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The weekend is coming and bringing with it the annual Silver Saddle Ranch Open House, the Methodist Church’s Drive-Through Living Nativity, the return of the

If you’re looking for a new career, it may be time to head back to school – Carson High School, that is. The Carson City School District is looking to fill a number of positions and is holding a job fair this afternoon. See what the talented students in the Symphony Youth Strings program have been up to at tonight’s "Around the World in Music" concert at the Community Center. A special candle lighting ceremony to remember loved ones takes place this evening at Fitzhenry’s Funeral Home. All those who have lost someone are welcome to participate. Don’t let a little Bah Humbug ruin your day.

Jack Frost definitely has his icy fingers wrapped around today. It’s going to be a chilly one, so bundle up. With Christmas morning just three weeks away, the holidays are in full swing. Get a look at all of the seasonal fun that’s on it’s way in my list of holiday happenings HERE.

With December arriving we are counting the days until Christmas. So deck the halls, get some jingle bells and wassail away this holiday season. Here's what's happening now through Christmas around Carson City, Carson Valley, Dayton and Virginia City areas.

Even Santa Claus enjoys his time aboard Carson City's famed trains. With appearances at the Brewery Arts Center, Santa can be found throughout the area, including the Nevada Railroad Museum. Elsewhere, let the arrows fly during the Clearcreek Bowmen’s Holiday with a Hero fundraising 3-D shoot. Enjoy a Small Town Christmas in Dayton this evening. The festivities take place in ‘Our Park,’ at the western edge of town. An ugly sweater contest, hot chocolate, caroling, tree lighting and home-town fun are on the menu. Keep reading, there’s even more in store for today.

The rumors of Santa Claus coming to town are true. The jolly old man is making several appearances today, and is feeling photogenic. Take a ride with him at the Nevada State Railroad Museum, join him on the ‘Elf Crawl’ from the Capitol to the Carson Mall, or tell him your wish list at Debug Computers. Adults have a hard choice to make: the monthly downtown wine walk and the Holiday with a Hero Pub Crawl both take place today, and I’m not sure I’d recommend attempting both.

Today we say goodbye to November, and in just one month we’ll be ringing in the new year. The weekend promises to bring a plethora of fun times to our town, but you can get the party started tonight. Verbal Kint, the acoustic incarnation of Keyser Soze, takes the stage at Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint; get there early for a good seat and great food. Kids will love meeting Santa, singing carols, and watching the fireworks at Gardnerville’s Kickoff to Christmas in Heritage Park this evening.

THURSDAY:

We are days away from a winter wonderland: halls will be decked, and everything will be merry and bright. On Thursday, Gardnerville will flip the switch on its holiday lights, with help from Santa. Friday, the capital city hosts the Silver and Snowflakes Tree Lighting Celebration, as well as the very yummy Empty Bowls Soup Fest. Saturday, in addition to Carson City’s monthly downtown wine walk and the annual Holiday with a Hero Crawl, Minden holds its annual Christmas Parade.

Tis the season for visits with Santa, holiday twinkle lights, and craft fairs and festivals. In order to make your December planning a little easier, take a look at what is coming up in the Carson City, Carson Valley, Dayton, and Virginia City area. Go deck the halls, get some jingle bells, and wassail away.

Black Friday, small business Saturday, cyber Monday: I didn’t name these, but I can truly get behind Day of Giving Tuesday. Carson City is home to several great charities and non-profits that could use your financial love. Throw a few dollars at your favorite one if you’re able. It’s not warm outside, but a brisk hike will warm you up. Muscle Powered shows off one of Carson City’s great trails every Tuesday afternoon. If you’d rather exercise your brain, DJ Trivia at the Fox Brewpub or the Geeks who Drink Pub Quiz at Sassafras are a great mix of friends and friendly competition.

Let's get this show on the road. The long holiday weekend is behind us, and I hope everyone ate too much. Mondays are a little quiet in our capital city, but that doesn't mean that there is nothing to do. You'll find several changing art exhibits throughout town, so visiting them every few months gives you the chance to experience new art. Monday Night Football is always a fun time to cheer on your team; this week you'll see the Texans and the Ravens battle it out. For family-friendly karaoke, the Fox Brewpub is the place to be.

MONDAY:

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, you’ll see twinkling lights appearing everywhere. Carson City doesn’t light up our downtown until next Friday, but if you need an immediate fix of holiday decorations, Minden has got you covered. Candy Cane Lane at the Carson Valley Inn is a custom outdoor drive-thru Christmas light display. ‘Nevada Christmas’ is a private home on Chaparral Court, just off Stephanie Way, and puts the holly jollies into the holiday.

SUNDAY:      

Once the turkey has been devoured, all thoughts turn toward shopping. Shop Small Saturday helps to throw a spotlight on our local gems, and the great gifts you’ll find. New this year is Museum Store Sunday with both the Nevada State Museum and the Nevada State Railroad Museum participating. Make time for family and friends at the annual Nutcracker Ballet performed by Pinkerton Ballet at the Carson City Community Center. Keep reading and have a safe and happy holiday weekend.

FRIDAY:

It has been said that those who can’t ‘do,’ teach. ‘Inspirations,’ the newest art exhibit in the Community Development Building by City Hall, proves that adage a lie. At the reception tonight, you’ll get the chance to meet regional art teachers that are still practicing their passion.

The day may start out cold and wet, but nothing can rain on a three-day weekend. Tomorrow we observe Veterans Day, and say thank you to those who have fought for freedom and liberty. It definitely feels like soup weather, so it’s only appropriate that the Carson Chamber of Commerce is hosting one of their ‘Soup’s On’ Lectures.

There have been quite a few exciting changes to downtown this year. Today we celebrate the grand opening of the Union Carson eatery, taphouse and coffee bar with a ribbon cutting and tasty fundraiser. $20 gets you a few hours of food, beer and wine, and great live music, and it’s all for a great cause. Artist Adrienne Harrington is the star of this evening’s reception at Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery. The Gold Hill Hotel hosts a weekly lecture series: learn more about the near-by historical ghost town, Bodie, while enjoying a meal. Hoops with Heroes at Dayton High School pits the varsity and j.v.

The weekend is creeping closer and there are a few things worth getting excited about. The annual Reno National Air Races began yesterday and run through Sunday, if high-flying and death-defying gets your blood pumping. Not to be outdone, Virginia City welcomes the Ferrari Hill Climb to the truck route this weekend – leave the hairpin turns to the professionals. Today you’ll have Ev Musselman on stage at Living the Good Life to help erase your workweek worries.

Are you itching for the weekend? It will be musically magical with a plethora of Jazz and Beyond Music Festival events throughout town. It’s a classic car lover’s dream come true, as well, with Hot August Nights in Reno and Sparks. But don’t get ahead of yourself, today has some great options for a good time. Enjoy some air conditioned entertainment with the Carolyn Dolan Band at the Carson Mall. ‘Elvis, Marilyn and the Space Aliens’ and their place in the movies is the topic of this month’s Douglas County Historical Society’s lecture.

The sun keeps shining and the summer fun keeps on coming. Great live music tonight can be found on the Veranda at Adele’s, at Living the Good Life, on the stage at Sassafras, in the Glen Eagles Lounge, and at Battle Born Harley Davidson's Bike Night. The Carson Library starts the day with story time for the little ones, and ends with an exciting science presentation featuring Fire and Ice. Learn a little about Nevada with photographer Ernie Winters at the Gold Hill Hotel. He’ll take you back in time with color photographs of Virginia City in the 50s.

Holy moly, what a way to start the weekend. The Nevada State Fair kicks off today in Carson City’s Mills Park and so does the Annual Carson Valley Days celebration in Douglas County. No matter where you are, there is a carnival nearby. You’ll find some fun in downtown Carson tonight with karaoke at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar or at the Westside Pour House. Kick start your bike and head to Battle Born Harley; their Bike Night features live music by the Smoken Rabbits. Keep a sweater handy, the temperature is dipping a little, and will drop even further as soon as the sun goes down.

Pamper the special lady in your life with a soak at the Carson Hot Springs. It’s free for moms today, but fun for the whole family. If breakfast-in-bed isn’t the plan, head to the Douglas County Museum for the Lions Club’s annual pancake breakfast. More adventurous mothers may want to try their hand at BMX racing, with a special race just for them at the Livermore Sports Complex. This is just the tip of the iceberg for Sunday, keep reading and you’ll have the perfect plan to make her day.

SUNDAY: Mothers’ Day

This weekend is for all of the moms out there, and the dads that are also moms, and the women who hold a special place of honor in our hearts. Scoop the family up and find something to enjoy together. The annual RSVP Spring Carnival is an easy choice, but a round-trip to Virginia City on the historic V and T Steam Train is pretty memorable. Find something pretty for her garden at the Spring Plant Sale that the Greenhouse Project hosts each year. Keep reading, there’s plenty of family fun this weekend, and adult fun if you’ve found yourself a babysitter.

SATURDAY:

Get your fill of sunshine today, we’ve got a wet wine walk weekend coming. The stars will be shining bright tonight, though, Western Nevada Musical Theater Company debuts its spring musical ‘Nice Work if You Can Get It’ complete with amazing choreography, melodies, and an exceptional cast. Cinco de Mayo parties all over town offer up food and drink specials, in addition to the fun times that can usually be found on a Friday night. Start the day with a cup of joe or a yummy blended drink at Dutch Brothers Coffee and you’ll be helping find a cure for ALS.

It may be April’s Fools Day, but the fun going on around town is no joke. Get your blood pumping with the Carson Canyon Half Marathon (or Half/Half Marathon if you want something shorter.) It’s Wine Walk weekend, and with the sunny day you have no reason to stay home. The Youth Theater Carson City Showstoppers want to ‘Give Our Regards to Broadway’ during their one weekend only production. There’s too much to mention in this short opening paragraph, so keep reading for all the great things our valley and sister valleys have to offer.

SATURDAY:

Friday is finally here, and it gets the distinction of being the last one of 2016. New Year’s Eve tomorrow will be as chilly as the champagne, but the parties will be hot. Go HERE for a list of what your revelry options are. Tonight, you can get a sneak preview of some of the bands that will be playing: Route 66 at the Max Casino, Pearl Sky at Fandango, or Escalade at the Carson Nugget.

The week just keeps chugging along, and with it the last few days of 2016. If you haven’t yet, go check out the Nevada Christmas light show off Stephanie Way in Minden. Kids will have fun at Lego Club at the Carson City Library this afternoon, but it’s adults only for Trivia Night with Geeks who Drink. Bundle up, lace up your skates, and enjoy a spin around the Arlington Square Ice Rink. If you’ve had a birthday this month, head to Carson Cigar Company to celebrate with the Trippin King Snakes.

THURSDAY:

Get over the mid-week hump with a visit to one of Carson City’s art exhibits. There’s nothing like a little beauty to make your day. Capital City Arts Initiative has a display at the court house, inside the Sierra Room at the Community Center, and inside the BRIC building by City Hall. Check out the exhibit at the Nevada Arts Council and the Nevada Artist Association’s featured artist inside the Carson Visitor Center. Carson City is awash with art, so go see what is making our valley beautiful.

WEDNESDAY:

When it comes to history, the west side of Carson City gets most the attention. Learn what makes the east side unique on the Parks and Recreation Easy Walk at 9 a.m. Galaxy Theater offers a special movie rate on Tuesdays if you’ve got a rewards card: grab the kids and take in a winter break movie. The Old Corner Bar in Minden welcomes the return of the Flash Jam, so grab your instrument and get your groove on.

It’s winter break for all the schoolchildren, and thankfully the Arlington Square Ice Rink opens every day at 10 a.m. A few hours of ice skating is sure to wear them out. The Carson City Library is sponsoring a winter read-a-thon for those who would rather stay bundled up warm and cozy. Dance away those holiday calories at High Sierra Swing Dance Club’s weekly ‘night out’ get together at El Charro Avita. The Firkin and Fox has all-ages karaoke if you’re ready to sing something that isn’t a Christmas Carol.

MONDAY: Kwanzaa

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)