I Love Carson City's Christmas weekend event summary: Dec. 24 - 25

Merry Christmas, Happy Chaunukah, and a very blessed holidays to you, Carson City. I’m hoping your out of town friends and family made it safely, winter storms are known to wreak havoc on travel. Be safe out there as you finish last minute errands and finish up your shopping. Enjoy Carson City this weekend: you’ll find some fun things to do with the kids, family and friends on this list, so read on.

SATURDAY: First Night of Chanukah, Christmas Eve

• Nevada Artists Association Art Exhibit featuring Jenny Schnabel at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-6pm)
• Coffee and Donuts with EAA Sierra Chapter 403 at 2500 E. College Pkwy (8:30am-12pm, all welcome)
• Breakfast and Bowl at Carson Lanes (9am-12pm; breakfast and unlimited bowling until noon $13, $8 kids 8 and younger)
• Santa at the Galaxy Theater – Fandango (10am-2pm)
• Cookie Decorating for kids at Genoa Candy and Coffee in Carson Lanes (10am-7:30pm; one free cookie for kids 10 and under)
• Christmas Program at Sand Harbor State Park Visitor’s Center (10am-11am; event is free but an entrance fee into the park will be required. All ages are welcome.)
• Arlington Square Ice Rink Christmas Eve Hours (WEATHER PERMITTING; 11am-3pm; $7/$5 kids, $3 Skate Rental)

Weather permitting, of course, but the Arlington Square Ice Rink is a great place to make memories. They only have one session a day this weekend, but from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. you can enjoy as much skating as you’d like.

• Holiday Craft Fair and Santa at the Carson Mall (Vendors 10am-5pm; Santa’s Village 10am-5pm)
• Annual Nevada Day Art Show at the Nevada Artists Association Gallery in the Brewery Arts Center (10am-4pm)
• Christmas Story time: ‘Polar Express’ read by Baron Von Steam at Genoa Candy and Coffee in Carson Lanes (11am; decorate cookies: free for kids 10 and under, small fee for adults)

There’s something extra-special about cookies this time of year. Genoa Candy and Coffee welcomes you to decorate one for free today, and if you’re there at 11 a.m. you’ll hear Carson’s own ‘Baron Von Steam’ read ‘The Polar Express.’

• Live Music with Sandi "Pipes" Medley at 1862 David Walley's Restaurant and Saloon in Genoa (5pm-9pm)
• Nevada Christmas: music and light display at 1176 Chaparral Ct., Minden – off Stephanie Way (5:30pm-11pm, no show if raining; please turn off headlights and do NOT block or park in driveways; donations appreciated for Austin’s House: food, money, gift certificates)
• Candy Cane Lane: custom outdoor drive-thru Christmas light display at Carson Valley Inn, Minden (6pm-9pm; Accompanying music can be heard by tuning your car radio to 89.9 FM)
• Santa Claus at Carson Cigar Company (6pm-7:30; must be 21+)
• Live Music with GHI Jazz at Living the Good Life: 1480 N. Carson (6pm-8pm; sit-ins welcome)
• Live Music with Brian Lester at J’s Old Town Bistro, Dayton (music 6pm; dinner reservations recommended 775-246-4400; special Christmas Eve menu)
• Rock N Bowl at the Gold Dust West Bowling Center (6pm-10pm)
• Live Music with Terri Campillo, Craig Fletcher, and friends at Glen Eagles Restaurant (7pm-10pm)

It’s your last chance to see Santa before his work begins. The Carson Mall and Galaxy Theater have Mr. Jolly himself waiting to hear those wish lists. For the kids at heart, Carson Cigar Company is expecting a special visit from Old St. Nick tonight.

• Live Music with the Rebekah Chase Band at Casino Fandango (7pm-12am)
• Live Music in the Carson Nugget Sports Bar (8pm-12am)
• Live Music with Tony Vee at the Max Casino (8pm-12am)
• Live Music with Just Us in the Carson Valley Inn Cabaret, Minden (8pm-1am)
• Karaoke at the Westside Pour House (8pm)
• Karaoke at the Spoke Bar and Grill (8pm)
• Dance Party with DJ R Styles at Living the Good Life: 1480 N. Carson St. (9pm)
• DJ Dance Party at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar (10pm-2am)
• Ugly Christmas Sweater Party with DJ Clay and DJ TrillB at Buckaroo’s in downtown Gardnerville (10pm)

Most everything in Carson City will be closed for Christmas Day. You’ll still find the casinos and their restaurants open, the movie theaters, and even the ice rink. A few taverns in town will be open for some holiday cheer if you’d like to meet up with some friends. Have a great day, Carson City, and enjoy your loved ones.

SUNDAY: Christmas Day

• Arlington Square Ice Rink Christmas Day Hours (WEATHER PERMITTING; 11am-3pm; $7/$5 kids, $3 Skate Rental)
• Weekly Pool Tournament at Whiskey Tavern (bar opens 12pm; tournament at 2pm, $10 per person)
• Blue Bull opens at 6pm
• Westside Pour House opens 6pm
• Nevada Christmas: music and light display at 1176 Chaparral Ct., Minden – off Stephanie Way (5:30pm-11pm, no show if raining; please turn off headlights and do NOT block or park in driveways; donations appreciated for Austin’s House: food, money, gift certificates)
• Candy Cane Lane: custom outdoor drive-thru Christmas light display at Carson Valley Inn, Minden (6pm-9pm; Accompanying music can be heard by tuning your car radio to 89.9 FM)

Every week, I create a list of the fun stuff and events going on around the Carson City area for my Facebook page, I Love Carson City. There is quite a bit to do in our beautiful capital this week, so grab the kids, your friends and family, and have a great weekend.

My weekly Facebook list includes Friday-Thursday, so please go HERE for events beyond Sunday, or just wait for my daily ‘Things to do’ here on Carson Now. You do NOT need a Facebook account to access the information.

As always, Carson Now welcomes reader contributions to our website. Go HERE to submit an event, photo, or item of interest.