Your Ultimate Holiday Guide to Reno and Northern Nevada

Whether you're new to Reno, thinking of making the move, or you've lived here your whole life, there's just something magical about how Northern Nevada shows up for the holidays. Sure, we've built a reputation for our casinos and world-class skiing, but December in Reno offers so much more. From tree lighting ceremonies downtown to cozy village strolls at Lake Tahoe, there is no shortage of festive fun waiting just around the corner.

Living here for over 30 years, I’ve watched traditions grow from simple neighborhood light displays to full-blown Christmas villages with synchronized light shows and themed train rides. Think of this post as your inside track to some of the best holiday traditions and events in Reno and beyond, especially if you're from California and trying to figure out whether this could feel like home. Spoiler alert: it can.

Holiday Lights and Festivals Around Town

Northern Nevada knows how to do lights. From downtown Reno to the neighborhoods tucked away in South Reno and Sparks, the spirit of the season is bright and merry. Let’s shine a light on what’s happening where.

Downtown Reno’s Tree Lighting at City Plaza

Right under that iconic Reno Arch, downtown comes alive with a massive tree lighting ceremony at City Plaza. You’ll find lights covering nearly every inch of the Riverwalk District, giving it some serious holiday postcard vibes. The Reno Arch itself gets in on the fun, usually glowing green and red to match the season. Even if you miss the lighting ceremony itself, taking a walk or drive through the area afterward is well worth your time.

Neighborhood Light Competitions

If you’ve ever dreamed of being in a Hallmark movie, neighborhoods like Hidden Valley bring that fantasy to life. Locals turn their homes into dazzling displays complete with animated decorations, light tunnels, and even friendly yard-to-yard competitions. One year, I remember neighbors stringing lights across the street from house to house and setting up an entire musical light show complete with a synchronized radio station. It became so popular that we had to park blocks away just to get home!

Sparks' 39 North Pole Village

Downtown Sparks transforms into the 39 North Pole Village, a seriously under-the-radar gem unless you're from the area. Lights, food trucks, live music, and photo ops with Santa make this a standout event. It has all the charm of a Christmas market overseas, but right in our own backyard. Events downtown pretty much guarantee something for every age group.

Greater Nevada Field Holiday Event

This year, watch for some bigger plans coming to Greater Nevada Field. Past years included light shows and various kid-focused activities, but new updates suggest they're expanding into more of a holiday festival setup. Insider tip: this could turn into Northern Nevada's version of holiday-proof stadium lights. Fingers crossed we see an ice skating rink like the AAA stadium down in Las Vegas.

The Dragon Lights Festival in Rancho San Rafael Park

Historically part of Artown, this 3D light sculpture festival at the Arboretum has been breathtaking in the past, and now it’s stretching into the holiday season. If you’re looking for something whimsical and a little different, this event is a top contender.

Holiday Activities and Family Traditions

The holidays in Reno aren’t just about decorations, they’re about shared experiences. Whether you're bundling up for a snowy tubing run or stepping onboard a Christmas train straight out of a movie, Reno's got options.

Reno Ice: Indoor Skating without the Stress

For anyone missing the old-school outdoor rink experiences or just looking for a more weatherproof activity, Reno Ice in South Reno is a fantastic addition. It's indoor, beautifully maintained, and they take the holiday theming seriously. If you’ve got little ones or don't want to brave icy sidewalks, this is a favorite go-to.

The Polar Express in Carson City

This is one of those must-book-early kind of events. Based on the beloved movie and book, the train leaves from Carson City and heads to Gold Hill. The whole experience is heavily themed: staff dressed as characters, readings of the Polar Express story, and plenty of cocoa. It sells out fast, so jump on it as early as you can.

Candy Cane Express in Virginia City

If you miss out on the Polar Express, don’t worry. Virginia City’s Candy Cane Express offers a similar experience with a slightly more relaxed vibe. Running multiple times a day, the evening versions are especially magical with tracks lit up in spectacular colors. Plus, it usually has better availability.

Skiing and Outdoor fun in Lake Tahoe

Of course, Tahoe delivers the snowy magic. Resorts like Northstar and Palisades (formerly Squaw Valley) go all out with Christmas villages, skiing with Santa, and holiday treats. Incline Village and Sand Harbor also offer walkable light displays and local events that make for great family memories. Don’t overlook Mount Rose either, which holds its own with events like holiday theme days on the slopes and tubing adventures for the kids.

Shows, Music, and Seasonal Culture

If you're more into music and indoor events, Reno does not disappoint around the holidays. Between performances, exhibits, and a surprise or two, there’s something new to explore each season.

Reno Philharmonic Holiday Pops

Held at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, the Reno Philharmonic Holiday Pops show brings a professional, festive feel to your December calendar. If you're looking for a classy night out or a unique date idea, this belongs on your list. While dates vary year to year, early December is a safe bet.

The Nutcracker Ballet

This has been a Reno classic for decades. If you’re a kid who was once obsessed with the Nutcracker (like Sydney Lesser, who still has her very beat-up nutcracker from childhood), then this one's for you. Weekend shows have both daytime and evening slots, and the earlier shows feature cast meet-and-greets that kids absolutely love.

Nevada Museum of Art Holiday Exhibits

The museum curates unique holiday-themed exhibits every year, rotating artists and stories that create powerful seasonal storytelling. Plus, it’s a relaxing way to step out of the cold and enjoy some culture. Perfect for locals and visitors who want a slower-paced holiday experience.

Unique Local Traditions and Nightlife

Reno’s quirky character shines when it comes to how we celebrate. A few local signature events give us flavor you won’t find anywhere else.

Santa Pub Crawl in Downtown Reno

This is just pure Reno. Thousands of people, yes, thousands, dress up in full Santa gear and descend on downtown. There’s an official cup, wristband, and list of participating bars. Let’s just say it’s a great night to be an Uber driver, and not such a great morning to wake up early. But between the laughter, outlandish costumes, and holiday cheer, it’s something to behold.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks

Imagine standing under the Reno Arch as fireworks light up the sky to ring in the new year. That’s exactly what you get. The same team that runs the Greater Nevada Field fireworks handles New Year’s Eve, so it’s polished and spectacular. For a city our size, it’s a surprisingly big show.

Local Sledding and Tubing Spots

From official tubing hills at ski resorts to secret sled spots in suburban parks, Northern Nevada is built for sliding down something fast and snowy. Even little park hills in town get their share of family action. And this year, Mount Rose is reportedly adding tubing to its line-up, giving families yet another option close to home.

Final Thoughts

Whether you lean into the lights and music or prefer cocoa in hand on a sledding hill, it’s clear that Reno and Northern Nevada are fully stocked with holiday experiences. If you’re thinking of moving here or already planning your next December, hopefully this guide gives you the inside scoop on how we do the season right.

We love showing people not just the homes we help them find, but also the life they’re about to step into. From the small-town charm of Sparks to the snowy majesty of Incline Village, there’s something for everyone during the holidays here.

If you want to learn more about neighborhoods like Hidden Valley, South Reno, or Incline Village, check out the areas we serve: our neighborhoods page.

Planning a move soon? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Whether it's helping with logistics from California or sharing our favorite sledding spots, we’re here to help.

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And if you’re not quite ready to reach out just yet, no worries. You can explore other posts on how to make the most of life in Reno year-round.