Gift Wrap

If you’re looking for a new career, it may be time to head back to school – Carson High School, that is. The Carson City School District is looking to fill a number of positions and is holding a job fair this afternoon. See what the talented students in the Symphony Youth Strings program have been up to at tonight’s "Around the World in Music" concert at the Community Center. A special candle lighting ceremony to remember loved ones takes place this evening at Fitzhenry’s Funeral Home. All those who have lost someone are welcome to participate. Don’t let a little Bah Humbug ruin your day.

Jack Frost definitely has his icy fingers wrapped around today. It’s going to be a chilly one, so bundle up. With Christmas morning just three weeks away, the holidays are in full swing. Get a look at all of the seasonal fun that’s on it’s way in my list of holiday happenings HERE.

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.

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:

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.

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:

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, you’ll see twinkling lights appearing everywhere. Carson City doesn’t light up our downtown until next Friday, but if you need an immediate fix of holiday decorations, Minden has got you covered. Candy Cane Lane at the Carson Valley Inn is a custom outdoor drive-thru Christmas light display. ‘Nevada Christmas’ is a private home on Chaparral Court, just off Stephanie Way, and puts the holly jollies into the holiday.

SUNDAY:      

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:

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:

Silver Strike CrossFit in Carson City is hosting a shopping experience on Friday at 6PM. Open to the public. Come get unique gifts such as handmade knives, Lularoe Clothing, handmade blankets, scarves, baby items, women and children's accessories, Christmas decor, jewelry and more! Free Hot chocolate and crafting corner to make your own ornaments. Space available to gift wrap your items for free!

For information go to silverstrikecrossfit.com. Silver Strike CrossFit is located at 3260 Centennial Park Dr.

The gift wrap has been shredded, the eggs nogged, and the carols sung. Now it’s time to show off our great city to your out-of-town visitors. The Nevada State Museum, the twinkling Capitol, and the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada are a good place to start.

SATURDAY:

• Nevada Artists Association Art Exhibit featuring Howard Friedman and Photography by Chas. H. McDonnell, III at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-5pm)
• Coffee and Donuts with EAA Sierra Chapter 403 at 2500 E. College Pkwy (8:30am-12pm, all welcome)

Seems like just yesterday it was Thanksgiving, and now we’ve arrived at Christmas Eve. Last minute shopping trips, cooking baking, and non-stop holiday movies are all on the menu for today. And keep the hot chocolate close; it’s going to be chilly. Please drive safely. The last minute crunch can be stressful, but icy roads are a force to be reckoned with.

THURSDAY: Christmas Eve

• Carson City School District Winter Break

Batten down the hatches, a storm is brewing. It’s almost Christmas, and whoever asked for snow is getting their wish. Take a break from the hustle and bustle at karaoke: choose from Living the Good Life, Crossroads Lounge, or Caterpillar’s Hookah Lounge. Grab your smartest friends for Geeks Who Drink trivia at Lake Tahoe Brewing Co. Head to Red’s Old 395 for a chance to tell Santa what’s on your list.

WEDNESDAY:

• Carson City School District Winter Break

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, and it’s not a bad bet this week. Enjoy the sunshine while we’ve got it. Enjoy an evening of trivia at Living the Good Life. Break out the ugliest of sweaters for a night of karaoke at Carson Cigar C0. Head out to Sassafras to hear Linda Argento’s duo, ‘Xing Bridges,’ host an invitational jam.
TUESDAY:

• Carson City School District Winter Break
• ’Divergence’ by artist Katie Lewis at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)

Welcome to the first day of vacation for all you kids (and teachers) out there. There are some great ways to spend these days off. Head to Carson Lanes for one dollar specials all day long. The ice rink at Arlington Square has extended hours for the next two weeks, so strap on some skates and have fun. Santa will be at the Carson Mall every day until Christmas Eve. Nerdvana has found new digs at the corner of Airport Road and Hwy 50 East. Monday is family game night: who’s up for a challenge?

MONDAY:

• Carson City School District Winter Break Begins
• ’Divergence’ by artist Katie Lewis at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)

We all know that when a bell rings an angel gets its wings, thanks to Christmas classic ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’ Head down to the Brewery Arts Center for a free viewing and share the movie with your friends, family, and community. The Youth Theater Carson City Showstoppers are one talented bunch and their performance of ‘Yes Virginia: The Musical’ is sure to be a hit with young and old alike.

SUNDAY:

Ready to break a world record, Carson City? High school senior, Taylor Weddell is organizing an attempt at the World’s Largest Human Christmas Tree for her senior project. Grab everyone you know and head to Carson High at 10 a.m. Bundle up, and get ready for a good time. Hot beverages will be available to help keep you warm.

SATURDAY:

• Nevada Artists Association Art Exhibit featuring Howard Friedman and Photography by Chas. H. McDonnell, III at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-5pm)
• EAA Sierra Chapter #403 Pancake Breakfast at the Chapter Building: 2500 E. College Pkwy (8am; $5; Everyone Welcome)

Welcome to Friday. Here's what's going on around Carson City today and tonight. Have you done your Christmas shopping yet? There's still plenty of places to stop by this weekend, from the Carson Mall to downtown. Here's what you'll find going on today.
FRIDAY:

•*’Divergence’ by artist Katie Lewis at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)
•*Artists Walter McNamara and Lynda Yuroff featured in the OXS Gallery at the Nevada Arts Council: 716 N. Carson St. (8am-5pm)

The weekend is just around the corner, but Thursday offers some fun with or without the kids. Join Santa for story time at the Carson City Library. Head over to Red’s Old 395 or the Carson Mall for photos with Santa. Celebrate those December birthdays at Carson Cigar Co. with live music by the Trippin King Snakes. Unleash your inner diva at karaoke night at Living the Good Life or Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar. Unleash your creative side at the Brewery Arts Center: learn to make ‘em laugh at tonight’s improv workshop.

THURSDAY:

Welcome to Wednesday, Carson City. This time next week it will be Christmas Eve and Santa will be on his way. Make sure to tell him what you want and grab a free photo at Red’s Old 395. Join Capital City Arts Initiative in the Sierra Room of the Community Center; an artist reception for Claudia Knous begins at 10 a.m. Heads up, you’ll need to park on the east side of the building. Enjoy our award winning high school band, Blue Thunder, as they perform a winter concert in the Bob Boldrick Theater. They will be joined by the school’s orchestra as well.

WEDNESDAY:

It’s a perfect afternoon for a trip around the rink at the Arlington Square Ice Rink. School will be off for winter break next week, and the rink will have expanded hours for the occasion. Warm up inside with country dancing at Carson Lanes. Test your knowledge at Trivia night at Living the Good Life. For cool jazz and yummy food, Sassafras is the place to be tonight.

TUESDAY:

• ’Divergence’ by artist Katie Lewis at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)

It’s done snowing, but that doesn’t mean that the roads are clear. Please drive carefully. There are still great options for holiday shopping: craft fairs at the Carson Mall and Browser’s Corner Book Store, in addition to our great local shops. If you’ve got your gifts, but don’t feel like wrapping them, then the Rainbow Girls Gift Wrap is for you! Head to the Carson Mall and let the girls of Assembly #7 take the chore off your hands. Karaoke at the Firkin and Fox is a fun way to finish up your Monday.

MONDAY:

Looking for some holiday music magic today before heading home for the weekend? Inside the Carson Mall, 1227 S. Carson Street, from 4 to 5 p.m. is the six annual Christmas Carol Play-along for Strings. The event is free and open to everyone and is well worth it to see the performers.

Happy Friday, Carson City, the holidays are upon us in full force! Hanukkah has begun and Christmas is less than a week away. Time to get your last minute shopping finished and get those yummy smelling goodies in the oven. There are still some fun things happening around town, so grab the kids or a special someone and have yourself a holly, jolly time.

'Tis the Season, Carson City! Holiday cheer is in the wind, and we have plenty of wind right now. This weekend is jam-packed with food and toy drives, concerts, and Santa-sightings, so bundle up and have a fun time enjoying our great city.