I Love Carson City’s Weekend Event Summary: Dec. 16 - 17

Santa comes in all shapes, sizes, and apparently, vehicles. Hop aboard the Santa Train at the Nevada Railroad Museum. It’s an out-of-this-world Alien Santa at the annual Zen Christmas at A to Zen. A cookie-loving Santa can be found at Adele’s during their annual toy drive for the Ron Wood Resource Center. If your ‘kids’ are the four-legged kind, then head over to PetSmart or Paws to Pur-fection Dog Grooming for your holiday photos. In addition to the Santa-mania, you’ll find a downtown Carson Beer Crawl, two plays at the Brewery Arts Center, and plenty of music. Read on and have a great weekend.

SATURDAY:

• — Breakfast and Bowling at Carson Lanes (breakfast served 7:30am -11am, unlimited bowling 9am-12pm; $13, $8 kids 8 and younger)
• — EAA Sierra Chapter #403 Pancake Breakfast at the Chapter Building: 2500 E. College Pkwy (8am; $5 per person; Everyone Welcome; Proceeds benefit the Experimental Aircraft Association’s activities)
• — Wreaths Across America: Wreath-Laying ceremony at Lone Mountain Cemetery (9am wreath laying ceremony including a guest speaker from the Nevada National Guard, as well as the dedication of a “memory tree”; hosted by the Carson City Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol)
• — In Jesus Name Free Medical Clinic at Damascus Road Christian Church: 974 Tillman, Gardnerville Ranchos (Must check-in 9am-12pm; first come first seen; Flu Shots, Family Practice, Pediatrics, Dermatology, Orthopedists and specialty doctors available; NO narcotics, NO disability or legal evaluations)
• — Annual Nevada Day Art Show in the Nevada Artists Association Gallery at the Brewery Arts Center (10am-4pm)
• — Half-off Everything at the Carson City Senior Center Thrift Shop: 911 Beverly Drive (10am-3:30pm; includes Boutique and Furniture; books are not included; benefits the Meals on Wheels Program)
• — Annual Santa Train at the Nevada State Railroad Museum (Trains leave every half hour 10am-3pm; $5, children 3 and under who sit in an adult's lap are free; Visit with Santa Claus and receive a candy cane aboard the train; Food Trucks; Refreshments, including hot cocoa, available for purchase; raffle)
• — People and Pooches Ugly Sweater Party at Paws to Pur-fection Dog Grooming: 266 W. Winnie Lane (10am-4pm; treats for everyone, Santa pictures and gifts; Ugly Sweater Contest for the dogs)
• — Book signing and Meet the Author: Nancy Raven, ‘A Postal Journey: Discovering Nevada Through Its Post Offices’ at the Copeland Gallery: 1572 US Hwy 395 Minden (10am-12pm)

Minden and Gardnerville have some great options today. A book-signing with local author Nancy Raven is at the Copeland Gallery. Learn who won this year’s Gallery of Trees competition at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center. See what amazing things happen at Kids and Horsed during their Christmas Open House.

• — An Old-Fashioned Holiday Open House at Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park: 1450 Highway 88, Minden (10am-2pm; suggested donation $5)
• — Merry and Bright Sale at the Eddy Street Pop-Up Vintage Market: 1235 Eddy St., Gardnerville – next to Sharkey’s (10am-5pm)
• — Auditions for the Carson Valley Community Theater’s production of ‘Steve Martin’s The Underpants’ at The Annex: 1572 Hwy 395 N, Minden (10am; casting two women aged 20-40 and four or five men aged 20+; stage and production crew also needed)
• — Depot Work Day at Dayton's 1881 Carson and Colorado Railroad Depot: Hwy 50 East at Main Street, at the light (10am-1pm; Drop in, help as you can - There is something for everyone; for more info call 775-246-0505 or 775-720-4104)
• — The Pony Express comes to the Carson Mall (10am-2pm; Come meet real Pony Express riders, a pony express horse, and create and send a letter to Santa or to your family and friends; sponsored by the National Pony Express Nevada Division)
• — Christmas Craft Fair in the Carson Mall (11am-5pm; Vendors, Family activities for all to enjoy, Visits and Photos with Santa Claus, Reindeer Games, Pony Express, Rainbow Girls gift wrap, Christmas Carols)
• — Dog Town Rescue Adoption Event at PetCo on Topsy Lane (11am-3pm; all dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped; go to www.dogtownrescue.com for adoption information and application)
• — Cookies with Santa at Adele's Restaurant and Lounge: 1112 N Carson St (11am-2pm; Admission is $5 for adults and free for children - Every adult is asked to bring an unwrapped gift to be donated to help in assuring all children have a gift this year; Fundraiser and toy collection for The Ron Wood Family Center)
• — Fundraiser: Help Douglas Pop Warner JPW Cheer get to the National Competition (11am -9:30pm at Pizza Factory: 1758 Hwy 395, Minden AND 4pm-9pm at Yogurt Beach: 1330 Waterloo, Gardnerville; mention the fundraiser and a portion of the proceeds will help get them to the National Competition)

Feliz Navidad from the Latino Cohort of Western Nevada College. They are inviting everyone to the first ever Posada Celebration at WNC. Piñatas, dancing, Christmas music, and amazing authentic food and drink are all part of the party.

• — Inaugural Posada Celebration in Western Nevada College’s Carson Nugget Hall, Cedar Building (12pm-3pm; piñatas to break for children and adults, folkloric dancing, Christmas music in Spanish and traditional food such as tamales, posole and hot tea made of fresh fruits known as ponche; hosted by the Western Nevada College’s Latino Cohort)
• — Fourth annual ‘Zen Christmas’ at A to Zen: 1803 N. Carson St. (12pm-6pm; live music by local musicians, photos with ‘Alien Santa,’ holiday cheer and treats; non-perishable food drive for FISH)
• — Make Your Own Earrings with artist Dianne Butrick at the Carson City Art Gallery: 110 S. Curry St. (12pm-5pm; $10 per pair)
• — Pet Photos with Santa at PetSmart on Fairview (12pm-4pm; Enjoy a FREE photo opportunity with your family, pets and St. Nick)
• — Artisan Reception at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center: 1477 Hwy 395, Gardnerville (12pm-2pm; free; Honoring all creators of the gingerbread houses, snow globes and Christmas trees; hosted by the Douglas Co. Historical Society)
• — Christmas Open House at Kids and Horses: 2869 Esaw St, Minden (2pm-5pm; Horse Demonstrations at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm, Santa will arrive at 5pm; Arts and Crafts, Home cooked BBQ and salads; The mission of Kids and Horses is to provide safe and educational equine-assisted therapeutic riding to children and adults with disabilities)
• — Carson City Beer Crawl – Registration in Laxalt Plaza, by the Carson Nugget (1pm-5pm, prize drawing at 5pm; $15, includes mug and first beer, $1 additional pours at participating locations; a portion of the proceeds to benefit #CarsonStrong)
• — ‘Honk, Jr.’ presented by Wild Horse Children’s Theater in the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall (2pm; $10, $5 kids 4 - 12; Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale of the Ugly Duckling transformed into a modern musical comedy)

It’s the final weekend for performances at the Brewery Arts Center. The Proscenium Players wrap up their tragic romantic comedy ‘Love/Sick’ in the Black Box Theater. The kids won’t want to miss the musical adaptation of the Ugly Duckling, ‘Honk, Jr.’ in the Performance Hall.

• — Carson Valley LGBTQIAP and Friends Weekly Social Meet-up at Comma Coffee (2pm-4pm; Empowering support, love, and respect; all ages welcome)
• — All About Dance Christmas Show at the CVIC Hall: 1602 Esmeralda Ave, Minden (3pm; $15)
• — Books and Brew Book Club at the Alatte Coffee and Wine Bar’s Barrel Room inside the Carson Nugget (5pm; this month’s book is 'Before I Fall’ by Lauren Oliver; Please come ready to discuss the book and to have a good time)
• — Nevada Christmas: music and video sequenced light display at 1176 Chaparral Ct., Minden – off Stephanie Way (5:30pm-10pm, no show if raining/snowing; please turn off all head/running lights and do NOT block or park in driveways; donations appreciated, but not required, to benefit the Carson Valley Active 20/30 Club)
• — 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)
• — "White Elephant" Christmas Party and Bike Night at Battle Born Harley Davidson (6pm; admission is a wrapped gift under $15, gift exchange will be explained)
• — Live Nativity on display on the Bethlehem Lutheran Church front lawn: 1857 Mountain Street (6pm-8pm; Display will include the Manger scene with the Holy Family, Wise Men, Shepherds, and an Angel Choir)
• — A Nite of Christmas featuring Voices of the Sierra at Hilltop Community Church: 3588 Romans Road (6pm; $6; for tickets call 775-223-9360)

‘Tis the season for holiday music. The Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus presents Handel’s Messiah at the Douglas County Community and Senior Center in Gardnerville. You’ll find the Voices of the Sierra presenting a Christmas Concert at the Hilltop Community Church.

• — Christmas Party in the Silver City School House Community Center: 385 High St., Silver City (6pm; all welcome; appearance by Santa Claus with gifts for the kids - The sign up sheet for children's gifts is on the post office bulletin board in Silver City; ham/turkey and beverages provided, please bring a side dish or dessert; Hosted by the Silver City Volunteer Fire Department)
• — Weekly Star Party with Telescope Viewing at the Western Nevada College Jack C. Davis Observatory: 2699 Van Patten Ave, off Murphy Drive (Weather permitting 6pm-11pm; free to participate)
• — Ugly Sweater Christmas Party and Live Music by Bootleg at Espolon Grill y Tequileria: 10115 Hwy 50, Mound House (6pm; wear an ugly sweater to get a Christmas basket raffle ticket)
• — Dayton High School Theatre Department and Drama Club proudly present A One Act Festival featuring two comedies: “Fourteen” by Alice Gerstenberg and “The Hysterical History of the Trojan War” by D.M. Larson at Dayton High School: 335 Dayton Valley Rd, Dayton (6pm; $3 admission, concessions available)
• — Ladies Night at Crossroads Lounge (7pm-close)
• — Live Music with Terri Campillo, Craig Fletcher, and friends at Glen Eagles Restaurant (7pm-10pm)
• — The Proscenium Players present Love/Sick: A romantic and tragic comedy by John Cariani in the Brewery Arts Center Black Box Theater (7pm; $18 General Admission - discounts for students, seniors, and PPI or BAC members)
• — ‘Honk, Jr.’ presented by Wild Horse Children’s Theater in the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall (7pm; $10, $5 kids 4 - 12; Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale of the Ugly Duckling transformed into a modern musical comedy)
• — Piper's Opera House Players presents Tim Burton's ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ at Piper’s Opera House, Virginia City (7pm; $20 admission)
• — TOCCATA-Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus presents Handel’s Messiah at the Douglas County Community and Senior Center: 1329 Waterloo Lane, Gardnerville (7pm, Tickets are available at the door 30 minutes prior to the concert; Preferred seating $40, General admission $30, students aged 18-23 are $5, and free admission for those 17 and younger)

Hit the town tonight. You’ll find live music at the Fandango, the Max, and at the Carson Nugget. It’s karaoke night at Westside Pour House and the Spoke. DJs are in the mix at Caterpillar’s Hookah Lounge, Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar, and at Living the Good Life.

• — Rock 'n Bowl Night at Carson Lanes Family Fun Center (7pm-11pm; music and laser lights; Bowling Discounts for groups of 10 or more)
• — Rock’n and Bowl’n at the Gold Dust West Bowling Center (8pm-11:45pm; $10-$14 includes two hours of bowling and more; disco lights, fog machine and lots of prizes)
• — Live Music with Reckless Envy at the Casino Fandango (7pm-12am)
• — Karaoke at the Spoke Bar and Grill: 3198 Hwy 50 E (7pm-11pm)
• — DJ Wess Neal at Alatte inside the Carson Nugget (8pm)
• — Immersion Ugly Sweater Party hosted by resident DJ Chi-Gu Kom: featuring DJ Scottie, Dirty Deep, and Eezill at Caterpillar’s Hookah Lounge (8pm; no cover; 18+; the monthly night of DJ madness)
• — Live Music with the Trippin King Snakes at the Max Casino (8pm-12am)
• — Pray for Snow Party at the Overland Restaurant and Pub: 1451 Hwy 395, Gardnerville (7pm-10pm; Pop-up Art Show and Sale featuring local artists; Bring an unwrapped gift for Toys for Tots or Non-perishable food items for the Carson Valley Community Food Closet to be entered into the raffle)
• — Live Music with Greg Austin in the Carson Valley Inn Cabaret, Minden (8pm-1am)
• — Live Music with Road Daddy at the Ponderosa Saloon, Virginia City (8pm)
• — Live Music with Adrenaline in ‘The Loft’ inside the Carson Nugget (9pm-1am)
• — Karaoke Night at the Westside Pour House (9pm-12am)
• — DJ Dance Party at Living the Good Life: 1480 N. Carson (9:30pm; no cover)
• — DJ Dance Party at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar (10pm-2am; no cover, 21+)

It’s beginning to look, and sound, a lot like Christmas. Let the Tintabulations Handbell Ensemble entertain you with the in the warmth and magic of the holiday season during their free Winter Wandering concerts. ‘Elf’ is a modern holiday classic, and you’ll find it on the big screen today and Wednesday at the Galaxy Theater. Track down Santa at the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada; a family membership to the museum makes a great gift for anyone with little ones. Keep reading for even more Sunday fun day activities.

SUNDAY:

• — Christmas Bird Count with the Lahontan Autoban Society; meet at Burger King: 3589 N. Carson St. (meet at 7am; please e-mail Rob Lowry privately with your name or names of other participants at rlowry517@aol.com )
• — Family Day at Empire Ranch Golf Course (Kids play free with each paid adult green fee, one for one)
• — Breakfast and Bowling at Carson Lanes (breakfast served 7:30am-11am, unlimited bowling 9am-12pm; $13, $8 kids 8 and younger)
• — Muscle Powered Weekly Bike Ride - Meet in the south parking lot of Fremont Elementary School, next to the Linear Ditch Trail (meet at 9am; consists of two loops 10-15 miles long each, this will allow a rider to do 10-15 miles or 20-30 miles; ride pace will vary depending on rider level, but usually about 12-16 mph; All riders must have a bicycle in safe working condition, helmet, and closed toed shoes. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to the meeting site; email Shane: shane@shanetrotter.net with any questions)
• — Community Yoga with Allison Reitz at Comma Coffee (9am-10am; $12 suggested; beginners are welcome; Bring your mind, body, and mat; a limited number of extra mats will be available)
• — Annual Santa Train at the Nevada State Railroad Museum (Trains leave every half hour 10am-3pm; $5, children 3 and under who sit in an adult's lap are free; Visit with Santa Claus and receive a candy cane aboard the train; Food Trucks; Refreshments, including hot cocoa, available for purchase; raffle)

Don’t miss your last chance to catch Ol’ St. Nick on the Santa Train at the Railroad Museum; make sure to write out your wish list and visit a food truck while you’re there.

• — Annual Nevada Day Art Show in the Nevada Artists Association Gallery at the Brewery Arts Center (10am-4pm)
• — Christmas Craft Fair in the Carson Mall (11am-5pm; Vendors, Family activities for all to enjoy, Visits and Photos with Santa Claus, Reindeer Games, Pony Express, Rainbow Girls gift wrap, Christmas Carols)
• — Merry and Bright Sale at the Eddy Street Pop-Up Vintage Market: 1235 Eddy St., Gardnerville – next to Sharkey’s (11am-4pm)
• — Kids Eat Free at the Fox Brewpub (11am-10pm; with purchase of adult entree)
• — Pet Photos with Santa at PetSmart on Fairview (12pm-4pm; Enjoy a FREE photo opportunity with your family, pets and St. Nick)
• — The Proscenium Players present Love/Sick: A romantic and tragic comedy by John Cariani in the Brewery Arts Center Black Box Theater (1pm; $18 General Admission - discounts for students, seniors, and PPI or BAC members)
• — Santa at the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada (1pm-3pm, included with membership or admission; museum admission: $6 ages 14-54, $4 ages 2-13, $5 seniors 55+, free for those 1 and younger; Take your own photo with Santa, Make an ornament, Write a letter to Santa; 10% off sale in the Museum Gift Shop )
• — ‘Winter Wanderings’ Holiday Concert presented by Tintabulations Handbell Ensemble at Redemption Church: 1600 Snyder Ave (1pm-2pm; free admission, donations gratefully appreciated; suitable for all ages looking to be wrapped in the warmth and magic of the holiday season)
• — Music Jam Sunday at A to Zen: 1803 N. Carson St. (1pm-3pm; we try to keep it simple so that musicians of all ages and skill levels can participate. We welcome music of all genres and styles; Audience is welcome)

Peek inside the historic Wungnema House this afternoon. The stone house at the east end of Mills Park will be open to visitors and serving up hot cider.

• — Holiday Open House at the historic Wungnema House on the east end of Mills Park - The building is accessible by the Park entrance on Saliman Road, opposite the high school (2pm-5pm; join us for hot cider and other holiday goodies - admission to the open house is free; hosted by the Foundation for Carson City Parks and Recreation (FCCPR))
• — Pool Tournament at Remedy’s (2pm-5pm; $5 buy-in; APA Rules)
• — Weekly 9 Ball Pool Tournament at Whiskey Tavern (register 1pm; 2pm start; $10 per person)
• — ‘Honk, Jr.’ presented by Wild Horse Children’s Theater in the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall (2pm; $10, $5 kids 4 - 12; Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale of the Ugly Duckling transformed into a modern musical comedy)
• — Flashback Cinema: Elf at the Galaxy Theater - Fandango (2pm; $8.50 adults, $7.75 kids)
• — Piper's Opera House Players presents Tim Burton's ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ at Piper’s Opera House, Virginia City (1:30pm; $20 admission)
• — A Nite of Christmas featuring Voices of the Sierra at Hilltop Community Church: 3588 Romans Road (3pm; $6; for tickets call 775-223-9360)
• — Nevada Christmas: music and video sequenced light display at 1176 Chaparral Ct., Minden – off Stephanie Way (5:30pm-10pm, no show if raining/snowing; please turn off all head/running lights and do NOT block or park in driveways; donations appreciated, but not required, to benefit the Carson Valley Active 20/30 Club)
• — 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)
• — ‘Winter Wanderings’ Holiday Concert presented by Tintabulations Handbell Ensemble at St. Paul's Lutheran Family: 1201 N Saliman Rd (6:30pm-7:30pm; free admission, donations gratefully appreciated; suitable for all ages looking to be wrapped in the warmth and magic of the holiday season)
• — Flashback Cinema: Elf at the Galaxy Theater - Fandango (7pm; $10.25 adults, $7.75 kids)

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.