Santa and Mrs. Claus pay a special pre-holiday visit during the Silver and Snowflake Festival, Dec. 2.
Santa and Mrs. Claus pay a special pre-holiday visit during the Silver and Snowflake Festival, Dec. 2.

Carson City during the holidays always springs alive with a festive collection of entertainment, music, and traditional favorites for the whole family.

Winter arrives just in time for Thanksgiving as the Arlington Square Ice Skating Rink opens for the season with daily skate sessions from Nov. 24 – Jan. 22. Group rates and multi-use punch cards provide savings to ice enthusiasts.

Children and the young at heart gather for the return of the Nutcracker Ballet, Nov. 26 – 28, at the Brewery Arts Center. Now in its 22nd season in Carson City, the Pinkerton Ballet Theater performs the tale featuring Clara’s prized Nutcracker who comes to life in the battle against the evil King of Mice. Tickets can be purchased online at www.breweryarts.org or by calling (775) 883-1976 and cost $23.50 for adults, $19.50 for seniors and children.

Meanwhile, the Nevada State Railroad Museum will be steaming up the Virginia & Truckee Railroad Engine No. 25 for Thanksgiving Weekend, chugging around the tracks at the Nevada State Railroad Museum. Departures are scheduled every 40 minutes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the museum’s Wabuska Depot on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 26 and 27. Tickets will be available on the day of the ride at the depot’s ticket booth.

Holiday cheer warms the streets of downtown as wreaths and garlands adorn lampposts in preparation for the annual Silver and Snowflake Festival, Dec. 2. Adults and children of all ages listen and sing along to carols sung by local choral ensembles as the capital tree collection comes alive with thousands of twinkling lights. Santa and Mrs. Claus make a special appearance for the festival, offering candy canes to those in attendance.

On Saturday, Dec. 11 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Breakfast with Santa at the Governor’s Mansion offers kids the rare opportunity to spend quality time with the jolly old elf over a hot breakfast. The morning menu includes pancakes, sausage, orange juice, milk, and a commemorative mug for hot cocoa. When the plates are cleared, it’s time for games and photos with the Santa and friends. Tickets are $7.50 each or $30 for a 5-pack and are available at the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada, online at www.cmnn.org, or by calling (775) 884-2226.

The Carson City Symphony and Carson Chamber Singers bring the spirit of the holidays to life during the 27th Annual Holiday Treat Concert at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 12, featuring special guest Norma Conway’s Victorian Dancers. Sounds of the Carson City Symphony’s Youth Strings fill the lobby prior to the concert, starting at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors, and are available online at www.CCSymphony.com or by calling (775) 883-4154.

Affordable Holiday Lodging
Transform a day trip into an overnight getaway and experience a full weekend of events in Carson City. Explore museums, spend quality time with Santa, take in a play or concert, and tempt your taste-buds in the morning with pastries from Schat’s Bakery.

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites offers the Glen Eagles Dining Package, starting at $159.99 per night, with one night’s lodging plus dinner for two at one of Carson City’s most popular restaurants, Glen Eagles. Additional package details are available online at www.carsoncity-hotel.com or by calling (775) 283-4055.

Holiday getaways at the Best Western Carson Station Hotel start at just $59 for the first night and $29 for the second night with the hotel’s current Getaway Package. Located in the heart of downtown Carson City, the Carson Station offers convenient access to local museums, dining, gaming, and the historic Kit Carson Trail. For additional package details, visit www.carsonstation.com or call (775) 883-0900.

Conveniently located within a short walk to many Carson City sites and attractions, the Carson Nugget offers a Winter Getaway Package starting at just $75 per night through the end of February. Available anytime based on availability, the package includes one night of lodging plus dinner for two at the hotel’s Garden Café (two entrees, non-alcoholic drinks, and a slice of pie). For additional information, call the Carson Nugget at (800) 426-5239.

For the latest on holiday lodging rates and offers in Carson City, refer to www.VisitCarsonCity.com or call 800-Nevada-1. Culture, history, dining and adventure await in Carson City. Nightly accommodations include a choice of 1,700 rooms at a variety of motels, bed and breakfasts, RV parks and more.

For the latest in seasonal travel deals, dining, lodging, activity information and further details on the destination, refer to www.VisitCarsonCity.com or call 800-Nevada-1.