Last updated: November 11, 2024
Discover holiday wonders in Sparks with our detailed event listings. From Sparks regulars to holiday explorers, our guide highlights the season's top events.
One can't miss the enchanting Sparks 36th Annual Hometowne Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting, where festive floats and dazzling lights bring the community together. Featuring delightful local performances, 39 North Pole Village offers a whimsical experience filled with holiday cheer and family-friendly activities. And the Reno Santa Crawl is something you definitely don’t want to miss, blending festive spirits with a unique pub experience. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Sparks Holiday Light Displays
Electric Holiday Train o' Lights
- What to Expect
- Heated passenger cars and thousands of LED lights.
- Description
- Embark on a holiday journey aboard the Virginia & Truckee Electric Holiday Train of Lights, featuring heated passenger cars, complimentary hot chocolate, and thousands of LED lights.
- Where
- Virginia City | More Info : Electric Holiday Train o' Lights
Sparks Holiday Shows and Entertainment
How The Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical
- What to Expect
- Narrated by Max the Dog with hit songs from the original animated series.
- Description
- Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical is a heart-warming holiday classic featuring hit songs "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. This production is known for its magnificent sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss' original illustrations, making it a delightful show for both kids and adults.
- Where
- Reno | More Info : How The Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical
Christmas on Ice
- What to Expect
- World-class synchronized and freestyle figure skating with a live musical performance.
- Description
- 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 4 singers and 14 captivating dancers. Each performance transports audiences into a realm of pure wonder and excitement, capturing the Spirit of the Holiday Season.
- Where
- Reno | More Info : Christmas on Ice
Christmas on the Comstock
- What to Expect
- Victorian-era holiday celebration with historic train rides and local craft fairs.
- Description
- Christmas on the Comstock is a month-long Victorian-era holiday celebration in Virginia City, featuring the official Christmas tree lighting, live music, holiday saloon crawls, historic train rides, local craft fairs, and visits with Santa Claus.
- Where
- Virginia City | More Info : Christmas on the Comstock
Siamsa - A Celtic Christmas
- What to Expect
- World-class Irish dance performance with Celtic music and traditions.
- Description
- Siamsa - A Celtic Christmas is a 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 from Galicia, Spain to Ireland and Scotland, searching for the true meaning of Christmas. Shamrock Productions' performance includes exceptional choreography, opulent costumes, brilliant scenery, and an original holiday story.
- Where
- Reno | More Info : Siamsa - A Celtic Christmas
Spirit of the Season
- What to Expect
- Circus arts meet symphonic classics in a family-friendly holiday performance.
- Description
- The Spirit of the Season is an annual 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 acrobatic feats, making it a perfect event for the entire family to enjoy together.
- Where
- Reno | More Info : Spirit of the Season
The Nutcracker
- What to Expect
- Elaborate ballet performance with Tchaikovsky's moving score.
- Description
- A.V.A. Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker, a classic holiday ballet featuring Tchaikovsky's iconic score, performed by the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra. The production includes principal dancers from renowned ballet companies and a large cast of local talent, bringing the beloved story to life with sugar plum fairies and dancing mice.
- Where
- Reno | More Info : The Nutcracker
Sparks 36th Annual Hometowne Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday celebration with a nostalgic theme.
- Description
- The Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting is a community event celebrating 36 years of tradition. This year's theme is Dashing Through the Decades, featuring floats, bands, costumes, and entertainment. Local businesses and volunteer groups participate, making it a nostalgic holiday celebration with live music, free hot chocolate, and a tree lighting ceremony.
- Where
- Sparks | More Info : Sparks 36th Annual Hometowne Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
High Desert Harmony Chorus presents High Desert Holidays
- What to Expect
- Acapella and barbershop holiday music performance.
- Description
- High Desert Harmony Chorus presents a fun and joyful concert of holiday music featuring acapella and barbershop styles.
- Where
- Sparks | More Info : High Desert Harmony Chorus presents High Desert Holidays
Reno Wind Symphony: Sounds of the Season
- What to Expect
- Traditional German music performance with a lively atmosphere.
- Description
- The Reno Wind Symphony's Oompah Band presents a FREE 1-hour concert featuring upbeat polkas and waltzes that evoke the spirit of Oktoberfest in Germany.
- Where
- Reno | More Info : Reno Wind Symphony: Sounds of the Season
Peanutcracker - The Story in a Nutshell
- What to Expect
- Professional ballet performance with local children.
- Description
- Peanutcracker - The Story in a Nutshell is a 45-minute narrated version of The Nutcracker designed for families with younger children. It features Sierra Nevada Ballet's professional dancers and over 40 local children performing live on stage. The event includes a shortened ballet with its glowing Christmas tree, Rat Kings battle scene, Clara, and the Sugar Plum Fairy, making it a popular choice for audiences of all ages.
- Where
- Reno | More Info : Peanutcracker - The Story in a Nutshell
Sparks Other Holiday Activities
39 North Pole Village and Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday celebration with cowboy-themed floats and live entertainment.
- Description
- The 39 North Pole Village and Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade feature light displays, entertainment, and a crafters village. The parade includes floats, bands, costumes, and Santa, supported by local businesses and volunteer groups.
- Where
- Sparks | More Info : 39 North Pole Village and Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade
Reno Santa Crawl
- What to Expect
- Large-scale holiday celebration with numerous drink and food specials.
- Description
- The Reno Santa Crawl is a world-famous event where 20,000 participants enjoy over 150 specials at 40+ venues in downtown Reno, featuring themed light shows, go-go dancers, giant outdoor games, and more.
- Where
- Reno | More Info : Reno Santa Crawl