The holiday season has officially arrived in Reno–Sparks, and our community is glowing with festive lights, family traditions, and plenty of ways to celebrate all month long. Whether you’re looking for cozy small-town charm, kid-friendly activities, or magical moments to share with friends and family, December is packed with events that bring the spirit of the season to life. From sparkling light displays to Santa sightings and unique local shows and celebrations, here are some of our favorite holiday happenings around the Truckee Meadows this month.
The A.V.A. Ballet Theatre and the Reno Philharmonic will perform Tchaikovsky's holiday classic, The Nutcracker, at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Reno. Nutcracker performances will be held Friday, December 19th at 8 p.m., December 20th at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, December 21st at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Reno. Ticket prices are $35 to $72 with discounts for seniors and children. To purchase tickets, please visit pioneercenter.com.
On December 5–6 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., downtown Reno will transform into a winter wonderland of lights, music, and holiday cheer. This free event will feature sparkling light displays, festive décor, free train rides, photos with Santa, holiday movies at a pop-up cinema, live entertainment, and food vendors. A tree lighting event will take place on Friday, December 5, at 7:00 PM. Find out more details online by clicking here.
Experience a new holiday production at the Eldorado Showroom, featuring acclaimed performers from London’s West End, including Laura Dawkes and Oliver Ormson of Disney’s “Frozen the Musical.” Described by Caesars Entertainment as “festive, fabulous, and bursting with music, dance, and seasonal sparkle,” this show promises the ultimate in Christmas celebration. Performances run through December 28. View showtimes and secure your tickets here.
Experience the magic of the season at the Grand Theatre inside the Grand Sierra Resort with Santa’s Top Talent Show. This fun and festive show features Santa and his panel of judges as they search for the North Pole’s brightest stars. Audiences will be treated to a spectacular lineup of performances, including soaring aerialists, acrobatic elves, state-of-the-art laser displays, and comedic acts. Featuring celebrated performers from renowned shows such as X Factor and America’s Got Talent, this holiday variety show is packed with heartwarming fun and awe-inspiring talent for guests of all ages. Showtimes run from December 18 through December 30. View more details and purchase tickets on the Grand Sierra Resort website.
The Sparks Hometowne Christmas welcomes the holiday season on Friday and Saturday, December 5-6. The annual tree lighting ceremony will be held on Friday, December 5, from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. next to the large gazebo on the corner of Victorian Avenue and Victorian Plaza Circle. Sparks Mayor Ed Lawson will light the city’s permanent living Christmas tree, a 60-foot blue spruce.
The Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade is back for its 38th year. This festive tradition kicks off the holiday season with marching bands, costumes, animals, floats, and more. This year's theme is "Christmas in Toyland." The parade will start on Saturday, December 6, at 1 p.m. and travel east to west on Victorian Avenue from Pyramid Way to Victorian Plaza Circle. More details are available on the City of Sparks website.
Throughout December, Virginia City hosts several Victorian-style holiday celebrations. There is something for everyone, including visits with Santa, holiday performances, unique train rides on the V&T Candy Cane Express and Electric Holiday Train O’ Lights, a Magical Christmas Fireworks Show, a Christmas Drone Show, and more. Learn more and plan your visit on their website.
December is full of fun activities and holiday cheer for everyone to enjoy. With so many local events happening this month, it’s a great time to bundle up, soak in the magic, and create memories with the people you love.
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