Holiday happenings, celebrations around Carson City and beyond now through Christmas

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.

Multiple Dates:

• Every Thursday through Sunday evening until Dec. 30: Polar Express Train Ride aboard the Virginia and Truckee - leave from Carson City Eastgate Depot on Flint Drive, off U.S. Highway 50 East (trains run at 5pm, 6:30pm, and 8pm; Tickets are $46 for adults, $36 for children aged 2 to 12, and children under 2 ride on an adults lap for free; tickets limited and some dates/times are sold out; to check for availability and purchase tickets, go to: http://www.vtrailway.com/polarexpress/ )
• Daily through Dec. 24: 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)
• Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 3, 9, 10: V&T Candy Cane Express at the Virginia and Truckee Railroad Depot: 166 F Street, Virginia City (train runs at 12pm AND 2pm; $19, $9 kids; Sip Hot Cocoa or Hot Cider and enjoy cookies and candy canes while singing carols, and listening to the 1832 classic "T'was the Night Before Christmas”; Reservations required, go to http://www.virginiatruckee.com/theme-trains-events/vt-candy-cane-express/ )
• Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 3, 9, 10, 16, 17: 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; Refreshments, including hot cocoa, available for purchase; raffle)
• Daily through Dec. 25: 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)
• Daily through Dec. 25: 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)

Monday, Dec. 4

• Holiday Movie: ‘Christmas in Connecticut’ at the Minden Library: 1625 Library Lane, Minden (4pm; Free treats, fruits and vegetables (reindeer food), and cozy beverages will be available. A special gift will also be given to all who attend; sponsored by the Friends of the Douglas County Public Library)

Tuesday, Dec. 5

• Children's Holiday Crafting: Christmas Ornament Decorating at the Douglas County Library: 1625 Library Lane, Minden (4pm-6pm; supplies provided; drop-in and open to all ages; however, those ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult; sponsored by the Friends of the Douglas County Public Library)
• Carson City Classic Cinema Club presents ‘Scrooge’ starring Seymour Hicks in the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall (trivia and discussion 6:30pm; movie 7pm; General admission $5; $3 Senior/Student; Free for CCCCC members)
• Symphony Youth Strings present "Around the World in Music" in the Bob Boldrick Theater at the Carson City Community Center (6:30pm; free admission; Symphony Youth Strings, formerly called Strings in the Schools, is an educational program of the Carson City Symphony Association)
• Annual Candle Lighting Service at Fitzhenry’s Funeral Home: 3945 Fairview (7pm; This service is for anyone who has lost a loved one and would like to light a candle in their memory; complementary ornament that you can place a note or picture inside; refreshments following the service)

Wednesday, Dec. 6

• Pictures with Santa at Red’s Old 395 (6pm-8pm; All pictures are free, courtesy of Red's Old 395 Grill. They will print a picture for you to take home)

Thursday, Dec. 7

• Pictures with Santa at Red’s Old 395 (6pm-8pm; All pictures are free, courtesy of Red's Old 395 Grill. They will print a picture for you to take home)
• Holiday Concert presented by the Carson City School District Orchestra in the Bob Boldrick Theater at the Carson City Community Center (pre-concert entertainment 6pm, concert 7pm; free admission; free photo booth and a Santa on-site, 50/50 raffle and silent auction)

Friday, Dec. 8

• 25th annual Channel 2 News Share Your Christmas Drive-By Food Drive: Drop off points are the Governor’s Mansion in Carson City or the Carson Valley Inn in Minden, by the RV Registration Booth (6am-6pm, volunteers welcome; cash/checks, non-perishable food products and disposable household items i.e. toilet paper and paper towels appreciated; music, emergency vehicles, service men and women, a blood drive, and Santa at the Minden location)
• Tenth annual Toy and Canned Food Drive at Taildragger Café: 1150 Airport Rd, Minden (4pm-6pm; Bring a new unwrapped toy, two canned goods, or a $5 cash donation and enjoy complimentary hot and cold appetizers and lots of homemade Christmas goodies; All donations go to Project Santa Claus and Carson Valley Food Closet)
• Second annual Christmas Shopping Extravaganza at Fuji Park (2pm-7pm; free admission; over 40+ local and unique crafters, businesses, and local representatives. Raffles, goodies, kids coloring station, and more; Faith Hope Love of Northern Nevada will be collecting hygiene products, clothes, hats, gloves, socks, underwear, sleeping bags, blankets, and more during the event. Please leave all donations at the main event info booth)
• Ninth annual Gardnerville Santa Crawl in Downtown Gardnerville (6pm-10pm, 10pm costume contest at Buckaroo’s; Dress up in your Santa or Holiday Attire; donation of $10 or more to participate: get crawl ticket at the Overland, JT’s, the French Bar, Battle Born Wine, Sharkey’s, NV Ugly, or Buckaroos; benefit for the Austin House and Carson Valley Food Closet)

Saturday, Dec. 9

• Run With Rudolph 5K or 10K - Annual Be Bold, Run in the Cold Winter Trail Series presented by Ascent Runs: begins at Western Nevada College - head south toward the baseball field and then down to the lower lot. Look for blue truck and pop-ups (race begins 9am; same-day registration $25, students $15 - cash or card only; Every participant must check-in prior to the start of the run to confirm presence, bib# and distance running; Walkers are welcome; There are no aid stations out on the course, so be prepared to carry your own water or sports drink)
• Free Pancake Breakfast with Santa at the Dayton Valley Community Center: 170 Pike Street (8am-11am; photos by Denise Crites; RSVP by leaving a message at 775-246-0320; hosted by Central Lyon Youth Connections – CLYC)
• Annual Holiday Open House at the Silver Saddle Ranch, off Carson River Rd. (9am-2pm; 9am three-mile guided hike to Mexican Dam and back, 9am guided bike ride, 10am Santa arrives, 10am-12pm painting demonstration, 1pm friendly guided hike to learn about the origin of Saint Nicholas, local history, wildlife, and vegetation; all welcome; photos with Santa, warm fire, eggnog and hot cider; come prepared to go for a walk/run, bicycle ride, or horseback ride; Co-hosted by the Friends of the Silver Saddle Ranch and Muscle Powered)
• 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; Refreshments, including hot cocoa, available for purchase; raffle)
• Pet Pictures with Santa at Benson’s Feed and Tack: 2750 Hwy 50 East (10am-2pm; Pictures are $15, includes 4x6 printed copy and a digital copy to share; benefit for CASI: Carson Animal Shelter Initiative)
• Second annual Christmas Shopping Extravaganza at Fuji Park (10am-6pm; free admission; over 40+ local and unique crafters, businesses, and local representatives. Raffles, goodies, kids coloring station, and more; Faith Hope Love of Northern Nevada will be collecting hygiene products, clothes, hats, gloves, socks, underwear, sleeping bags, blankets, and more during the event. Please leave all donations at the main event info booth)
• An Old-Fashioned Holiday Open House at Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park: 1450 Highway 88, Minden (10am-2pm; suggested donation $5)
• Holiday Open House at Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery: 405 N Nevada St (10:30am-5pm; enjoy champagne, bellinis, mimosas, candies, cakes, and chocolates while you shop)
• Second annual Christmas Market at Silver Strike CrossFit: 3260 Centennial Park Dr. (11am-4pm; everyone welcome; unique gifts, free Hot chocolate and crafting corner to make your own ornaments. Space available to gift wrap your items for free)
• Christmas Concert with the Douglas High Dynamics Singers at the Greenhouse Garden Center: 2450 S. Curry (11am-12:30pm)
• V&T Candy Cane Express at the Virginia and Truckee Railroad Depot: 166 F Street, Virginia City (train runs at 12pm AND 2pm; $19, $9 kids; Sip Hot Cocoa or Hot Cider and enjoy cookies and candy canes while singing carols, and listening to the 1832 classic "T'was the Night Before Christmas”; Reservations required, go to http://www.virginiatruckee.com/theme-trains-events/vt-candy-cane-express/ )
• Holiday Show Meet and Greet at Carson City Art Gallery: 110 S Curry Street (1pm-5pm; Enjoy light refreshments and live music; Artists will be on hand to talk about their work and answer any questions you may have. A very special 10% discount is available to anyone that asks)
• ‘Winter Wanderings’ Holiday Concert presented by Tintabulations Handbell Ensemble in the Carson City Community Center’s Sierra Room (2pm-3pm; free admission, donations gratefully appreciated; suitable for all ages looking to be wrapped in the warmth and magic of the holiday season)
• Children's Holiday Crafting at the Douglas County Library: 1625 Library Lane, Minden (2:30pm-3:30; supplies provided; drop-in and open to all ages; however, those ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult; sponsored by the Friends of the Douglas County Public Library)
• Annual Tree Lighting at the Dayton Dog Park: Dayton Valley Road at Como (4:30pm-5:30pm; coffee and hot chocolate; people and puppy cookies for sale )
• A Cowboy Christmas featuring Mary Kaye in the historic Genoa Town Hall: 2289 Main Street, Genoa (venue doors open at 5pm, Pre-concert dinner 5pm, concert at 6:30pm start; Tickets including chili and baked potato dinner: $35 adults, $25 kids; concert only: $20 adults, $15 kids 12 and under; For more details and to purchase tickets, please call 775-782-8696)
• The Road to Bethlehem: A Living Nativity at the First United Methodist Church – Drive through entrance is at Division and King Streets (6:30pm-8:30pm; non-perishable food will be collected; For more information go to www.carson1umc.org or call the church at 775-882-1436)
• Carson Valley POPS Orchestra Winter Concert with Voices of the Sierra Choral Group in the CVIC Hall: 1606 Esmeralda Avenue, Minden (doors 6:30pm, 7pm start; free, donations always appreciated)
• Piper's Opera House Players presents Tim Burton's ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ at Piper’s Opera House, Virginia City (7pm; $20 admission)

Sunday, Dec. 10

• 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; Refreshments, including hot cocoa, available for purchase; raffle)
• Meet and Greet Brunch and Show: Piper's Opera House Players presents Tim Burton's ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ at Piper’s Opera House, Virginia City (11:30am; $35 admission includes brunch catered by Virginia City's Roasting House and served by the Nightmare's cast and crew)
• V&T Candy Cane Express at the Virginia and Truckee Railroad Depot: 166 F Street, Virginia City (train runs at 12pm AND 2pm; $19, $9 kids; Sip Hot Cocoa or Hot Cider and enjoy cookies and candy canes while singing carols, and listening to the 1832 classic "T'was the Night Before Christmas”; Reservations required, go to http://www.virginiatruckee.com/theme-trains-events/vt-candy-cane-express/ )
• Season’s Beatings: Carson Victory Rollers’ Annual Christmas Scrimmage in the Community Center Gym (doors open 2:30pm, Adults scrimmage at 3pm, Juniors to follow; Admission is $5, donations of toys for various ages or self-care items for children and parents alike are greatly appreciated; All level adult skaters that have passed minimum skills are welcome to play. Please bring Red and Green jerseys; Benefit for the Advocates to End Domestic Violence)
• Carson City Symphony’s 34th annual Holiday Treat Concert with the Carson City Symphony Chorus and Victorian Dancers in the Bob Boldrick Theater at the Carson City Community Center (Pre-concert entertainment with STRAZZ at 3pm in the lobby; concert 4pm-6pm; $15 general admission, free for children age 16 and under)
• Remembrance and Candle Lighting Service at Walton’s Chapel of the Valley: 1281 N. Roop St (5pm-7pm; for anyone in the Northern Nevada community who has lost a loved one. The service will last about an hour and a half and everyone is welcome)
• Christmas Spaghetti Feed with Santa and the Sheriff at the Mark Twain Community Center: 500 Sam Clemens Ave, Dayton (5pm-7pm; Pictures with Santa for kids under 10; sponsored by Sheriff Antinoro and the We Care program)
• The Road to Bethlehem: A Living Nativity at the First United Methodist Church – Drive through entrance is at Division and King Streets (6:30pm-8:30pm; non-perishable food will be collected; For more information go to www.carson1umc.org or call the church at 775-882-1436)

Monday, Dec. 11

• Holiday Movie: ‘Holiday Inn’ at the Minden Library: 1625 Library Lane, Minden (4pm; Free treats, fruits and vegetables (reindeer food), and cozy beverages will be available. A special gift will also be given to all who attend; sponsored by the Friends of the Douglas County Public Library)

Tuesday, Dec. 12: First Night of Hanukkah

• First Night of Hanukkah Candle Lighting at the Carson Mall (4:30pm)

Wednesday, Dec. 13

• Pictures with Santa at Red’s Old 395 (6pm-8pm; All pictures are free, courtesy of Red's Old 395 Grill. They will print a picture for you to take home)
• Santa and the Symphony at the Courtyard by Marriott: 3870 S. Carson St. (6pm-8pm; Enjoy seasonal goodies and an ‘orchestrated’ visit with our very own Polar Express Santa; Sierra Symphony's woodwind duet will entertain us as Santa takes requests)

Thursday, Dec. 14

• Pictures with Santa at Red’s Old 395 (6pm-8pm; All pictures are free, courtesy of Red's Old 395 Grill. They will print a picture for you to take home)
• 16th annual Joyful Noise Community Holiday Show featuring John and Cherie Shipley and the Joyful Noise Chorus in the Brewery Arts Center Black Box Theater (doors 7pm, 7:30pm start; $15, $8 kids 13 and younger; no host bar available; Experience “down-home” comfort and joy with these talented performers. Aside from some heartfelt traditional songs, there is the annual “Christmas Conga” a “Mamas and Papas” memory, and a hoedown encounter with this year’s featured performer, violin/fiddle artist, Catherine Matovich)

Friday, Dec. 15

Want to do Christmas shopping but you need a sitter? Bring your kids to Tazmanian Boxing Club in Carson City where they will get a free fitness boxing class. Snacks will be provided. Tazmanian is providing these workout classes and fitness activities on Dec. 15 and again on Dec. 22, from 6 to 10 p.m. at 1701 S. Sutro Terrace, Carson City. The cost is $20 for all ages. Reserve by calling (775) 400-6047.

• Piper's Opera House Players presents Tim Burton's ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ at Piper’s Opera House, Virginia City (7pm; $20 admission)
• A Nite of Christmas featuring Voices of the Sierra at Hilltop Community Church: 3588 Romans Road (7pm; $6; for tickets call 775-223-9360)

Saturday, Dec. 16

• 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”)
• 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; Refreshments, including hot cocoa, available for purchase; raffle)
• An Old-Fashioned Holiday Open House at Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park: 1450 Highway 88, Minden (10am-2pm; suggested donation $5)
• 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)
• 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)
• All About Dance Christmas Show at the CVIC Hall: 1602 Esmeralda Ave, Minden (3pm; $15)
• "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)
• 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)
• A Nite of Christmas featuring Voices of the Sierra at Hilltop Community Church: 3588 Romans Road (6pm; $6; for tickets call 775-223-9360)
• 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)
• Piper's Opera House Players presents Tim Burton's ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ at Piper’s Opera House, Virginia City (7pm; $20 admission)

Sunday, Dec. 17

• 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 )
• 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; Refreshments, including hot cocoa, available for purchase; raffle)
• 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)
• ‘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)
• 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)
• ‘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)

Monday, Dec. 18

• Pictures with Santa at Red’s Old 395 (6pm-8pm; All pictures are free, courtesy of Red's Old 395 Grill. They will print a picture for you to take home)

Tuesday, Dec. 19

• Pictures with Santa at Red’s Old 395 (6pm-8pm; All pictures are free, courtesy of Red's Old 395 Grill. They will print a picture for you to take home)

Wednesday, Dec. 20

• Pictures with Santa at Red’s Old 395 (6pm-8pm; All pictures are free, courtesy of Red's Old 395 Grill. They will print a picture for you to take home)

Thursday, Dec. 21

• Tenth annual Christmas Carol Play-along for Strings at the Carson Mall (4pm-5pm; free, everyone welcome to listen and sing-along; Violin, viola, cello, bass, and harp players are welcome to come and play; contact Sue Jesch in advance at 775-450-5584 or sue@tahoefiddler.com for sheet music and information)
• Pictures with Santa at Red’s Old 395 (6pm-8pm; All pictures are free, courtesy of Red's Old 395 Grill. They will print a picture for you to take home)
• Ugly Sweater Christmas Party at Carson Cigar Co. AKA The Cigar Bar (7pm; drink specials, prize for ugliest sweater; bring one white elephant gift per adult)

Friday, Dec. 22

Want to do Christmas shopping but you need a sitter? Bring your kids to Tazmanian Boxing Club in Carson City where they will get a free fitness boxing class. Snacks provided.
Tazmanian is providing these workout classes and fitness activities on Dec. 22, from 6 to 10 p.m. at 1701 S. Sutro Terrace, Carson City. The cost is $20 for all ages. Reserve by calling (775) 400-6047.

Saturday, Dec. 23

• Breakfast with Santa at the Fox Brewpub (9:30am-11am; breakfast buffet $14.95, kids $8.95; toy drive for Claus for a Cause, please consider bringing a new, unwrapped toy for a child in need)
• ‘Christmas Past’ at the Washoe Lake State Park Office: 4855 East Lake Blvd, Washoe Valley (2pm-3pm; program is free, but donations are appreciated; Join park staff for a presentation on how Christmas has been celebrated over the years and learn a little about the history of some of our favorite Christmas traditions like Santa Claus, candy canes, and Christmas trees. We will also share some Christmas scenes from around Northern Nevada and mining towns, including Virginia City and Tonopah; Hot chocolate and tea will be available)

Sunday, Dec. 24: Christmas Eve