Christmas and holiday activities, events, and shows in Reno include philharmonic concerts, Christmas tree lights, Christmas celebrations, holiday festivals, special shopping, singing, and ballets. You don't need a lot of money to enjoy family fun during the holidays - there are many free holiday activities around the Reno / Tahoe area.
Holiday Events, Concerts, and Shows
Sparks Hometowne Christmas Celebration - December 2 & 3. Sparks Hometowne Christmas kicks off with the annual tree lighting ceremony on Friday evening from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. It will be at the Saint Mary's Amphitheater in Victorian Square. On Saturday, the 25th annual Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade, beginning at 1 p.m., will travel east to west along Victorian Avenue. Parade seating for people with disabilities will be available on the northeast corner of 10th & Victorian Avenue. Other activities include arts and crafts vendors and visits with Santa at the Glendale Schoolhouse from noon to 2 p.m. This year's theme is Silver Jubilee - Celebrating 25 Years. For more information, call (775) 353-2291.
Holiday Fun at the Washoe County Library - Various dates in December. Check my article and the Washoe County Library website for dates and locations of holiday events and activities like Christmas story times, visits from Santa, free holiday movies, and more. For more information, call (775) 327-8300.
Tuba Christmas and Sierra Watercolor Society Open House at the May Museum - December 3. Come to the Wilbur D. May Museum for the annual Tuba Christmas and Sierra Watercolor Society Open House. The Watercolor Society Open House will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring an exhibit by local artists that will be at the Museum through December 15. The annual free Tuba Christmas Concert will begin at 3 p.m. and features holiday carols performed by local tuba, baritone, and euphonium players. Come back the following weekend for the Holiday Gingerbread Festival at the Museum (see below).
Spirit of the Season - Reno Philharmonic Orchestra - December 3 & 4. The Reno Philharmonic Orchestra never disappoints with this great concert - an annual holiday gift. Returning to its roots at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, this performance of the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra will feature many special performers and guest artist Kip Wilborn. Performances are at 7 p.m. on Dec. and 2 p.m. on Dec. 4. Spirit of the Season traditionally sells out quickly, so please purchase your tickets early. Prices start at $10. Tickets will be available through Pioneer Center Box Office, (775) 686-6600 and online from the Reno Phil.
Handel's Messiah at UNR - December 6. Join the University Choirs and Symphony Orchestras, directed by Paul Torkelson, for a performance of one of the most revered works in the Western choral literature. Handel's Messiah was composed in 1741 and premiered in Dublin, Ireland, in April of 1742. It was repeatedly revised by Handel and reached its most familiar version in 1754. Although the work was conceived for secular theater and first performed during Lent or at Easter, it has become common practice since Handel’s death to perform Messiah during Advent. The free concert starts at 7:30 p.m. and will be in the Nightingale Concert Hall, Church Fine Arts Building, on the UNR campus. For more information, call (775) 784-4895.
A Celtic Christmas at the Nugget - December 8. The Reno Irish Dance Company is known for their annual themed performance. This year promises great costumes and dancing when the Reno Irish Dance Company presents "Siamsa: A Celtic Christmas." The performance is at 7 p.m. in the Celebrity Showroom. Tickets are $23 for adults, $13 for seniors and children 12 and under. For more information, call (800) 648-1177.
The Nutcracker at the Pioneer Center - December 9, 10, 11. The stage at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts will be alive with a sugar plum fairy and dancing mice as A.V.A. Ballet Theatre presents its 16th annual Nutcracker Ballet featuring the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra. Performances will be December 9 at 8 p.m., December 10 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday December 11 at 2 p.m. at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Reno. Adult tickets are from $26 to $51. Tickets for children 12 and under and seniors 65 and older are from $21 to $41. For more information call A.V.A. Ballet Theatre at (775) 762-5165 or the Pioneer Center at (775) 686-6600. Box office hours are Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Holiday Gingerbread Festival at the Wilbur D. May Center - December 10. Join the family fun and enter the Holiday Gingerbread House Contest at the May Center in Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. Ribbons and prizes will be awarded in three categories. Proceeds from the contest go to benefit the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Get entry forms online or at these locations: May Arboretum Office and Wilbur D. May Museum, both at 1595 N. Sierra Street in Rancho San Rafael Park. The entry fee is $10 and forms are due by December 8. Gingerbread houses must be delivered to the Wilbur D. May Museum between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 10. Winners will be announced at 2 p.m. The event will also feature free admission to the museum, holiday musical presentations from local school children, and other "hands-on" activities for both children and adults. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be caroling and a tree lighting at the end. For more information, call (775) 823-6500.
Reno Santa Pub Crawl - December 10. A variety of Santas, Mrs. Santas, elves, and other holiday beings will take to the streets of downtown Reno for the 2011 edition of the Reno Santa Pub Crawl. This roving party starts at one of several bars and involves over 50 watering holes scattered around the neighborhood. Things get started at 7:30 p.m. - get a crawl map at one of seven official start bars and start drinking at any or all of the participating bars. Participation in the Reno Santa Pub Crawl is free, but you'll have to pay for your drinks. You must be 21 and wearing some variety of Santa suit to participate. This is an adult drinking event and there will be big bouncers checking IDs, so be sure to have yours handy. And don't even think about driving, or letting anyone else in your group get behind the wheel. The Reno Santa Crawl is actually a local charity fundraiser. This year, proceeds go to local schools.
Good Luck Macbeth presents "The Gift of the Magi" - Good Luck Macbeth is Reno's classic theatre company. This holiday play is based on O. Henry's classic tale of newlyweds Jim and Della as they navigate the giving season when all they've got is love. You'll also enjoy some beautiful holiday carols to make your yuletide bright. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22 and 23. Matinee shows at 3 p.m. on December 11 and 18. Tickets are $10 in advance (buy online) and $15 at the door. The theatre is at 119 N. Virginia St. in Reno. The box office number is (775) 322-3716.
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