Holiday events look a little bit different this year with most of them going virtual, but there are still plenty of December things to do in Reno and Sparks. You can get into the holiday spirit with the Reno Philharmonic’s Spirit of the Season Home for the Holidays concert or the Note-Able Music Therapy Services Jingle Jangle Jolly Joy Jam. The Tahoe Film Fest is back and shoppers can visit the swanky Village at Rancharrah for an artisanal holiday boutique.
Virtual Educator Evenings
- When: 4-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 2, 2020
- Where: Virtual
- More information
Paul D. Miller, AKA DJ Spooky, is a composer, multimedia artist and writer whose works push boundaries and bridge disciplines. Join an interactive discussion with Miller about his practice and how fractals inform music, art and design. His work is featured in the exhibition “We Belong Here,” which was organized in conjunction with the 2021 NV STEAM Conference. Educator Evening is a free professional development series offering state-approved professional development hours for participation. This program is hosted on Zoom. Register by Wednesday, December 2 at 9 a.m. to participate. For registration support or questions, email Jacque.Dawson@NevadaArt.org.
Virtual First Thursday: Jenni & Jesse of Dead Winter Carpenters
- When: 6-7 p.m. Thursday, December 3, 2020
- Where: Virtual
- More information
In response to the health and safety guidelines for Covid-19, traditional First Thursday has been temporarily postponed. In the meantime, tune in for a special broadcast featuring music and interviews with Jenni & Jesse of Dead Winter Carpenters, art introductions, and more. The program will air on the museum’s Facebook page, where you can engage in a real-time conversation with fellow participants. Museum members can visit Great Basin Brewing Company (Reno or Sparks locations) on First Thursday for 50% off any growler or growler fill and mention offer “First Thursday Growler” during purchase. Limit one per membership; must be 21 or older to redeem.
Paint & Sip: Zion Snow by Erin Hanson
- When: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, December 3, 2020
- Where: Lake Mansion, 250 Court St., Reno
- More information
Receive one-on-one instruction to paint your own 16-inch by 20-inch canvas masterpiece in a social environment. This class is for all levels of artistic talent and is limited to seven participants to ensure the best learning experience and maintain social distancing. Face coverings are required to attend class. This class takes place in the Garden Pavilion.
Holiday Pop-Up Shop
- When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays through December 24, 2020
- Where: The Village at Rancharrah, 7600 Rancharrah Parkway Suite 100, Reno
- More information
A hand-selected holiday boutique will be open this holiday season at the beautiful Village at Rancharrah. Featuring 25+ talented local makers offering thoughtfully curated and artisan-made goods: Jewelry, art, ceramics, housewares, apparel, candles, apothecary goods, plants, wreaths, garlands, blankets, chocolates, pet goods, and more.
Wyld Women Holiday Sip + Shop
- When: 5:30-7 p.m. or 7:15-8:45 p.m. Thursday, December 3, 2020
- Where: The Virgil, 301 Vassar St., Reno
- More information
Spend a night out to sip, shop, connect and get into the holiday spirit with a unique local goods marketplace full of talented female makers, a holiday-themed photo booth and a menu featuring cocktails and appetizers from Liberty Food & Wine Exchange for a holiday sip + shop at Reno’s newest venue, The Virgil. There are two ticket times to allow for physical distancing.
Tahoe Film Fest
- When: Thursday, December 3, 2020–Sunday, December 6, 2020
- Where: Incline Village Cinema, Crystal Bay Crown Room, NorthStar Cinema
- More information
The premiere section of the Tahoe Film Fest’s programming comprises environmental films in order to educate youths and celebrate the efforts of those who help to maintain the beauty of Lake Tahoe and its surroundings. The Tahoe Film Fest also celebrates American Independent Films, New Films from Latin America and a Filmmaker Tribute.
All proceeds benefit the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC).
Paint Your Pet’s Portrait
- When: 7-10 p.m. Saturday, December 5, 2020
- Where: Picasso & Wine Midtown, 148 Vassar St., Reno
- More information
During the Paint Your Pet class, each person will work on their own painting. You will submit a photo of your pet that will be referenced and used during class. Picasso & Wine artists will assist in the selection of your palette, answer questions you have, and offer suggestions. One pet per canvas. Email pet photos one week prior and no later than November 21, 2020, to info@picasso-wine.com. No refunds. Please note: Paint Your Pet is an advanced painting class. It is highly recommended that you attend at least one painting event prior to painting your pet.
Spirit Of The Season “Home For The Holidays”
- When: Livestream performances: 7 p.m. December 5 and 2 p.m. December 6, 2020. On-demand viewings go on sale at 10 a.m. December 7 and run through December 25, 2020.
- Where: Virtual
- More information
Ring in the holidays and let dynamic conductor Jason Altieri, along with the Reno Phil Orchestra, whisk you away to a winter wonderland for this year’s Spirit of the Season. The Reno Phil will still bring the festive cheer by offering a special virtual concert experience celebrating the holidays.
Snow on a Cactus Group Exhibition
- When: Saturday, December 5 through Sunday, December 27, 2020
- Where: The Depot Gallery, 831 Victorian Ave., Sparks
- More information
Local and regional artists have created a dynamic and diverse array of paintings, sculptures and usable art with a Northern Nevada theme. Artwork purchased can be taken home during the reception. The artist reception is from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, December 17.
Turning Pages: A Monthly Reading Group – Introduction to Great Expectations
- When: 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, December 8, 2020
- Where: Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty St., Reno
- More information
In anticipation of this spring’s “Victorian Radicals: From the Pre-Raphaelites to the Arts & Crafts Movement,” escape into the era through classic literature. From now through May, this book club will meet monthly to discuss three different works of Victorian literature, beginning with “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens. This event is the first of two discussions about “Great Expectations.” The second meeting will take place in early January. In February and March, Turning Pages will read “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë followed by “North and South” by Elizabeth Gaskell in April and May.
Balance and Flow: Artist Rachel Hayes
- When: Noon-1 p.m. Friday, December 11, 2020
- Where: Virtual
- More information
Oklahoma-based artist Rachel Hayes is celebrated for geometric fiber artworks that reference abstract painting and incorporate colors and sightlines of the natural landscape. Bridging high fashion and contemporary art, her elaborate textiles are displayed in interior spaces, but also transform natural environments, connecting her practice to Land Art and the work of artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Hayes will share insight into her work on view in the exhibition “In the Flow.” This program is hosted on Zoom. Register by 9 a.m. December 11 to receive the link. For registration support or questions, email christian.davies@nevadaart.org.
Art Investigators hosted on Zoom
- When: 10-11 a.m. Saturday, December 12, 2020
- Where: Virtual
- More information
Designed for families to enjoy virtually, “Art Investigators” encourages inquiry and discussion about a selection of artworks on view at the museum. Following an interactive discussion, participants can create their own masterpiece to share. This program will be hosted on Zoom. Registration is free and only one registration per family is required. Please register by 3 p.m. December 11. A Zoom link will be sent Friday evening. When you join Zoom, please enable the audio and video features. Please also update the name on Zoom to be the name(s) of your children, then the adult.
Paint & Sip: Luminarias by R.C. Gorman
- When: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, December 17, 2020
- Where: Lake Mansion, 250 Court St., Reno
- More information
Receive one-on-one creative guidance to paint your own 16-inch by 20-inch canvas masterpiece in a social environment. This class is for all levels of artistic talent and is limited to seven to ensure the best learning experience and to maintain social distancing.
Face coverings are required to attend class. This class takes place in the Garden Pavilion.
Note-Able Music Therapy Services Jingle Jangle Jolly Joy Jam
- When: 3:30 p.m. Saturday, December 19, 2020
- Where: Virtual
- More information
This interactive online fundraiser will feature music and local musicians to boost holiday spirits! All event donations go to Note-Able Music Therapy Services. The Jingle Jangle Jolly Joy Jam will be a fun, interactive caroling party to be enjoyed with family and friends, no matter where you are. This live online event will include a variety of holiday performances by NMTS staff and participants, The Note-Ables band, and local musicians. Baskets filled to the brim with party essentials will be available for purchase to complete the festive holiday experience.
