Winter transforms our mountain region into a magical place with snow-covered peaks and sparkling lights that create a beautiful setting for holiday traditions. From the shores of Lake Tahoe to the historic hills of Carson Valley, our area offers many ways to celebrate the season with festive customs that unite communities, create lasting memories, and strengthen friendships.
And, who better to share some holiday gems than a local? Through years of helping families find homes, Dickson Realty’s agents have discovered the perfect mix of outdoor fun, family entertainment, community celebrations, and giving back that makes the holiday season in the Sierra Nevada special. Whether you’re new to the area, visiting for a bit, or a long-time local, these agent-recommended traditions offer something for everyone—from cozy evening light tours with hot cocoa to exhilarating mountain activities in our snowy paradise.
6 Holiday Traditions in the Sierra Nevada: Local Insights from Dickson Realty
From Hidden Valley’s lights to Carson City’s rails, our agents celebrate the holidays by cherishing traditions and enjoying great entertainment. Whether spending time with family, helping the community, or hosting events, here are six fun ways our agents spread holiday cheer. Each one shows off the exciting activities and the strong community spirit.
1. Festive Light Displays: A Community Celebration
One of our region’s most beloved holiday traditions is checking out the amazing light displays. These range from one-home shows to grand synchronized displays that turn entire neighborhoods into magical winter wonderlands. If you want to enjoy an evening of looking at lights, think about taking a drive that highlights some of the best displays in the area.
Hidden Valley’s Parade of Lights is a must-see event in its 42nd year. Each year, Hidden Valley hosts a contest where residents compete for the title of the most festive street and the top ten decorated houses. This community event showcases the area’s holiday spirit through beautifully decorated homes and streets.
“Make sure to add it to your must-see list,” said Kylie Keenan, a REALTOR® at Dickson Realty in Caughlin Ranch. “These traditions make our Northern Nevada communities special during the holidays.”
In South Reno, the Lights of Tanea have become a regional favorite. Located at 16180 Tanea Drive in Galena, it offers a fantastic drive-through experience while you listen to 106.1 FM.
“Gather your friends and family in the car, bring some hot cocoa, and get ready to be amazed,” recommended Bekah Patton, another REALTOR® from our Caughlin Ranch office, while talking about this synchronized light show.
Bring blankets to cuddle and travel mugs to keep your hot cocoa warm for the best holiday light tour. Try to visit displays from Sunday to Thursday to avoid crowds and think about downloading holiday music playlists for fun drives between attractions.
2. All Aboard for Holiday Magic
Northern Nevada’s historic railways come alive during the holiday season with themed train rides. For example, the V&T Railway’s Polar Express train departs from Carson City’s Eastgate Depot, where families arrive in cozy pajamas for an unforgettable journey to the “North Pole.” Dancing chefs serve hot chocolate and treats while the beloved story comes to life.
“I love taking my kids to the Polar Express,” Kristin Ryan, a REALTOR® at Dickson, said about one of her favorite holiday traditions.
The Santa Train at Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City offers a unique experience on select December weekends only. Operating on the museum’s historic equipment, these shorter rides are perfect for young children and provide an intimate setting with Santa. Check the museum’s schedule early, as the limited weekend dates fill quickly, particularly for morning departures.
The Virginia & Truckee Railroad — yes, that’s different from the V&T Railway with the Polar Express — hosts two distinct holiday train experiences, both requiring planning:
- Electric Holiday Train O’ Lights: This evening journey through the historic Comstock creates a moving light display. Passengers enjoy hot cider and cookies while traveling through a tunnel of twinkling lights.
- V&T Candy Cane Express: A daytime adventure featuring storytelling and a visit from Santa himself. This popular route sells out especially fast due to its limited holiday season schedule and spectacular views of snow-dusted Virginia City.
To make the most of your perfect holiday train adventure, it’s a great idea to plan and set reminders for when tickets go on sale. Arriving 30 minutes early will ensure enough time for parking and check-in. Don’t forget to dress in cozy layers or your favorite pajamas, bring cash for those fun souvenirs and snacks and have your camera ready to capture all the wonderful moments.
3. Making Holiday Memories Through Meaningful Service
The spirit of giving shines particularly bright during the holiday season, reflecting our community’s deep commitment to supporting one another.
“When we give back to our community, we strengthen the connections that make Northern Nevada such a special place to live,” said Nancy Fennell, President of Dickson Realty.
Our region offers numerous ways to make a meaningful difference during the holidays. Chris Galli, Vice President of Relocation at Dickson Realty, emphasizes that charitable giving goes beyond monetary donations,
“The most rewarding holiday traditions often involve giving our time and energy to support our neighbors,” he said.
Mary Jurkonis, a Dickson Realty agent with strong ties to the Incline Village community, notes how charitable giving helps newcomers build lasting connections.
“Getting involved with local organizations during the holidays is one of the best ways to become part of our community’s fabric,” she said. “It’s about creating traditions that matter.”
For detailed information about specific giving opportunities and organizations, check out these recommendations:
- Nancy Fennell: 13 Ideas For Giving Back During The Holidays in Northern Nevada
- Chris Galli: 7 Ways To Help Out and Volunteer In Reno During The Holidays
- Mary Jurkonis: Why You Should Take Part In Charitable Giving This Holiday Season
“What makes our community special is how we come together during the holidays,” Fennell adds. “Whether you’re new to the area or a long-time resident, there’s always a meaningful way to contribute to our community’s well-being.”
4. Discovering Distinctive Holiday Gifts
One of our agents’ favorite holiday traditions is to shop locally for gifts, invest in the community, and connect with the region’s boutiques and markets.
During the season, unique markets pop up where local artists display their work. The Nevada State Museum’s Holiday Craft Fair turns the historic Carson City venue into a place full of handmade treasures. The Carson Mall Holiday Market showcases regional artists and craftspeople. In Gardnerville, Christmas on Main brings small-town charm with local vendors and festive entertainment. The Reno Public Market’s Deck the Halls celebration offers a fresh take on holiday shopping with rotating vendors and seasonal performances.
Our region’s historic downtown areas come alive during the holiday season. The Brewery Arts Center in Carson City has an artisan shop that’s a hub for unique, locally crafted gifts. At the same time, Midtown Reno’s eclectic collection of boutiques offers everything from vintage finds to contemporary designs. The Eddy Street Vintage Market in Carson Valley provides a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind items perfect for distinctive gift-giving.
The high-country shopping experience adds alpine charm to holiday gift hunting. From the Village at Palisades Tahoe to historic downtown Truckee, mountain boutiques offer carefully curated collections that capture the spirit of Sierra living. The Tahoe Flow Arts & Fitness Holiday Bazaar showcases local artists and makers in a festive mountain setting.
5. Celebrations and Festivals: From Hannukah in Reno to a Lake Tahoe Christmas
Throughout Northern Nevada, tree-lighting ceremonies are some favorite holiday traditions and mark the season’s official start. These events unite communities, from Carson City’s Silver & Snowflakes Festival of Lights—a favorite for Heidi McFadden, a Dickson Realty agent—to the festive celebrations at Victorian Square in Sparks.
Other notable celebrations include:
- Holiday Lights Festival: Believe Plaza in Downtown Reno
- Sparks Hometown Christmas celebration
- North Tahoe Event Center’s Holiday Tree Lighting
- Minden Park’s gazebo lighting festivities
6. Winter Traditions: Holiday Adventures
The winter scenery turns our area into a haven for outdoor lovers, providing thrilling adventures and peaceful activities that have become holiday traditions, all taking advantage of our distinctive geography.
- Mountain Sports: The Sierra offers diverse winter recreation opportunities, from world-class ski resorts to hidden snowshoe trails. Palisades Tahoe, Northstar California Resort, Rose Ski Tahoe, and Diamond Peak provide varied terrain for all skill levels.
- Peaceful Winter Pursuits: Not all winter activities require lift tickets. Chickadee Ridge offers a gentle snowshoe experience where wildlife encounters add magic to winter walks. The Tahoe Pyramid Trail provides scenic winter hiking, while Hunter Creek and Steamboat Ditch trails offer accessible adventures closer to Reno and Sparks.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Winter recreation isn’t limited to mountain sports. Ice skating at Reno Ice or the Grand Sierra Resort, sledding at Tahoe Meadows, and winter hiking create memorable family experiences without requiring specialized skills or equipment.
Before heading out on your winter adventure, checking the weather is a great idea. Dress in warm layers to stay cozy, and don’t forget to pack some emergency supplies for your safety. Look into parking and access points to ensure your outing goes smoothly. Stay in the loop by following local outdoor groups and visitor bureaus for the latest information on trails, resorts, and guided experiences.
Making Memories: Your Holiday Story Begins Here
The magic of the holiday season in our area comes from more than just the bright lights and snowy mountains; it comes from the traditions we make and share. Whether you’re trying to get Polar Express tickets, shopping for unique gifts in local stores, watching tree lightings, or hitting the slopes at our famous ski resorts, each activity becomes part of your Sierra holiday story.
As you get ready for the holiday season, remember that the best traditions are the ones that bring us together. From all of us at Dickson Realty, we wish you joy, community, and cherished memories in our wonderful home.
CLOSING PARAGRAPH
At Dickson Realty, our agents don’t just sell homes; they help families create lasting traditions. Whether you want a neighborhood with great holiday lights, are curious about local markets with unique gifts, or are planning your first trip to ski in the Sierra, our agents can help you.
