Christmas Food Drive, Homestead Holidays at Silver Saddle Ranch, Santa Train rides and more: Carson City region readies for busy weekend

Heading into the weekend, there’s a bevy of activities around the Carson City region over the next three days. Events include the KTVN Share Your Christmas Food Drive at the Governor's Mansion in Carson City and at Minden's Carson Valley Inn, Homestead Holidays at the Silver Saddle Ranch and more. The Polar Express Train Rides are sold out for the rest of the year, but Santa Train express rides are steaming up at the Nevada State Railroad Museum over the weekend. Read on for details.

Do you have an event or happening you'd like people to know about? Tell us about it by clicking here, filling out the details and we'll tell Carson City area readers about your event or happening. Not seeing your event you wish to promote? You can also submit the relevant information, also known as the "5Ws and How” to editor@carsonow.org. We will update this calendar as submissions are made.

Here's a rundown of activities over the next three days:

Friday, December 13
— KTVN's Annual Share Your Christmas Drive-By Food Drive. 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Governor’s Mansion in Carson City and the Carson Valley Inn in Minden. When victims of domestic violence flee from abusive circumstances, they often leave everything behind, including credit/debit cards, food stamp cards, and cash. Many victims must also quit their jobs so as not to be found by their abuser. We work hard with our shelter clients to get them rehabilitated as quickly as possible, but it can often take weeks or even months for our clients to have their own source of income again. Having a fully stocked dry and canned food pantry is a critical service that we offer, and many of our shelter clients prepare meals for their family entirely out of the food pantry.
Our pantry shelves are sparse and we need help restocking them. The most popular items include:

Soups
Tuna
Ravioli
Chili
Pasta
Marinara Sauce
Macaroni and Cheese
Cereal
Granola Bars
Crackers/Chips
Boxed dinners such as Hamburger Helper and Rice-a-Roni
Swing by the Governor's Mansion and the Carson Valley Inn in Minden on Dec. 13 between 6 and 10 am to drop off your donation. We are so grateful to have such a dependable group of supporters to call on when we need help. Thank you and we'll see you Friday morning!

— Carson City Santa Events Roundup for 2019: How, when and where you can find Old St. Nick (all day). While it isn't quite Christmas-weather yet, I'm assuming at some point it will get cold and we can finally get into the upcoming holiday spirit! When that time comes, there are a ton of great Santa-related events going on in Carson City for you and the little ones to enjoy.

— Christmas tree permits on Carson and Bridgeport Ranger Districts available (all day). Permits to cut Christmas trees on the Carson and Bridgeport Ranger Districts of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest will be available for purchase beginning Friday, Nov. 1. The U.S. Forest Service Christmas Tree Program is designed for families, businesses, and institutions wishing to cut their own trees for decorating.

— Muscle Powered Friday morning walk at Linear Ditch. 9 a.m. Meet on Cardinal Way off of Saliman Road. Come join Muscle Powered for a free, guided group walk, hike, or ride around Carson City! Muscle Powered is a local non-profit organization that promotes walking, hiking, biking and trail building.

— WNC students lead Toys for Tots collection drive at Carson City campus. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Christmas is less than a month away and many local families need help providing presents to their children. To help fill this need, the Associated Students of Western Nevada at Western Nevada College are leading a Toys for Tots collection drive through Dec. 20.

— Coin press demonstrations at the Nevada State Museum. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 600 N. Carson St. Visitors to the Nevada State Museum can watch the museum’s historic Coin Press No. 1 carry on a mission it started nearly 150 years ago in the very same building. The venerable press ”” which churned out millions of dollars in silver and gold coins during stints at U.S. Mints in Carson City, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Denver between 1870 and 1964.

— Carson City Veterans to hold Spaghetti Feed, Silent Auction. 3 to 8 p.m. in the Wildcat Den Café at Western Nevada College. Western Nevada Wildcat Veterans are partnering with Wildcat Den Café for a Spaghetti Feed Fundraiser and Silent Auction on Dec. 13 in Carson Nugget Hall. The cost is $10 per plate and the feed and auction will happen from 3 to 8 p.m.

— Carson City Parks and Recreation to host Homestand Holidays at Silver Saddle Ranch. 5 to 8 p.m. at 2648 Carson River Rd. Carson City Parks, Recreation and Open Space invites the community to the inaugural Homestead Holidays event at Silver Saddle Ranch, Dec. 13-15, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. each night. Homestead Holidays is intended to be an old-fashioned holiday celebration with handcrafted decorations, holiday lights ornamenting historic ranch buildings, and family activities for all ages.

— Live music at Glen Eagles Restaurant. 6:30 to 9 p.m. at 3700 N. Carson St. Enjoy live music that is sure to make you get up and dance every Wednesday through Saturday starting at 6:30 to 9 p.m.

— O Holy Christmas Concert at Valley Christian Fellowship Church. 7 p.m. at 1681 Lucerne St. in Minden. Embrace your holiday spirit with favorite Christmas and holiday music, including Nutcracker, Let it Go, Sleigh Ride, Carol of the Clocks, and O Holy Night. Featuring Ben Gallagher and Alissa Teachout on piano and percussion, tenor vocalist Adam Teachout, and Angelese Pepper on cello.

— A Comstock Christmas Carol in Virginia City. 7 to 9 p.m. at Piper’s Opera House, 12 B Street. A Comstock Christmas Carol is the classic story by Charles Dickens, but with historical characters, set in 1860s Virginia City.

— Carson Comedy Club welcomes comedian Adam Richmond. 8 p.m. at the Carson Nugget, 507 N. Carson St. Don't miss out on this weekend's comedy show at the Carson Nugget in Carson City. Comedian Adam Richmond is well known for his edgy and hilarious comedic stylings. He has done voiceover work for Nickelodeon and Disney. Adam has performed for American Troops and regularly performs for the military across the globe. Local Comic Jeff Anderson will host the show.

— Polar Express Train Rides Sold Out for Remainder of the Year. We can’t wait to see ticket holders on our remaining rides. Already experiencing Polar Express withdrawals? Don’t worry - tickets will go on sale in February for the 2020 season. Happy Holidays!

Saturday, December 14
— Carson City Santa Events Roundup for 2019: How, when and where you can find Old St. Nick (all day). While it isn't quite Christmas-weather yet, I'm assuming at some point it will get cold and we can finally get into the upcoming holiday spirit! When that time comes, there are a ton of great Santa-related events going on in Carson City for you and the little ones to enjoy.

— Carson City Farmers Insurance District is Toys for Tots Drop Off Location. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 311 W. Washington St. Farmers Insurance District Office is pleased to once again be a drop off location for Toys for Tots. Please bring the donations to our office between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. through December 15th. Our office is located at 311 West Washington Street, Ste B, Carson City (corner of Washington and Division). If questions feel free to call us at 434-0545.

— Saturday easy hike hosted by Muscle Powered. 9 a.m. Park in a small gravel parking area near Murphy Drive and Vanpatten Avenue. Parking area for V&T hike. A walk along the V&T Multi-use Trail - which is named after the historic Virginia and Truckee Railroad that operated in this region during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

— Pancakes with Santa fundraiser. 9 to 11 a.m. at the Calvary Chapel, 1635 E. Clearview Dr. We are asking for a $10 donation and that will include 3 large pancakes, butter, syrup and milk or juice. We will also have a table to decorate Christmas ornaments for $2. Santa will be there taking photos and walking around.

— Wreaths Across America at Garden Cemetery, Eastside Memorial. 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Join us on December 14th as we remember our Military Veterans who are laid to rest at the Garden Cemetery and Eastside Memorial in the Carson Valley.

— Corpus Christi's 9th annual Christmas Cookie Walk. 10 a.m. at the Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 3597 N. Sunridge Dr. Corpus Christi Catholic Church is holding its 9th Annual Christmas Cookie Walk, and offering a wonderfully festive selection of homemade holiday cookies available for $9.00 per pound. Each box of cookies is unique because you choose the cookies that will make up the boxes for you and your family to enjoy.

— Disney's Frozen Jr.. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 511 W. King St. Do you want to build a snowman? Wild Horse Children’s Theater is taking Northern Nevada by snow storm presenting DISNEY’S “FROZEN, JR.” at the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall, 511 W. King Street in Carson City for two weekends only. Regular performances are Fridays and Saturdays,

— Nevada State Parks hosts holiday open house Saturday at Buckland Station. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join park staff for some holiday cheer and pioneer traditions at Buckland Station. Take a self-guided tour, help decorate the historic house for the holidays, and enjoy sweet treats and period crafts.

— Santa Train steams up at the Nevada State Railroad Museum. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2180 S. Carson St. The Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City launches its 35th year of Santa Train the weekend of Dec. 7 and tickets are available online and at the museum’s depot now.

— Kids Craft Fair at the Carson Mall. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Do you have a knack for crafting or making something? We want to see it! Come to the Carson Mall in Carson City on Dec. 14-15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and show us what you have. Kids will be showing off their unique gifts, and crafts that they have made.

— DHS Douglas Dynamics Singers at Greenhouse Garden Center. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Join us for the fabulous DHS Douglas Dynamics Singers, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Dec. 14 at the Greenhouse Garden Center in Carson City. Each customer will receive one coupon worth 30% off one Christmas item, valid only during the performance.

— Holiday Pottery at the Carson City Chamber. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1900 S. Carson St. Linda Ritter, artist and owner of Pinyon Pottery, will demonstrate the art of pottery making between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. bringing in her pottery wheel to the Carson City Chamber of Commerce, 1900 S. Carson Street. Many of her art pieces will be on display and for sale, just in time for the holidays.

— The Grinch Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl in Virginia City. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Have some spirited fun at Virginia City’s Christmas on the Comstock with the Grinch Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl, featuring specialty holiday drinks at participating Virginia City saloons. Purchase your cup in advance.

— Revel in Christmas Spirit at La Posada Celebration at WNC's Carson City campus. 12 to 3 p.m. at the Carson Nugget Hall in the Aspen Building on WNC’s campus. There will be activities for the entire family at the second annual La Posada Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 14 from noon to 3 p.m. at Carson Nugget Hall in the Aspen Building on WNC’s Carson City campus.

— Saturday Beginning Wheel Throwing at Ogres-Holm Pottery. 1 to 4 p.m. at 1215 S. Carson Street.. The Ogres of Ogres-Holm introduce you to clay in this 6-week open start class, including open studio time, is designed to get you started. It’s a great way to relax on a Saturday afternoon. $175 for 6 weekly sessions or $45 drop ins.

— Lego Club at the Carson Library. 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at 900 N. Roop Street. Build self-led creations through hands-on learning with LEGO Education materials. Participants 9 and under must be accompanied by a caregiver of at least 13 years of age at all times.

— Elizabeth Warren presidential campaign to open Carson City office. 2 p.m. at 2307 N. Carson St. Following Elizabeth Warren’s trip to Northern Nevada for a Reno town hall on Tuesday, Nevada for Warren will open its latest field office in Carson City on Saturday, Dec. 14. This will be the Warren campaign's ninth announced office across the Silver State.

— Carson Mall Wine Walk. 2 to 6 p.m. at the Carson Mall. The second Saturday of the Month. Walkers pay $10. You will receive a wine glass which is yours to keep! Our store will have wine for you to taste while you browse the mall.

— A Year with Frog and Toad. 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Damonte Ranch High School Theatre, 10500 Rio Wrangler Pkwy. A hit on Broadway, A Year with Frog and Toad was nominated for three Tony Awards – including Best Musical. Based on Arnold Lobel's well-loved books, and featuring a hummable score by Robert and Willie Reale, this whimsical show follows two great friends – the cheerful, popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad – through four fun-filled seasons and tells the story of a friendship that endures throughout.

— Carson City's railroad museum offers 'Pajama Train' for kids with health concerns. 4 p.m. at 2180 S. Carson St. The holiday season generally doesn’t lack in opportunities for children to have fun, with numerous special events and activities open to all. For children who are battling cancer or those with compromised immune systems, those opportunities aren’t nearly as great.

— Carson Mall's Family Movie Night. 5 p.m. at the Carson Mall. Carson Mall will celebrate the holidays with a Family Movie Night! The event is Dec. 14, 5 p.m. Join Carson Mall and relive the magic of The Polar Express. Bring your blankets, pillows and your PJs. Move starts at 5 p.m. Kids must be with an adult. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Surprise guest appearance and more.

— Parade of Lights in Virginia City. 5 to 6 p.m. at downtown C Street. The Parade of Lights sweeps down C Street at 5 p.m., lighting up the town and spreading Christmas cheer along the way.

— Carson City Parks and Recreation to host Homestand Holidays at Silver Saddle Ranch. 5 to 8 p.m. at 2648 Carson River Rd. Carson City Parks, Recreation and Open Space invites the community to the inaugural Homestead Holidays event at Silver Saddle Ranch, Dec. 13-15, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. each night. Homestead Holidays is intended to be an old-fashioned holiday celebration with handcrafted decorations, holiday lights ornamenting historic ranch buildings, and family activities for all ages.

— Dates announced for Carson City Drive-Through Living Nativity. 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. From Carson Street turn west on 5th, north on Division to the entrance at King Street. Come witness the night of Christ’s birth like never before. Feel the true message of Christmas as you drive or walk the path lit by over 800 luminaria, hosted by Carson City First United Methodist.

— 11th annual Santa Crawl in downtown Gardnerville. Attendees can bring $10.00 to Battle Born Wine or DST Coffee to receive your participation wristband… then enjoy drink specials at the participating businesses: Sharkey’s Casino, Buckaroos, Battle Born Wine, DST Coffee, JT Basque Bar & Dining Room, Overland Restaurant & Pub, The French Bar and Nevada Ugly!

— Carson Comedy Club welcomes comedian Adam Richmond. 8 p.m. at the Carson Nugget, 507 N. Carson St. Don't miss out on this weekend's comedy show at the Carson Nugget in Carson City. Comedian Adam Richmond is well known for his edgy and hilarious comedic stylings. He has done voiceover work for Nickelodeon and Disney. Adam has performed for American Troops and regularly performs for the military across the globe. Local Comic Jeff Anderson will host the show.

Sunday, December 15
— Carson City Santa Events Roundup for 2019: How, when and where you can find Old St. Nick (all day). While it isn't quite Christmas-weather yet, I'm assuming at some point it will get cold and we can finally get into the upcoming holiday spirit! When that time comes, there are a ton of great Santa-related events going on in Carson City for you and the little ones to enjoy.

— Santa Train steams up at the Nevada State Railroad Museum. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2180 S. Carson St. The Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City launches its 35th year of Santa Train the weekend of Dec. 7 and tickets are available online and at the museum’s depot now.

— V&T Candy Cane Express in Virginia City. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m at the Virgina and Truckee Depot, 166 F St. If the kiddies and grandma have been good all year (okay, most of the year)… add a little magic to the season and come on out to Virginia City to ride the V&T Candy Cane Express. Steeped in holiday spirit, this whimsical train has become a local tradition for families of all ages.

— Cookies with Santa is back at Gather in Carson City. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 402 N. Carson St. Bring your child for cookies with santa and take home a memorable photo. Gather is serving complimentary house made cookies by Dana's Desserts of Carson City.

— Baking Italian Christmas. 12 to 3 p.m. at Sierra Chef in Genoa. Arrive on time for class and please wear appropriate clothing. $65 per person.

— Nevada Raider Nation Carson Chapter Game Watch. 1 p.m. at Jimmy G’s in Carson City. Sunday will be the Raiders last home game in the Oakland Coliseum. Join other die-hard Raiders fans as we bid farewell to what has been the heart of our, Oakland Raiders.

— Edible Art with Chef Pete in Virginia City. 1 to 3 p.m. at St. Mary’s Art Center, 55 North R Street. Create edible artwork in the magical and historical St. Mary’s Art Center! Executive Pastry Chef Pete Paulos will teach students how to create delicious filled pastry towers made for sharing! Plus, students get to take home their own creation for the holiday season.

— Carson City's 36h Holiday Treat Concert happens this Sunday at Community Center. The concert begins at 4 p.m. It's a Holiday Treat for all and a feast of seasonal and holiday entertainment in many styles. The Carson City Symphony and Carson Chamber Singers, joined by the Victorian Dancers, present the 36th annual Holiday Treat concert this Sunday, Dec. 15 at the Bob Boldrick Theater in the Carson City Community Center.

— Carson City Parks and Recreation to host Homestand Holidays at Silver Saddle Ranch. 5 to 8 p.m. at 2648 Carson River Rd. Carson City Parks, Recreation and Open Space invites the community to the inaugural Homestead Holidays event at Silver Saddle Ranch, Dec. 13-15, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. each night. Homestead Holidays is intended to be an old-fashioned holiday celebration with handcrafted decorations, holiday lights ornamenting historic ranch buildings, and family activities for all ages.

— Polar Express Train Rides Sold Out for Remainder of the Year. We can’t wait to see ticket holders on our remaining rides. Already experiencing Polar Express withdrawals? Don’t worry - tickets will go on sale in February for the 2020 season. Happy Holidays!