Festive concerts, craft shows and more: Events happening in Carson City and beyond this weekend
Submitted by Kelsey Penrose on Thu, 12/07/2023 - 1:30pm
Event Date:
Repeats every day until Sun Dec 10 2023 .
December 8, 2023 (All day)
December 9, 2023 (All day)
December 10, 2023 (All day)
Hello Carson City and surrounding counties. Here's a look to see what the weekend has in store for us as we get closer to Christmas.
- All weekend long
Carson City
The Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City is hosting train rides for families with Santa during the holiday season weekends before Christmas. The Santa Train has 11 rides a day on Saturdays and Sundays. The visits continue this weekend, Dec. 9-10 and again Dec. 16-17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., running every 30 minutes.
Walk up tickets are available on a first come, first basis on Saturday and Sunday at the depot. Pre-sale tickets are encouraged and are available for purchase in advance at the museum, Monday, Thursday and Friday at the admissions desk, 9 a.m. to 4.:30 p.m. The museum is located at 2180 S Carson St, Carson City.
Twenty of the areas finest crafters and vendors will present their goods at a craft fair. Come to the Plaza Convention Center next to Reds Old 395 Grill. 211 East 9th Street, Carson City. Dec. 8-10.
'Cats the Musical' Young Actor's Edition final weekend at BAC
"Cats the Musical Young Actor's Edition" is a "meow-tastic," one-hour adaptation of one of Broadway's longest-running hits, brought to life by the creative genius of Andrew Lloyd Webber. It is specifically designed to enchant young audiences and their families. Be sure to catch it. It's the final weekend.
Virginia City
V&T Railroad's 'Candy Cane Express' in Virginia City happening weekends through Dec. 24
The Candy Cane Express, a family favorite, will begin on the Friday after Thanksgiving and run on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, through Dec. 24.
South Lake Tahoe
The 3rd annual Festival of Winter Lights, Dec. 8-9 from 4-8 p.m., at the Lake Tahoe Museum, is the site for an outdoor style market event with free winter carriage rides, Santa’s house and kids activities, live performances, light displays, Christmas Fire Truck, hot drinks and food, plus shopping for Tahoe themed gifts from local vendors. In the spirit of holiday giving, attendees are asked to bring a new unwrapped toy to drop off at the Toys for Tots booth.
- Friday
Carson City
Seth Anderson, The White Hats perform at Musicale at the Maize at Brewery Arts Center
Once a month the Maizie Harris Jesse Theater hosts rising stars in the songwriting world from both near and far. Friday December 8th features Canadian touring artists Seth Anderson and local favorites The White Hats.
Christmas Stocking Hunt happening Dec. 8 at Carson City's MidTown Marketplace
Christmas Shopping at MidTown Marketplace just got better! Come hunt for hidden Christmas Stockings throughout the shop on Friday Dec. 8th from 11am-5pm and you could win up to $10 off your purchase! One lucky winner will win a $25 Gift Card! MidTown Marketplace is located at 104 Corbett St. in Carson City.
- Saturday
Carson City
The 8th annual Carson Christmas Craft Fair is at Fuji Park again this year with shopping dates in December. The event is located inside the Fuji Park Exhibit Hall at 601 Clear Creek Rd. across from Costco, and this year over 45 vendors will be on site so you can find the perfect unique gifts for your loved ones this holiday season.
Carson City Historical Society Presents Victorian Christmas Tour Dec. 9
The Carson City Historical Society presents, "A Sugar Plum Victorian Christmas Tour" on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, with seven locations open for tours. Step back in time and see the way it was. Visit with characters from the past. Enjoy history, entertainment and refreshments at seven locations.
Carson City Republican Party Annual Christmas Party
The Carson City Republican Party's Annual Holiday Party is being hosted at the Governor's Mansion on Dec. 9, 5 to 8 PM. There will be a no host bar, with a Specialty Champaign Holiday Cocktail and a delicious dinner with desert, music throughout the night including some time for dancing.
The wondrous pine tree explored at Nevada State Museum's Family Fun Saturday
Discover the wonderful world of pine trees this Saturday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Nevada State Museum in Carson City. Pines are evergreen conifer trees that produce cones and are dressed in green needles instead of leaves. Both of Nevada's state trees are conifers: the ancient Bristlecone and Pinyon Pine.
Topsy Lane
Tethered for Tots: Balloon Nevada will be at 1144 HWY 395 N for a Toys For Tots drive this Saturday Dec. 9 from 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. They will be giving away free tethered balloon rides from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.,, weather permitting. You can be entered into a free drawing for a balloon ride over the Carson Valley for two. Please bring a new unwrapped toy.
Lake Tahoe
Inaugural Winter Fest at Valhalla in Lake Tahoe happening Dec. 9 hosted by Live Violence Free
Live Violence Free is bringing all of the holiday magic and cheer to Valhalla Tahoe with their inaugural Winter Fest. Join in the fun and meet Santa and Holiday Princesses from Ever After Productions, indulge in some face painting, craft your own ornament, play festive games, sing some holiday karaoke, and hit the photo booth with family and friends.
- Sunday
Carson City Symphony and Carson Chamber Singers host 40th annual 'Holiday Treat' Concert
It's a Holiday Treat for all — a feast of seasonal and holiday entertainment in many styles! The Annual Holiday Treat Concert will return this year on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023. The Carson City Symphony, conducted by Music Director David Bugli and Assistant Director Brian Fox, will be joined by the Carson Chamber Singers, conducted by Choral Director Gary Schwartz, and the Victorian Dancers, choreographed by Tiffany Alm.
Black Bear Diner Carson City to host pictures with Santa!
Santa Claus is coming to town! Celebrate the Christmas season with Santa at the Black Bear Diner, Carson City on Sunday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Black Bear Diner is located inside The Max Casino, 900 S. Carson St. Carson City. Please bring your camera!
Carson City community invited to Living Nativity this Sunday and Dec. 16-17
Community members are invited to drive or walk the road to Bethlehem during the Living Nativity, presented by the First United Methodist Church in Carson City.
- Ongoing Holiday Drives
Max Casino to host annual Food Drive through December 22
Max Casino has officially kicked off its annual holiday food drive benefiting local charities throughout Carson City. Those who want to get involved can donate non-perishable and non-expired food items at Max Casino located conveniently in Downtown Carson City through December 22.
Rice Street Tattoo is hosting an ongoing holiday drive to raise money to provide Christmas gifts of teens in transition, as well as seniors without families, in Carson City.
Donations sought for Carson City area 2023 Friends to All Senior Santa visits
Friends to All is dedicated to bringing joy, cheer and friendship to seniors in our community during the holiday season. Since 1999 this group has been working to meet the needs of those with limited financial resources who are home bound or in care centers with little or no family nearby. Each year 150 - 200 visits are averaged in the Carson City area!
Carson City, Minden Shoe Tree Brewing hosts holiday Shoe Drive for kids and seniors in need
For many, a new pair of shoes is the best Christmas gift imaginable, and you can help make that dream come true. Shoe Tree Brewing Co. in both their Carson City and Minden locations is hosting a shoe drive for children, teens and seniors in need through Dec. 22.
- Ongoing
Learn Dayton’s best kept historical secrets at the Dayton Museum
Do you want to know the historic town of Dayton’s best kept secrets? Dayton Museum opened for the season on March 4 at the town’s 1865 schoolhouse at 135 Shady Lane. The museum promotes the discovery of the culture, the tools used by the pioneers, their lifestyles and names of many who settled in Dayton 174 years ago. Ask about the Genealogy research and names saved on our computers. The museum contains displays of Nevada’s earliest history.
Sunday Bingo at the Carson City Senior Center returns
Sunday Bingo at the Carson City Senior Center. The renovations to the Carson City Senior Center are finally wrapping up. Sunday BINGO will be returning, on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month.
Connections storytelling group host weekly meetings at Comma Coffee, Brewery Arts Center
Connections gatherings are currently hosted every Saturday at Comma Coffee, 312 S Carson St, Carson City, from 10:30 am until noon, and the third Thursday of every month from 5 to 6:15 p.m. at the Brewery Arts Center, 449 W King St, Carson City.
Free Line Dancing at the Odeon Saloon - Old Town Dayton Every Thursday through Dec. 28
Free Line Dancing at the Odeon Saloon - Old Town Dayton Every Thursday
James Gayles’ watercolor portraits aren’t just real, they seem to tell a story. The Capital City Arts Initiative’s exhibition, "Windows to the Soul", presents James Gayles’ watercolor paintings at the Courthouse Gallery from Oct. 4, 2023 through Jan. 25, 2024.
As a salute to the creativity of the Great Basin Native Artists, the Capital City Arts Initiative is excited to present "It Started with Willows", an assemblage of working baskets and contemporary art.
Art with Aloha at the Carson City Community Center through Feb. 22
Jackie Pias Carlin’s art brings fresh air with tropical flora beauty to our wintery season. Carlin’s show, "Art with Aloha", will be in the Community Center’s Crowell Board Room, through Feb. 22, 2024. CCAI will host a reception for the artist on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 5 to 6:30 p.m. with an artist introduction at 5:30 p.m. The Community Center is located at 851 E William Street, Carson City. The Crowell Board Room is open for all the city’s public meetings and upon request.
Holiday magic returns to the Comstock with train rides beginning Thanksgiving weekend
Elves and twinkling lights, hot chocolate and hot cider, Christmas cookies and candy canes, gift bags and magical memories await the lucky passengers on the Virginia Truckee Railroad Holiday steam trains that depart from the original 1870 depot in Virginia City through Dec. 24.
Did we miss any events? Let us know in the comments below, or submit a story to Carson Now here.
