How to Celebrate the Christmas Holidays in Nevada
When most people usually think of the state of Nevada, they think of its reputation for gambling, celebrity gatherings and huge show productions. Nevada is all of those things, but it is also a place where many families live who enjoy celebrating holidays like anybody else in the United States. If you live in Nevada or plan on visiting over the Christmas season, there are many interesting things you can do and places you can go throughout the state to find festive events and activities. Does this Spark an idea?
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Enjoy holiday events in Las Vegas, Nevada. This is a town that really goes all out for Christmas. You can find many interesting events happening at the Fremont Street Experience, including a holiday festival, the lighting of the annual Christmas tree, the Annual Downtown Hoedown and live concerts. Since Fremont Street is located in the heart of downtown Vegas, you can also visit the casinos and shops in the vicinity. If you choose to go to the Las Vegas Strip, most of the casinos are beautifully decorated for the season and have special Christmas shows and bargains. You will find that hotel rates are actually more reasonable during this time of year. Should you want to experience a little seasonal "culture," you can attend the Las Vegas Philharmonic's annual holiday concert (get your tickets early). The area's community and recreation centers offer activities for locals, such as crafts workshops, concerts, square dancing, holiday films, holiday sing-a-longs, storytelling, seasonal parties and other events geared primarily towards families.
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Take a trip to Genoa, Nevada, located in Douglas County, for its annual Christmas Faire, where local vendors, as well as vendors from other parts of the state, come to present holiday-related wares. Events include an antique, art and crafts show; display of baked goods; holiday gift wrapping; and photo-taking where children can take a picture with Santa Claus and the lighting of their Commemorative Christmas Tree. The Commemorative Christmas Tree is where you can place your own ornaments and photos to honor loved ones serving in the military. Genoa also offers the opportunity for you to see a Christmas concert that features the Comstock Cowboys singing traditional western holiday songs.
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Visit the Mount Charleston Lodge in Mount Charleston, Nevada. It is located only 30 to 45 minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip. The beautiful snow-capped mountains are romantically scenic and the location of the lodge takes full advantage of the view. During the Christmas season, you can go skiing and, on Christmas Day, you can ride in a horse-drawn sleigh and enjoy a holiday meal.
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Attend the Reno River Holiday, held in Wingfield Park, in Reno, Nevada. You can find Wingfield Park on an island near the Truckee River. There are several activities lined up for this annual Christmas event, including arts and crafts shows, a Santa Claus visitation, things of interest for children, live performers and food. This is a very family-friendly occasion and a great, old-fashioned way to celebrate the season. The Reno River Holiday starts every Thanksgiving weekend and continues until December 31.
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Celebrate Christmas in Carson City, Nevada. Carson City is the state capital of Nevada and there are many activities that take place around the holidays. Some events include The Silver and Snowflake Festival of Lights, Ride the Rails With Santa and a concert by the Carson City Symphony, as well as the Victorian Homes Christmas tour, held in the historic district of the city. The casinos throughout the city provide a festive atmosphere to usher in the holidays. For locals, there are always family-oriented activities at the community and recreation centers that include crafts workshops, cookie exchanges, concerts, special events for children, dances and more.
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Experience a small town Christmas in Austin, Nevada. Austin is located on the Toiyabe Range's western slopes in Lander County. The population is just around 340 people, so you get the chance to celebrate the season in a tiny, quaint community. They have an annual Live Nativity Scene every holiday season. There is also a light judging contest and a raffle, in which the winner gets a free turkey for the holidays. Austin is close to three nationally designated wilderness sites in the state, so you can additionally mark the season by backpacking, fishing, hunting or simply enjoying nature.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember to dress warmly for the holiday season in Nevada, as winter temperatures drop considerably.
Find out which events are family-friendly before taking children.
Ask locals about special holiday activities not on the "official" Christmas events list.
