From annual tree lightings to festive parades and live performances, these Sparks and Reno events in December can help you get into the holiday spirit. So, grab your list and check it twice to make sure you’ve got all these fun activities, shows, and more on your calendar.
Your Holiday Season Guide For Sparks And Reno Events In December
7th Annual Tahoe Film Fest
- When: Thursday, December 1, 2022–Sunday, December 4, 2022
- Where: Incline Village, Crystal Bay, Northstar Village
- More information
Jump into December events in Reno and the greater Northern Nevada region with the Tahoe Film Fest, featuring environmental films that celebrate the efforts of those who maintain the beauty of Lake Tahoe. This annual programming of independent American films and new films from Latin America is an excellent way for visitors and community members to learn about the surrounding natural world. All proceeds benefit the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center. For more information about show times and locations, click here.
Christmas On The Comstock
- When: Thursday, December 1, 2022–Saturday, December 31, 2022
- Where: 85 S. C St., Virginia City
- More information
Looking to get the whole Northern Nevada holiday experience? This month-long event in Virginia City is a Victorian-style celebration that features an official tree lighting, saloon and pub crawl, craft fair, and more. Christmas on the Comstock is perfect for all ages. So, come one, come all for a magical experience that will have you believing again.
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
- When: 6:30 p.m.-7, Friday, December 2, 2022
- Where: Downtown Sparks along Victorian Square
- More information
Sparks and Reno events in December always shine the brightest, especially when the tree lighting ceremony happens on the corner of Victorian Avenue and 11th Street. It’s truly a sight to see—come sip hot cocoa and watch the sky light up as Sparks Mayor Ed Lawson flips the switch on the city’s permanent living Christmas tree, a 60-foot blue spruce.
Reno Phil’s Spirit Of The Season
- When: Friday, December 2, 2022–Sunday, December 4, 2022
- Where: Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, 100 S. Virginia St., Reno
- More information
What better way to experience the holiday season than to attend a classical celebration of orchestral music, jazzy numbers, tune, and carols? Brought to you by the Reno Phil, Reno Phil Chorus, and Conductor Jason Altieri, this set of performances will indeed wrap you and your loved ones up in fantasy and fun. For tickets and showtimes, click here.
Sparks 35th Annual Hometowne Christmas Celebration: The Art of Christmas
- When: Saturday, December 3, 2022
- Where: Downtown Sparks
- More information
The Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade is a much-anticipated annual event that celebrates the holidays with a festive parade of bands, costumes, entertainment, and a guest appearance of Santa Claus himself. This year marks the 35th anniversary. So, there will be plenty to do and see after the parade is over. You can also stop by the North Pole to take your picture with Santa from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Cards In Watercolor
- When: 5 p.m.-9, Wednesday, December 7, 2022
- Where: Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty St., Reno
- More information
Give your loved ones a festive card this holiday season by painting one under the guidance of an art instructor at the Nevada Museum of Art. You can learn about ‘wet on wet’ and ‘wet on dry’ watercolor techniques. There will also be a variety of card designs to choose from, but feel free to draw from personal inspiration. This event is for ages 15 and older.
A.V.A Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
- When: Friday, December 9, 2022–Sunday, December 11, 2022
- Where: Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, 100 S. Virginia St., Reno
- More information
Head to the Pioneer Center to watch the stage come alive as A.V.A. Ballet Theatre presents its annual Nutcracker Ballet. Featuring the Reno Phil and professional dancers, this performance is a sight to behold. This is a story about pursuing your dreams with friends (or a Christmas nutcracker) by your side—a perfect takeaway for the holiday season and new year. There will also be a special sugar plum fairy party after the show, where you can meet the Nutcracker characters. Showtimes vary from this weekend-long event.
Holidays At The Village
- When: Noon-4 p.m., Saturday, December 10, 2022, and Saturday, December 17, 2022-Sunday, December 18, 2022
- Where: The Village at Rancharrah, 7100 Rancharrah Parkway, Reno
- More information
As the region’s newest destination for shopping, gourmet dining, and wellness, the Village at Rancharrah is the perfect place to host Reno events in December. To kick off the festivities on December 10, you and your loved ones can enjoy shopping for holiday treasures, exploring craft stations, and more. A meet and greet with Santa will be offered the following weekend. Pictures are encouraged, and fun is a must. There will also be a coat drive for Eddy House, a local nonprofit organization that provides programs and services for at-risk and homeless youth.
“Birding for Beginners” With Benjamin Sonnenberg
- When: 6 p.m.-7, Wednesday, December 14, 2022
- Where: Lazy 5 Regional Park, 7100 Pyramid Way, Sparks
- More information
Held at Lazy 5 Regional Park, this free event welcomes you to an informal talk about the many different types of birds in Northern Nevada. Join Benjamin Sonnenberg, a noted bird expert and graduate student in ornithology, to learn more about the equipment and skills used to find common local species. All ages are welcome. Meet in the Cottonwood Room, located in the community center.
New Year’s Eve Downtown Fireworks
- When: 10 p.m.-1 a.m., Saturday, December 31, 2022
- Where: Downtown Reno
- More information
To celebrate the year’s end and ring in a new one, venture to downtown Reno for a firework show above Virginia Street. This yearly tradition is a must-see for both locals and visitors alike. The fireworks are launched from nearby casinos, providing a spectacular view and a city-wide celebration. While you’re out, grab a bite to eat or a refreshing libation at any of these dining options. Happy New Year, dear friends, neighbors, clients, and community members!
At Dickson Realty, our team of local experts knows about the best activities and places to live, including the best Sparks and Reno events in December. To learn more about how to enjoy the Northern Nevada region, contact one of our realtors today.
