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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.

Breezy to gusty winds are expected Saturday afternoon followed by unsettled and stormy conditions that may move into the Carson City region overnight bringing a chance of snow by Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

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.

December has arrived, and all things holidays are on the way. The annual Silver and Snowflakes Tree Lighting Celebration tonight will shut down traffic on Carson City for a little while. Sleigh rides, caroling, the Empty Bowls Soup Fest, and a performance by the Youth Theater Carson City Showstoppers are just some of the planned festivities. Stay downtown for comedy at the Carson Nugget, Improv at the Brewery Arts Center, or a live DJ at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar and at Battle Born Social. Keep reading, though, that’s just the tip of the Friday happenings iceberg.

FRIDAY:

Everyone has a favorite alien movie. Whether it’s Alien, Star Wars, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Independence Day, Men in Black or Predator, extraterrestrials certainly have long captivated movie lovers.

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.

“Peanutcracker – The Story In A Nutshell,” is a kid-sized version of the holiday classic, “The Nutcracker,” told in 45-minutes by 50 local school school children. Performed by Sierra Nevada Ballet, there will be performances Friday and Saturday at the Carson City Community Center.

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:

CARSON CITY, Nev. – The Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Nevada is participating in the 6th annual #GivingTuesday, a global day of online giving, on Tuesday, Nov. 28.

A storm will bring strong winds to the Carson City region Sunday, then valley rain and Sierra snow later through Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service. A High Wind Warning is in effect until 4 a.m. for much of Western Nevada.

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:

A Thanksgiving tradition in Carson City that has brought community members to the dinner table at the Carson Nugget for decades drew nearly 1,000 people for a delicious family-style meal Thursday.

Ready for the long weekend filled with friends, family, and food? Get in the celebratory spirit with some live jazz at Living the Good Life or country dancing at Carson Lanes. If you’re over 18, you are welcome to check out the karaoke party at Caterpillar’s Hookah Lounge. A young wizaard discovers his destiny on the big screen; Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone at Fandango’s Galaxy Theater is a perfect family-friendly outing.

WEDNESDAY:

A new study from the Wildlife Conservation Society, Nevada Department of Wildlife and the University of Nevada-Reno finds that conservation efforts have resulted in successful re-colonization of black bears into portions of their historic ranges in the Great Basin in Nevada. The animals had been absent from these areas for more than 80 years.

Brian Reedy, Carson City Parkinson’s Advocacy and Awareness co-director, said he knew exactly who to approach to design a logo for his support group. Having spent 20 years working at Carson High School, with the tail end of his career in the Career and Technical Education program, he knew Patricia Ababio’s graphic design III and IV students would be the perfect choice.

Last week, a basketball game among rivals Douglas High and Carson High inspired more comradery than animosity as it raised money for the teens injured in the Nov. 9 rollover. Tonight, an alumni hoops battle takes place to raise more money; go cheer them on, we are all winners in this game. The weather should be wonderful for this afternoon’s downtown walk with Muscle Powered. The Friends of the Carson City Library bring author J.L. Pattison to Browsers Corner for their November meet and greet.

TACH (Traditional Association for Cultural Harmony) a nonprofit organization founded by Internationally renowned musician Thakur Chakrapani Singh going to present ”World Music Award Night" on Dec. 2nd 2017 @ 6.30 PM at Center for Spiritual Living, 4685 Lakeside Drive, Reno, NV 89509

This Thanksgiving week will bring partly to mostly sunny skies and dry conditions for the Carson City region, according to the National Weather Service. Those traveling for the holiday can expect much of the same throughout the West with some rain in the Pacific Northwest.

I don’t know about you, but I can almost smell turkey in the air. Healthy Communities Coalition in Dayton will help you spruce up your holiday dinner during this month’s cooking demo: the pumpkin spice bars caught my eye. The fundraising for the victims of the Nov. 9 rollover accident continues tonight at Chili’s Restaurant. Head there for dinner and a portion of your check will benefit the teens that were injured. Help move your Monday along with something fun. Karaoke at the Fox Brewpub, a Monday Night Football party at Living the Good Life, or Game Night at Carson Cigar Co.

Sunday is usually synonymous with football this time of year. Raiders fans, and non-fans for that matter, are invited to the Eleventh Frame Lounge inside Carson Lanes to watch the game and join in the annual Adopt-a-Senior Fundraiser. If you’ve got a bibliophile on your gift list, the Nevada State Museum has got you covered. You’ll get the chance to meet ten notable Nevadan authors, learn more about our great state, and get a signed copy one of the many books available. Read on and enjoy your weekend.

And the winners are, everyone. The third annual Carson High School vs. Douglas High School Charity Basketball Game lit up CHS Wednesday, Nov. 15 and, as rivalry was put aside, it turned out to be the most successful basketball game fundraiser in CHS history with $10,000 raised for the seven students injured in the Nov. 9 vehicle accident on Kings Canyon Road.

With Thanksgiving just days away, the holiday season is just around the corner. The annual Holiday Craft Fair at Carson High features a plethora of handmade and locally crafted gifts for the loved ones on your shopping list. Take the plunge at the Carson Aquatic Center if you want to get a picture with Scuba Santa. Grab a coat, some friends, and your ID and head downtown for this month’s beer crawl. $15 gets you a glass and your first beer, from there you’ll pay only $1 for refills at several watering holes. There’s even more to enjoy this weekend, so keep reading for your options.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada broke ground inside on its new controlled entry, at its facility at 1870 Russell Way in Carson City.

A weather system that gave the Carson City region a good rain soaking and brought feet of snow to the Sierra has ended with sunny skies in the forecast through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

In the past two years, the conversation about renewable energy in Nevada has focused on fights over rooftop solar and the announcement of large-scale solar projects. Politicians and advocates all said the goal was to turn Nevada into the “Saudi Arabia of solar.” As Western energy markets pivot from fossil fuels, state officials want to broaden that goal. They see Nevada as not only the “Saudi Arabia for solar” but also the “Saudi Arabia of geothermal.”

The wet weather has passed, at least for a few days. If you didn’t want to brave the downpour to drop-off a frozen turkey Thursday, then you are in luck. Another frozen turkey drive runs all day at the Max Casino in Carson City or the Sanchez Meat Co. in Minden. The Carson High Craft Show, a long-time locals’ favorite, begins this evening at 5 p.m.