Christmas music

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)

Rumor has it, there’s a storm on the way. Bundle up and do a snow dance if you want a white Christmas. It’s the first day of winter break hours at the Arlington Square Ice Rink; it’s a perfect place for the kids to burn off some holiday energy. Genoa Candy and Coffee invites everyone to enjoy story time tonight.

Just a few days left before the big day. Get your fill of holiday music as the Ninth Annual Christmas Carol Play-along for Strings returns to Carson Mall. Even if you don’t play an instrument, voices are more than welcome to contribute to the tunes. Wintertime is perfect for curling up with a good book, join the Library’s Winter Read-a-thon to win some great prizes. Carson Cigar Company is throwing a party featuring Ev ‘Cheese the Knife’ Musselman of the Tripping King Snakes: they’ve been selling raffle tickets to benefit Food for Thought, so head down to support this great charity.

The winter solstice is today: the shortest day and longest night of the year. I’m always happy to hear that because it means longer days are on their way. The holiday frenzy continues, so don’t miss out on those pictures with Santa. Red’s Old 395 will send you off with a complementary 4”x6” photo, and Santa’s Village at the Carson Mall is open all day. See what the great folks of the Carson Visitor Bureau and Nevada Day, LLC are up to at their open house today; from here on out you’ll find all the fun stuff from the Nevada Day Trading Post inside our Visitor’s Center.

It’s looking like we may be in store for a white Christmas this year, but anything could happen in the next few days. Don’t wait till the last minute to get your holiday affairs in order, check out Carson City’s great little shops and art galleries for those hard-to-find gifts. Country line dancing at Carson Lanes will get your toes tapping and your blood pumping. Award-winning singer-songwriter Canyon White is a perfect companion to dinner or a few cocktails at Living the Good Life.

I’ll bet the kids are chomping at the bit: one last week before winter break and just days away from Christmas. For some family friendly entertainment tonight, the Tintabultation Handbell Ensemble is offering a free concert at the Marriott Courtyard at Casino Fandago. Learn some new tricks in the kitchen with a free cooking class by Healthy Communities Coalition at the Dayton Community Center. Pumpkin lattes and chocolate silk cake are on the menu. It’s Panthers versus the Redskins in tonight’s football game. Have a great week, Carson City.

MONDAY:

I’ll bet the kids are chomping at the bit: one last week before winter break and just days away from Christmas. For some family friendly entertainment tonight, the Tintabultation Handbell Ensemble is offering a free concert at the Marriott Courtyard at Casino Fandago. Learn some new tricks in the kitchen with a free cooking class by Healthy Communities Coalition at the Dayton Community Center. Pumpkin lattes and chocolate silk cake are on the menu. It’s Panthers versus the Redskins in tonight’s football game. Have a great week, Carson City.

MONDAY:

Just one last week to go until Hanukkah and Christmas. The Carson Mall is jam-packed full of crafters and unique shops for some of your last-minute gift purchases. Hop in the car and take a tour of the brightly lit downtown and houses throughout the area. Kids will enjoy decorating a cookie at Genoa Candy and Coffee in Carson Lanes; you may as well get there early and bowl a few games first.

SUNDAY:

Oh baby, it’s cold outside. Jack Frost seems to be working overtime this weekend, bringing temperatures that will barely rise above freezing. I suggest some hot cocoa. Join Santa at Adele’s for pictures, cookies, and something warm to drink, just remember to bring an unwrapped toy to donate.

The countdown continues. Just one weekend is separating us from Christmas, so go enjoy the friends, family, and holiday cheer that surround us. The Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada welcomes a special visit from Santa and offers fun crafts for the kids. Browse the sale in their gift shop and consider a membership for a year full of free entry. The talented kids of All About Dance perform at the CVIC Hall in Minden. Handel’s Messiah will fill the rafters of Corpus Christi Church when the Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus take to the stage. Continue reading for even more options.

The Carson City Library has something in common with the epic spaghetti western ‘The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly’: they are both 50 years old. Celebrate the classic film and our classy library with an afternoon showing of the movie. Join Cherie Shipley at the Brewery Arts Center; the annual ‘Joyful Noise’ Community Holiday Show is full of cheer for all ages. Our high school and middle school student orchestras invite you to their free winter concert at the Community Center this evening. Living the Good Life welcomes singer/songwriter Liam Kyle Cahill back to their stage tonight.

The moon has looked incredible these last few nights, and a view from Washoe Lake State Park is sure to inspire. Just make sure to call for reservations if you’d like to join the guided hike along the sand dunes. For some daytime scenery, join Parks and Rec. for their easy walk at Fuji Park. Head to Comma Coffee tonight for hot drinks and cool jazz. Enjoy the vocal stylings of Jakki Ford and proprietor June Joplin, in addition to some great poetry. Keep reading for more happenings around town.

TUESDAY:

Enjoy a break from the wet weather today, rain is expected to return Tuesday. The Arlington Square Ice Rink is temporarily closed due to some storm damage sustained over the weekend, but the great people of the Parks and Recreation Department are working hard to have it up and running soon. Enjoy an evening with the girls at Bella Fiore tonight. A Sip and Shop event featuring local vendors begins at 5 p.m. If you’re interested in the theater, consider attending the board meeting for the Proscenium Players tonight.

In just two short weeks it will be Christmas Eve. Treat the kids to some quality time with Family Day at A to Zen or at the final performance of ‘Elf Jr. – The Musical.’ Let the Carson City Symphony get you in the spirit of the season at the 33rd Annual Holiday Treat Concert in the Community Center. Bring an unwrapped toy and you’ll get in for free to the Carson Victory Rollers’ annual ‘Season’s Beatings Red and Green Scrimmage.’ Keep reading for some great ways to spend the day.

SUNDAY:

Brace yourself, Carson City. We could be in for some wet and windy weather this weekend. The more adventurous of you will be participating in the Be Bold, Run in the Cold ‘Run with Rudolph’ 5/10K near Western Nevada College. If you’d rather be indoors, the Carson Mall is hosting a Holiday Craft Fair, and at noon will celebrate the grand opening of Ogres-Holm Pottery. Celebrate a Country Christmas with Mary Kaye and the Kaye Sisters in Genoa or get your Celtic fix at the Brewery Art Center with a performance by County Clarke. Read on for local fun for young and the young-at-heart.

The weekend is just hours away, but first let’s enjoy Friday. Join in the spirit of giving during today’s drive-by food drive. There’s a drop-off location nearby whether you’re in Carson City or Carson Valley. Wild Horse Children’s Theater heads into their second weekend of performances, so you’re running out of time to catch Elf Jr. – The Musical. Sassafras will show you a good time tonight: Whatitdo hits the stage at 8 p.m. Local favorite, Antsy McClain, brings a whole trailer park full of fun to his Christmas show at the Brewery Arts Center.

FRIDAY:

It’s a winter wonderland out there, but it does come with unique perils. Please give yourself extra time to get where you’re going, the roads may be slick. The weekend is quickly approaching bringing fun events like the State Railroad Museum’s Santa Train, a special performance by Antsy McClain at the Brewery Arts Center, and the return of the drive-through Living Nativity at the United Methodist Church. If you’re itching for the chance to get your picture with Santa, head to Red’s Old 395 tonight. Stretch your vocal cords with karaoke at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar or at Living the Good Life.

75 years ago, the USS Nevada was one of the battleships trapped when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. She was the only battleship to get underway during the attack, and according to Naval historian Kermit (Kit) H. Bonner the ship was "the only bright spot in an otherwise dismal and depressing morning" for the United States. Today we remember those lost in that attack, and remember the history behind the battleship that is our battle born namesake. A special exhibit of USS Nevada artifacts, and a lecture on her history are free for all at the State Museum at 1 p.m.

What do you need to get in the holiday spirit? Carson City probably has it covered. Watch ‘A Christmas Wish’ with Jimmy Durante at the monthly meeting of the Carson City Classic Cinema Club. Let the talented kids of ‘Strings in the Schools’ entertain you with their annual ‘This is Not a Christmas Concert’ Concert at the Community Center. If you need some bowl-full-of-jelly belly laughs, then the Super Santa Extravaganza, featuring some of the area’s funniest stand-up comics, is for you. You’ll find that in the Brewery Arts Center Black Box Theater. For a good dose of Christmas lights, head to the Johnson Lane area. Off Stephanie Lane, on Chaparral Court, is a spectacular display known as Nevada Christmas.

TUESDAY:

Party like it’s 1933 today, it’s the 83rd anniversary of the 21st Amendment. Head to your favorite tavern and toast to the repeal of alcohol prohibition, or head to Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar for their Repeal Day Party. Kids can enjoy hot chocolate and a couple hours of skating after school for the special price of $5, and that includes skate rental. Firkin and Fox is the Monday night place to be with karaoke following tonight’s football game.

MONDAY:

Don’t think that Sundays are just for rest, there is plenty to coax you out of your pajamas today. Take a trip with Santa at the Nevada Railroad Museum. Search for treasures and do your Christmas shopping at Fuji Park today, one of the multiple craft shows in town. Enjoy a free concert at the Community Center courtesy of the Capital City Community Band. Dayton is celebrating a small town Christmas tonight; bust out your best ugly sweater and join the fun. Keep reading and have a great day.

SUNDAY:

I hope you got your fill of naps last weekend because this weekend is chock full of fun to be had for all. You can Wine Walk until you Holiday Crawl downtown. Take your pick of craft shows in town. Kids won’t want to miss the Santa Train at the State Railroad Museum or one of the two performances of ‘The Peanutcracker’ at the Community Center. Whether you’d like to spend the days indoors or out, there is something for all ages in the Carson City area this weekend.

SATURDAY:

• Nevada Artists Association Art Exhibit at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-6pm)

Northern Nevada HotSpot owner Cassidy Davis originally envisioned this weekend’s Christmas Shopping Extravaganza event at the Fuji Park Exhibition Hall in South Carson City as promoting the concept of shop local, buy local.

Tonight’s the night! With one flip of the switch all of downtown joins in the Christmas Spirit. The Silver and Snowflakes Festival includes carols, sleigh rides, hot chocolate, and of course, the lighting of the Capitol. Don’t forget to head to the First Presbyterian Church for the Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser. You’ll get a handmade, hand painted ceramic bowl to keep and lots of yummy food to keep you warm. The talented kids of Wild Horse Children’s Theater hit the stage for opening night of ‘Elf Jr.

Good Shepherd Wesleyan Church in Carson City is hosting a free Christmas Concert on Dec. 4th, 6 p.m. with the talented Holly Starr.

No matter the circumstance, Holly Starr has found God to be faithful in all seasons, and she’s relishing in the freedom that comes from looking to Christ to be her everything. Her music shares this powerful journey and all are invited to come enjoy her special Christmas music. Go here for more information about Holly Starr.

Doors open at 5:30pm and one can listen to her music at: