Discover a world of enchantment with Frozen & Encanto on Ice, dive into the whimsy of Dr. Seuss’ Grinch, and get ready to race into Thanksgiving with Scheels Turkey Trot. Or, join Reno’s cherished traditions like Wobble Before You Gobble and the Reno Wine Walk.
The adventures continue, experience holiday magic at 39 North Pole Village and embark on a wild Thanksgiving adventure at Animal Ark. The festivities don’t end there, journeys are happening with the Electric Holiday Train O’ Lights and the V&T Candy Cane Express – All Aboard!
November is your chance to pay tribute to heroes at Virginia City’s Veterans Day Parade and then explore themes of life, art, and nature with Spare A Life, Birthed from the soil, and What Makes Nevada Wild?. There are so many delightful things to do this month in the Reno-Sparks area. Where will you begin?
Thanksgiving Holiday Fun Runs
Scheels Turkey Trot
- When: Thursday, November 23, 2023
- Where: Scheels at Legends, 1200 Scheels Dr., Sparks
Before indulging in Thanksgiving feasts and football, kick off your day with a healthy dose of family fun at the Scheels Turkey Trot! This annual running and walking event is the perfect way to get active and contribute to the community. You can opt for 10k or 2-mile courses, making it accessible for participants of all levels. Start your morning with fitness and gratitude on this special holiday!
Reno’s Wobble Before You Gobble
- When: Thursday, November 23, 2023
- Where: Wingfield Park, 2 S. Arlington Ave., Reno
Kickstart your Thanksgiving morning with a lively run, walk, or wobble at Reno’s Wobble Before You Gobble event! Starting at 9:00 a.m. on Arlington Street near Wingfield Park, participants will traverse downtown Reno and nearby parks, concluding with a well-earned finisher’s medal. It’s the perfect family tradition for Thanksgiving, ensuring a fun and active start to your holiday festivities. Register now for this heartwarming community event!
Holiday Fun with the V&T Railroad
Electric Holiday Train O’Lights
- When: Fridays & Saturdays, November 24 – December 16, 2023
- Where: The Virginia & Truckee Railroad Depot, 165 F St., Virginia City
Experience the magic of Christmas on the Comstock with a dazzling display of LED lights in Virginia City! After enjoying a festive stroll down the boardwalk, don’t miss the spectacular Holiday Train O’ Lights steam train departing from the 1870 Virginia & Truckee depot. The 40-minute narrated steam train ride to Gold Hill is adorned with thousands of lights, creating cherished holiday memories for your family. Make reservations early as seats are limited. Remember to dress warmly for this enchanting experience!
V&T Candy Cane Express
- When: Friday & Saturday, November 24 – 25 and Saturdays & Sundays, December 2 – December 16, 2023
- Where: The Virginia & Truckee Railroad Depot, 165 F St., Virginia City
Make this holiday season magical by treating the kids and grandma to a ride on the V&T Candy Cane Express in Virginia City. A beloved local tradition, this whimsical train journey along the original 150-year-old V&T railroad route offers a 45-minute adventure filled with hot cocoa, cider, candy canes, and cookies on a festively decorated train. Kids will be delighted by the Candy Cane tunnel and a reading of T’was the Night Before Christmas. Keep an eye out for wild horses during the ride and create cherished memories with your family on the V&T Candy Cane Express – book your reservations early as these trains sell out fast.
Birthed from the soil
- When: Thursday, November 2, 2023
- Where: Church Fine Arts – UNR, 1335 N. Virginia St., Reno
Birthed from the soil, a captivating new project by artist Iyana Esters, unveils the multidimensional portrait of Yawah Awolowo, affectionately known as Mama Yawah. Hailing from Cuba, Alabama, Mama Yawah’s life as an organic farmer, natural food chef, and midwife is beautifully showcased in this exhibition. It celebrates the enduring ancestral wisdom of tending to the earth and community across generations.
Veterans Day Parade
- When: Saturday, November 11, 2023
- Where: Virginia City, 85 S. C St., Virginia City
Virginia City takes immense pride in honoring our nation’s veterans. Take a day trip up to the historic town and be part of their cherished tradition at the annual Veterans Day Parade, scheduled for November 11, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. along C Street. This is your time to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country with honor and dedication.
Disney on Ice Presents Frozen and Encanto
- When: Thursday, November 16 – Sunday, November 19, 2023
- Where: Reno Events Center, 400 N. Center St., Reno
Step into the enchanting worlds of Disney’s Frozen and Encanto like never before at Disney On Ice! Witness dazzling ice skating performances that transport you to Arendelle, where Anna embarks on a quest to find her sister Elsa and end an eternal winter then, join the magical world of the Madrigal family in Colombia’s stunning mountains. Follow Mirabel on her journey to save her family home alongside her sisters, Isabela and Luisa. You’re invited to sing along to beloved songs and celebrate the power of love and courage.
Spare A Life
- When: Thursday, November 16, 2023
- Where: National Bowling Stadium, 300 N. Center St., Reno
Register for Spare A Life to unite to raise awareness for organ and tissue donation and pay tribute to the generous donors who have given the gift of life. Your support will directly impact northern Nevada by contributing to education, outreach, and research funding. Participating is easy – register to bowl and form a team of four, join an existing team, or bowl solo (they’ll find you a team!). All proceeds from this event support their mission to promote organ donation awareness and inspire community members to register as donors, providing hope to those awaiting life-saving transplants.
What Makes Nevada Wild?
- When: Thursday, November 16, 2023
- Where: Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, 490 S. Center St., Reno
Discover the wild side of Nevada with experts from the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). Dive into the world of Nevada’s bats, birds, snakes, and lizards with NDOW representatives at the museum. This engaging event welcomes visitors of all ages and offers insights into becoming confident, competent, and ethical outdoor enthusiasts. Join The Discovery Museum for an educational journey into the fascinating wildlife of Nevada!
Reno Wine Walk
- When: Saturday, November 18, 2023
- Where: Reno Riverwalk District, Riverside Dr., Reno
Embrace the charm of Reno’s downtown scene with the monthly wine walk hosted by the Riverwalk Merchants Association. On Saturday, November 18th, meander along the Truckee River and nearby streets, sipping wine and exploring local businesses. The highlight? Quirky costumes that steal the show, making it a unique and delightful experience. Come socialize, have a blast, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere while supporting small businesses in the heart of the city.
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
- When: Tuesday, November 21 – Sunday, November 26, 2023
- Where: Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, 100 S. Virginia St., Reno
Experience the enchantment of Dr. Seuss’ timeless holiday tale live on stage! With iconic songs like “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” The Grinch learns that Christmas is more than he ever imagined in this heartwarming classic. Narrated by Max the Dog, follow the mischievous Grinch on his quest to steal Christmas from the joyous Whos, whose spirits never waver. Join in the holiday festivities with a show hailed by The New York Times as “100 times better than any bedtime story!”
Thanksgiving Weekend at Animal Ark
- When: Friday, November 24 – Sunday, November 26, 2023
- Where: Animal Ark, 1265 Deerlodge Rd., Reno
Avoid the holiday shopping chaos and opt for a memorable weekend at Animal Ark instead and experience their animals in the crisp late fall weather! Sip on warm drinks and share in festive cheer, creating lasting memories with family and friends. Please note that golf carts may be weather-dependent for this event. Make this holiday season special with a visit to Animal Ark!
39 North Pole Village
- When: Thursday, November 30 – Saturday, December 2, 2023
- Where: Victorian Square, Victorian Ave., Sparks
Come to Victorian Square Plaza for the 8th Annual 39 North Pole Village Holiday Festival. Visitors can delight in free Santa Photos, Live Music, a Heated Vendor Tent, enchanting Lighting Displays, complimentary Train Rides, Food Trucks, and more. Don’t forget, you’re encouraged to participate in the 2023 Griswold Challenge Decorating Contest!
