light extravaganza. Wind your way through a carefully choreographed display of over a million LED lights, creating intricate scenes and animations. Tune your car radio to a special station for a synchronized musical accompaniment to the visual spectacle. This modern take on holiday light viewing began in the 1990s and has since become a beloved tradition. Immerse yourself in a world of illuminated wonder from the comfort of your vehicle.
Website:
Silver and Snowflakes Festival of Lights (Carson City)
What to Expect:
Silver State-themed holiday celebration
Description:
Reno honors its Silver State heritage with a unique holiday lighting festival. Admire intricate silver and white light displays that pay homage to Nevada's mining history and natural beauty. Witness the illumination of the state tree, a tradition that dates back to the early days of Nevada's statehood. Explore themed areas showcasing different aspects of the state's culture and landscape. You can create your own silver-themed ornament to take home as a memento of this distinctly Nevadan celebration.
Website:
Silver and Snowflakes Festival of Lights
Victorian Christmas (Virginia City)
What to Expect:
19th-century holiday reenactment
Description:
Step back in time to experience the charm of a 19th-century Christmas in Reno. Costumed interpreters bring the Victorian era to life, demonstrating traditional crafts and customs of the period. Savor roasted chestnuts and wassail while listening to carolers in period attire. This event offers a glimpse into Reno's early days as a bustling railroad town in the late 1800s. Participate in authentic Victorian parlor games and discover how the holidays were celebrated in the American West over a century ago.