History for the Holidays - December 13. History for the Holidays is a free family event and will be from 12 noon to 4 p.m. at the Nevada Historical Society museum in Reno. Come enjoy holiday music from the Great Basin Carolers, local crafters and artists, book signings, dessert and cider. The museum's exhibits will be open and free for viewing as well. The museum is at 1650 N. Virginia St., Reno, NV 89503, just north of the Fleishmann Planetarium. For more information, call (775) 688-1190.
Ride the Rails with Santa - December 13 - 14. Ride the Rails with Santa at the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City. The Santa Train excursion, running both days from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., is being offered at only $2.00 per seat. Bring the family to enjoy this special ride on historic Virginia & Truckee Railroad equipment. The museum is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and is located at the south end of Carson City (2180 S. Carson Street). Contact John Frink at (775) 687-6953 for more information.
Handel's Messiah Performed by the TOCCATA Orchestra, Chorus, and Soloists - December 19 - 22. Friday, December 19, 7:30 p.m. - Trinity Episcopal Church in Reno
Saturday, December 20, 7:30 p.m. - St. Theresa's Catholic Church in S. Lake Tahoe
Saturday, December 21, 3:30 p.m. - Squaw Creek Resort
Monday, December 22, 7:30 p.m. - Carson City Community Center
General admission at Trinity and St. Theresa churches is $15 adults, $12 seniors, and $5 for students with valid ID. Reserved seating is $25 per person. Children under 12 are admitted free of charge with a paying adult. At Squaw Creek Resort, general admission is $20 adults, $15 seniors, $5 for students, and $30 for preferred seating. 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 or preferred seating, call (775) 267-1720 or visit the TOCCATA website.
Winter Solstice Celebration at the River School - December 21. This Winter Solstice Celebration starts at 4 p.m. at the River School in west Reno, marking the shortest day of the year and the lengthening days thereafter. Come enjoy food and music around a warming bonfire. Bring a potluck dish and recipe to share. The River school is at 7777 White Fir St. Call (775) 747-3910 for more information.
Celebrate the Miracle of Hanukkah - December 21. Chabad of Northern Nevada will hold a Hannukkah celebration, complete with the lighting of a giant menorah, in Reno's Downtown Plaza starting at 4 p.m. The public is invited to come enjoy the beginning of this eight day Jewish celebration, also known as the Festival of Lights. There will be Jewish music and food as part of the event. The Downtown Plaza is between City Hall and the Truckee River, at the corner of First and Virginia Streets. It's where Rink on the River is open during the winter months.
Other Christmas Shows and Holiday Events
Holiday Ice Spectacular at the Eldorado - Through January 4, 2009. Billed as "Reno's only holiday ice show extravaganza," the Holiday Ice Spectacular will be playing in the Eldorado Hotel Casino Showroom, 345 N. Virginia St., Reno, NV 89501. This is a show suitable for families, but children under 5 are not allowed in the showroom. Admission is $28.95 for adults, $19.95 for children, and $23.95 for seniors. Dinner and show packages are available from $38.95. Tickets can be purchased online. For more information, call (800) 879-8879."Home 4 the Holidays" Adoption Drive - Through January 4, 2009. Nevada Humane Society will be participating in Home 4 the Holidays, a nationwide pet adoption drive to get animals out of shelters and into good homes during this holiday season. The goal is to find loving homes for 1,000 animals. Dogs and cats are spayed and neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. During Home 4 the Holidays, adult dog adoptions are just $40 and adult cats are $30, both six months and older. If you want to give a pet as a gift, NHS offers adoption gift certificates that will allow the recipient to come into the shelter and select their the perfect pet.
Come meet your new family member at the Nevada Humane Society, 2825 Longley Lane, Reno or 3652-C3 S. Virginia (next to the Atlantis). More information, call (775) 856-2000.
Reno Craft Fairs for Fall and the Holidays - Reno craft fairs are sponsored by various organizations and groups. Craft fairs are great for buying holiday and seasonal items, and for supporting local artisans, crafters, and charitable causes.
