Last updated: November 11, 2024
Experience the best of Reno during the holidays with our event guide. Whether you're a Reno regular or a once-in-a-lifetime visitor, this guide reveals hidden gems and beloved traditions.
One of the highlights of the season is the Reno Santa Crawl, where participants don festive attire and explore various local bars while spreading holiday cheer. Featuring an assortment of activities and drink specials, it attracts both newcomers and veterans alike. Another delight is Christmas Wonderland in Sparks, showcasing an impressive display of lights and holiday scenes perfect for family outings. And don't forget the Nevada Santa Crawl, an exciting opportunity to mingle with friends and enjoy the festive atmosphere. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Heated passenger cars and thousands of twinkling LED lights.
Embark on a holiday journey aboard the Virginia & Truckee Railroad's Electric Holiday Train, featuring heated passenger cars, complimentary hot chocolate or apple cider, and a breathtaking display of thousands of twinkling LED lights.
Where: Virginia City | More Info: Electric Holiday Train o' Lights
Celebratory tree lighting in the heart of the city with community performances
An iconic event that marks the beginning of the holiday season in Reno, featuring a beautifully decorated tree and an array of twinkling lights. Families gather to witness the lighting ceremony, which includes live entertainment, food vendors, and activities for all ages. This celebration brings the community together to appreciate the festive lights and joyful atmosphere throughout the city.
Where: Reno | More Info: City of Reno Annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Lights Festival
Unique handmade gifts from local crafters.
The Magic of Santa Arts and Crafts Faire is a two-day event featuring over 100 talented crafters showcasing handmade gifts, including tole painted snowmen, beautiful doll clothes, fine woodwork, and more. Attendees can enjoy free parking and discounted admission with food donations.
Where: Reno | More Info: Magic of Santa Arts and Crafts Faire
Circus arts meet symphonic classics in a family-friendly holiday concert.
The Reno Philharmonic's Spirit of the Season is a holiday concert featuring the Reno Phil Orchestra and Chorus, along with special guests, performing holiday and symphonic classics. Cirque stars add to the excitement with their tumbling and soaring acts, making it a perfect event for the entire family to enjoy together.
Where: Reno | More Info: Reno Philharmonic's Spirit of the Season
World-class ballet performance with professional dancers and elaborate sets.
A.V.A. Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker Ballet, featuring the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra and choreographed by Alexander Van Alstyne. Principal dancers from renowned ballet companies will perform alongside local talent, bringing the classic holiday ballet to life with Tchaikovsky's iconic score.
Where: Reno | More Info: The Nutcracker Ballet
Premier vocal ensemble performing eclectic holiday music.
Sierra Music Society presents Popera in a holiday concert featuring a diverse mix of music styles including Light Opera, Broadway, Jazz, Grand Opera, and Contemporary. The event includes passed hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. It is part of the UPSTAGE Literary and Performing Art Series supported by the Nightingale Family Foundation and the Williams Foundation.
Where: Reno | More Info: Sierra Winter Wonderland
World-class synchronized and freestyle figure skating with a talented cast of singers and dancers.
Christmas on Ice at the Eldorado Resort Casino features world-class synchronized skating and freestyle figure skating performed on a real ice rink, accompanied by a stunning cast of singers and dancers. Each performance transports audiences into a realm of pure wonder and excitement, leaving them with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Where: Reno | More Info: Christmas on Ice
Timeless story with magnificent sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss' original illustrations.
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical is a heart-warming holiday classic featuring hit songs like "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas." Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is two sizes too small, decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos.
Where: Reno | More Info: How The Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical
Exceptional Irish dance and original holiday story.
Siamsa - A Celtic Christmas is an Irish holiday musical featuring International Irish Dance Champions and an outstanding cast of dancers, vocalists, musicians, and actors. The production takes you through Celtic traditions and customs in Galicia, Spain, Ireland, and Scotland as it searches for the true meaning of Christmas. The show includes exceptional choreography, opulent costumes, and brilliant scenery in an original holiday story that will delight the entire family and Irish dance enthusiasts alike.
Where: Reno | More Info: Siamsa - A Celtic Christmas
Tubas playing festive holiday music.
Tuba Christmas at the May Museum features a unique performance by tuba players celebrating the holiday season with festive music.
Where: Reno | More Info: Tuba Christmas at the May Museum
Large-scale holiday celebration with numerous drink specials and activities.
Reno Santa Crawl is a festive holiday event where 20,000 Santas gather in downtown Reno, enjoying over 150 drink specials at 40+ venues. The event features themed light shows, go-go dancers, giant outdoor games, and more.
Where: Reno | More Info: Reno Santa Crawl
Community-driven parade with a cowboy-themed celebration.
The Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade is a community event celebrating 37 years of tradition with a Cowboy Christmas theme. Local businesses and volunteer groups present floats, bands, costumes, and entertainment along Victorian Avenue. The event includes a tree lighting ceremony and activities at 39 North Pole.
Where: Sparks | More Info: Christmas Wonderland (Sparks)
Largest Santa-themed pub crawl in the country with over 150 drink specials.
The Nevada Santa Crawl is a massive holiday event where 20,000 participants enjoy over 150 drink specials at 40 venues across downtown Reno. The event features themed light shows, go-go dancers, giant outdoor games, and various activities like foosball, darts, and arcade games. Participants receive a crawl cup that grants access to drink specials and giveaways.
Where: Reno | More Info: Nevada Santa Crawl
Community-driven holiday parade with cowboy theme and festive activities.
The 39 North Pole Village is a festive destination featuring light displays, entertainment, and a crafters village. The Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade is a community event with floats, bands, costumes, and local businesses participating. It celebrates the holiday season with a cowboy theme, including live music and Santa photos.
Where: Sparks | More Info: 39 North Pole Village and Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade
Victorian-era holiday celebration with historic train rides and local craft fairs.
Virginia City transforms into a Victorian-era holiday village with twinkling lights, decorated shops, and special events like the official Christmas tree lighting, live music, holiday saloon crawls, historic train rides, and local craft fairs.
Where: Virginia City | More Info: Victorian Christmas (Virginia City)
Victorian-era holiday celebration with diverse activities.
Christmas on the Comstock is a month-long Victorian-era holiday celebration in Virginia City, featuring an official Christmas tree lighting, live music, holiday saloon crawls, historic train rides, local craft fairs, and visits from Santa Claus.
Where: Virginia City | More Info: Christmas on the Comstock
