Festival of Lights, Project Empty Bowls, Santa train and more: Carson City region readies for festive weekend

Heading into the weekend, there’s a bevy of holiday events around the Carson City region over the next three days. Events include the Silver and Snowflake Festival of Lights, the 24th annual Parade of Lights in Gardnerville, the annual Project Empty Bowls dinner held at the Carson Mall, a Holiday Crawl in downtown Carson City and much more! The Santa Train will roll into the Carson City Railroad Museum for weekend train rides. Visit the 2019 Santa Events Roundup below for more information.

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 the rundown of activities over the next three days:

Friday, December 6
— 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.

— Sierra Lutheran and Fellowship of Christian Athletes Team Up for Trees For The Troops (all day). Sierra Lutheran High School and Fellowship of Christian Athletes are partnering to cultivate support for Trees For the Troops, a local effort to generate funds to gift Christmas trees to active military at the Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, Calif.

— 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 in the parking lot at Governor's Field on Evalyn Street off of Roop Street. Come join Muscle Powered for a free, guided group walk, hike, or ride around Carson City!

— 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.

— V&T Candy Cane Express. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 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.

— Carson City Silver and Snowflakes Festival of Lights this Friday. 4:30 p.m. in downtown Carson City. Since 1988, the Silver and Snowflakes Festival of Lights has heralded in Carson City’s holiday season. The festival has grown from a simple tree lighting on the capitol grounds to involving the entire downtown core attracting thousands to enjoy this very special event.

— Minden Park Gazebo Lighting. 5 p.m. at 1610 Esmeralda Ave. Kids who bring a canned food item or a donation for the Carson Valley Food Closet receive a goodie bag and a chance to help Santa light the Gazebo! Santa arrives at 6 pm to light the Gazebo! A free dance performance and much more!

— Christmas in Genoa. 5:30 p.m. at the Genoa Community Church, 182 Nixon in Genoa. Every year, Genoans and Visitors come together to celebrate the Christmas holidays.

— Annual Candle Lighting at Fitzhenry's Funeral Home. 6 p.m. at 3945 Fairview Dr. In love and remembrance this holiday season, you and your family are invited to join us as we honor those whom we hold dear in our hearts.

— Open Mic Night at A to Zen Gift Shop. 6 to 9 p.m. at 1803 N. Carson Street. Open Mic Night is held at A to Zen Gift Shop on the Zen Den Stage. All talents, creative projects welcome. Come practice being on stage. There will be music, comedy, poetry, magic, and more. All ages and skill levels welcome.

— 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!

— 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.

— Consort Canzona presents 'Something Old, Something New' in Carson City. 7 p.m. at Shepherd of the Sierra Lutheran Church, 3680 Highway 395.
The program is a celebration of early Christmas music with a modern twist. It features vocal and instrumental music from the 13th century, and modern arrangements of early carols.

— Evening of Improv Comedy at the Brewery Arts Center. 7 to 9 p.m. at 449 W. King St. Join us for an evening of improv comedy where you never know what to expect, except a good time! Suggested donation of $5.00 at the door.

— Carson Comedy at the Carson Nugget. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at 507 N. Carson St. Live Comedy every Friday and Saturday night at the Carson Nugget! Doors open at 7:15 p.m. Purchase tickets at the Winner’s Club or online.

— One Way Street to perform at Living the Good Life. 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. at 1480 N. Carson St. One Way St. will be bringing some Christmas life and spirit to downtown Carson City on Friday! So come on out and enjoy some rockin’ live music.

— Christmas on the Comstock in Virginia City. The month-long event will be held at 86 S. C Street. This December will have you Believing Again with three-weekends of events and a month-long celebration for the entire family surrounded by a historic Victorian setting. Festivities include a parade, concerts, tours, A Comstock Christmas Carole original production, Father Christmas, carriage rides, Christmas trains, letters to Santa, a Christmas Challenge town-wide activity, a shopping spree worth $1,000 and much more.

Saturday, December 7
— 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.

— Nevada author at the Flying Pig Market. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fuji Park Exhibit Hall, 701 Old Clear Creek Rd. Nevada Author, Sandie La Nae will be selling her popular books at the Flying Pig Flea Market for your gift giving ideas. Genres include the "Weird" volumes, co-authored with Special Works Historian, Arline La Ferry, and the "Historic-Paranormal" books, featuring historic and haunted buildings in the Carson City area.

— Douglas County Historical Society's Annual Holiday Gala. 10 a.m. at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center, 1477 U.S. Hwy 395 in Gardnerville. Join us for our annual Holiday Gala on Saturday, December 7th. Festivities begin at 10:00 a.m. and include The Gallery of Trees, Santa’s Cookie Shop, Gingerbread Houses on Display and Selfies with Santa.

— Annual Holiday Faire in Virginia City. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Mary’s Art Center, 55 North R Street. New this year the event is over two days! Come enjoy the art, wares, and goods of talented artisans from across the area.

— Holiday Kick-Off Sale at Eddy Street Vintage Market. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1235 Eddy St. in Gardnerville. Join us for our Holiday Kick-Off Sale at Eddy Street Vintage Market!

— Winter Craft Fair. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Carson Lanes Family Fun Center, 4600 Snyder Ave. There will be vendors showcasing unique gifts and items for everyone to enjoy! Make sure to make a trip down to the fair for a good time.

— Christmas Cheer Challenge in Virginia City. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Take your family on a fun-filled family adventure in Virginia City. Your mission is to save the Grinch.

— Silver City Arts' Holiday Show and Sale features Music, Craft Making, Art. 12 to 4 p.m. at the Silver City Schoolhouse, 385 High St. in Silver City. Silver City Arts group's Saturday, Dec. 7 holiday event from noon to 4pm includes music by cellists Diane Kotik and Becky Crowe, a holiday craft activity for all ages led by Erich and Chali Haugen, and complimentary sweets.

— Holiday Themed Book Art Class at Western Nevada College. 1 to 4 p.m. Come and join us Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. as we make some really fun items for the holidays! Learn to make book wreaths, trees and more! Some will even be illuminated! I will have a coffee bar available. Contact Western Nevada College at 775-445-3000, ask for community education.

— 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.

— Downtown Wine Walk. 1 to 5 p.m. at 101 N. Carson St. The Downtown Wine Walk is a must not miss! Held the First Saturday of every month from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. For just $15 you’ll receive a commemorative wine glass and endless reasons to stroll through Downtown sipping and tasting the afternoon away. Bring your wine walk glass with the Carson City Logo on it and pay only $12.

— Lego Club at the Carson City 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.

— Carson City's annual Project Empty Bowls dinner happening this Saturday at Carson Mall. 3 to 8 p.m. at 1313 S. Carson St. Celebrating the holidays around Carson City is a magic and glorious time, where the community comes together to celebrate and to give through several charity functions. Many in the community are grateful to have a roof over their head and food to eat without much of a struggle. But unfortunately for many families and individuals, having regular meals doesn't come easy.

— Holiday Crawl Saturday in downtown Carson City to benefit Holiday with a Hero. Check in begins at 4 p.m. at The Studio, 177 W. Proctor St. With family activities making up the Christmas tree lighting at the capitol on Friday night, Saturday night is reserved for grownups who are invited to take a festive walk through downtown Carson City and make stops and their favorite restaurants and bars as part of a community fundraiser for local school children who are without permanent homes.

— Consort Canzona presents 'Something Old, Something New' in Carson City. 4 p.m. at Shepherd of the Sierra Lutheran Church, 3680 Highway 395.
The program is a celebration of early Christmas music with a modern twist. It features vocal and instrumental music from the 13th century, and modern arrangements of early carols.

— 24th annual Parade of Lights. 5 p.m. The parade runs from Heritage Park in Gardnerville, down Hwy 395 to Minden Park. The Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce’s 24th Annual Parade of Lights is Saturday, December 7th. Join in for this fun and beautiful family friendly event! The Towns of Gardnerville and Minden, along with Main Street Gardnerville, will come together to support this event. The announcing stand and parade judges will be located at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center, and the Douglas County Historical Society has a fun-filled day planned for you as well.

— A Genoa Cowboy Country Christmas. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Genoa Town Hall, 2287 Main St. The concert is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Historic Genoa Town Hall at 2289 Main Street. Featured performance by Joni Morris.

— 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!

— 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.

— Kieth Alan Barnett to perform at A to Zen Gift Shop. 7 p.m. at 1803 N. Carson St. Keith Alan Barnett's 2nd annual Birthday Concert at A to Zen will be held Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. Keith had such a great time last year, he's decided to make it an annual thing. This year, he has invited his band mates from MiXed Company and Lonesome Polecat Band to join him.

— Carson Comedy Club at the Carson Nugget. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at 507 N. Carson St. Live Comedy every Friday and Saturday night at the Carson Nugget! Doors open at 7:15 p.m. Purchase tickets at the Winner’s Club or online.

— Trippin' King Snakes to perform at Living the Good Life. 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. at 1480 N. Carson St. Holiday with a Hero provides holiday shopping trips for students in the McKinney-Vento Students-in-Transition program within the Carson City School District. Students are paired with first responders or volunteers from community organizations.

Sunday, December 8
— 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.

— Muscle Powered Sunday Morning Bike Ride. 9 a.m. Meet at Fremont Elementary School, 1511 Firebox Rd. Come join Muscle Powered for a free, guided group walk, hike, or ride around Carson City!

— Flying Pig Indoor Flea Market. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fuji Park Exhibit Hall, 701 Old Clear Creek Rd. Come find some great gifts and treasures with over 39 vendors selling arts, crafts, collectibles, jewelry, antiques, vintage clothing and so much more.

— Annual Holiday Faire in Virginia City. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Mary’s Art Center, 55 North R Street. New this year the event is over two days! Come enjoy the art, wares, and goods of talented artisans from across the area.

— Carson Victory Rollers 'Season's Beatings for Charity' event to benefit Meals on Wheels. 12:30 p.m. at the Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St. The Carson Victory Rollers presents the 2019 "Season's Beatings, a Scrimmage for Charity" this Sunday at the Carson City Community Center. Donations collected go to Carson City Senior Center's Meals on Wheels program.

— A Comstock Christmas Carol. 1 to 3 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.

— Nevada Raider Nation Carson City Chapter Game Watch. 1:25 p.m. at Jimmy G’s, 301 N. Carson St. The Oakland Raiders take on the Tennessee Titans for a still-small chance of taking a wildcard spot for the AFC playoffs.

— Celebrate the Holidays with Handel's 'Messiah' and Seasonal Carols. 3 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 1480 Douglas Ave. in Gardnerville. Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, also known as TOCCATA, presents its 14th annual performance of Handel’s beloved “Messiah,” along with seasonal carols. We bring the holidays to you, performing in Gardnerville and Genoa, as well as north and south Lake Tahoe and Reno. Just choose your venue: a beautiful Gardnerville church or an elegant golf club ballroom.

— Capital City Community hosts 'In A Holiday Spirit' concert. 3 p.m. in the Boldrick Theatre in the Carson City Community Center. The band, under the direction of Nick Jacques, will present a variety of Christmas music from the lighter side of the holidays with “Christmas On Broadway” and “Sleigh Ride” to the more traditional carols, “Greensleeves” and “Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head."

— Willow Bill fundraiser to be held at A to Zen Gift Shop. 5 to 9 p.m. at 1803 N. Carson St. Having received a diagnosis of stage 4 cancer and currently undergoing chemotherapy in preparation for surgery later this month, it’s time for our local community to gather together and support our friend.

— Celebrate the Holidays with 'P'Opera!'.. Two shows will be held at 5 and 7:30 p.m. at Napa-Sonoma South located in Reno at 7671 S. Virginia St. Treat yourself, your friends, and your family to “CELEBRATE!” as they usher in the most wonderful time of the year.

— 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!