This Weekend Around Reno / Tahoe

We had major addition to the Sierra snow pack last weekend, including up to a foot down here in Reno. Winter sports activities are in full swing for the season and there are plenty of holidays-related activities throughout December. For the immediate future, here are some things to check out this weekend.

"A Classic Christmas Celebration" at John Ascuaga's Nugget - December 18 - 20. This show, in the Nugget's Celebrity Showroom, features a multi-talented cast of 25 singers and dancers of all ages decked out in a display of million dollar costumes. The performance will feature the sights and sounds of your holiday favorites, including a charming Toyland Finale. Show times are 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with 3:30 p.m. matinees Saturday and Sunday. Ticket prices are $23 for adults, $21 for seniors (55 and over), $19 for students (with valid ID), and $12 kids (12 and under), and are available by calling (800) 648-1177 or (775) 356-3300. Dinner and show packages are available.

The Nevada Shakespeare Company Presents "A Christmas Carol" - December 18 - 19. Don't be a Scrooge! Get in the holiday spirit this season when the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival and the Nevada Shakespeare Company present Charles Dickens' memorable classic, "A Christmas Carol." The December 18 performance is at the Cal Neva Resort, 2 Stateline Rd., Crystal Bay, CA. On December 19, it's at the Resort at Squaw Creek, 400 Squaw Creek Rd., Olympic Valley, CA. Tickets are $15 youth, $25 general, and $35 preferred seating. For information, call (775) 832-1616. For tickets, call (800) 74-SHOWS.

The Reno Baroque Ensemble Presents "Handel's Messiah" - December 20. Join The Reno Baroque Ensemble, Music Director Eric Gault and members of the Reno Philharmonic, American Bach Soloists and Chicago's Callipygian Players as they join nationally acclaimed vocal soloists for an unforgettable performance of Handel's beloved "Messiah." Presented by the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. This performance is at Nightingale Hall on the UNR campus, 1664 N. Virginia St. in Reno. Tickets are $35 for general admission, $45 for preferred seating. For information call (775) 832-1616.

"Handel's Messiah" Performed by the TOCCATA Orchestra, Chorus, and Soloists - December 18 - 20, 22. Here are the performance dates and places...

• Friday, December 18, 7:30 p.m. - St. Theresa's Catholic Church, South Lake Tahoe
• Saturday, December 19, 7:30 p.m. - St. John Presbyterian Church, Reno
• Sunday, December 20, 3 p.m. - Resort at Squaw Creek, Squaw Valley
• Tuesday, December 22, 6:30 p.m. - Capital Christian Center, Carson City

Tickets at the door are $15 adults, $12 seniors (62 and up), and $5 for students 25 and under with valid ID. Preferred seating is available for $35 by calling (775) 313-9697. The Carson City performance is a fundraiser for the Carson High School Choir and admission is $25 for adults, $15 for students, and $45 preferred seating, which includes a post-concert reception. For more information, call (775)-313-9697

For additional events and performances, refer to my Reno Christmas and Holiday Activities Guide. And don't forget about Rink on the River for a fun family outing this weekend.

If you have an event or activity you'd like to publicize for free, you can do it right here on RenoTahoe.About.com. Just go to Reno Area Events Submitted By Readers and fill out the form at the bottom of the page. Once approved, your entry will appear in date order according to when it will be happening.

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