The Hottest Holiday Shows, Events & Christmas Lights

Snowflakes, hot chocolate, and spending time with loved ones – the holidays are all about enjoying traditions and making new memories. This year, there’s no better way to experience the Reno Tahoe winter wonderland than seeing a holiday show. From classic Christmas concerts to festive family performances, you can’t help but sing along to.

Check out these shows, events and Christmas lights if you want to get in the holiday spirit!

Polar Express

The magical Christmas story comes to life when you climb aboard The Polar Express™ in Carson City. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies as listen to the story of The Polar Express™. And of course you can’t miss Santa, who makes an appearance each evening. The train leaves from the V&T Railway Eastgate Depot every night from November 17 to December 23.

Christmas Wonderland

This beloved Christmas show features glittering costumes, sensational sets and the highest kicking chorus dancers this side of the North Pole. Don’t miss a night of merriment at Christmas Wonderland at Eldorado Resort Casino at THE ROW from November 23-December 25.

Electric Holiday Train o’ Lights

All aboard the most festival train in the West! After a merry afternoon exploring Virginia City, head to the 1870 Virginia & Truckee Depot for a ride on the Electric Holiday Train o’ Lights. The 40-minute narrated ride takes you to Gold Hill on a steam engine decorated with thousands of lights. The holiday train will run Friday and Saturday evenings from November 25-December 18.

City of Reno Annual Tree Lighting

Gather at City Plaza on Wednesday, December 7 for the lighting of the official Holiday Tree at Reno City Plaza. This celebration kicks off the holiday season in downtown Reno.

Christmas on the Comstock

Virginia City celebrates the holiday season for the entire month of December during Christmas on the Comstock with a tree lighting, holiday play, saloon crawl, parade and more.

Sparks Annual Hometowne Christmas Celebration

Downtown Sparks is alive with the holiday spirit this season during the Sparks Annual Hometowne Christmas Celebration! Kick off the holiday season at 39 North Pole, with light displays, entertainment and an outdoor bazaar, on Thursday, December 1. The weekend festivities continue with the tree lighting ceremony on Friday and the Christmas parade on Saturday, complete with hot cocoa, carols, and Santa himself.

Let it Glow, Reno

Support local businesses in Midtown District, downtown Reno, Reno Riverwalk District, Brewery District and Wells Avenue during Pineapple Pedicab’s inaugural event, Let It Glow, Reno. Check out the fun holiday events and competition happening in December and early January.

Spirit of the Season

This holiday celebration full of orchestral arrangements, jazzy numbers and traditional holiday music is brought to you by the Reno Phil, Reno Phil Chorus and conductor Jason Altieri. Spirit of the Season performances light up the stage at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, December 2-4.

Siamsa – A Celtic Christmas

The entire family will love this enchanting holiday musical. Siamsa – A Celtic Christmas is the story of three young orphans searching for the light that represents the true meaning of Christmas. Get tickets to this show at the Grand Theatre on Tuesday, December 6.

The Nutcracker

A magical holiday classic takes the stage at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts on December 9-11. You won’t want to miss the sugar plum fairy and dancing mice in this performance of The Nutcracker, presented by AVA Ballet Theatre, featuring nationally-recognized dancers and local talent. Don’t fret – escape to a land of holiday fantasy with The Reno Dance Company’s production of The Nutcracker, returning to the Grand Sierra Resort’s Grand Theatre on December 14-15.

Reno Santa Crawl

Thousands of Santas take to the streets of downtown Reno for a night of holiday cheer and revelry. Get your costume and cup and get ready to ring in the holidays at the Reno Santa Crawl on December 10.

Holiday Dreams

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with this high-energy cirque show, perfect for the whole family at the Grand Theatre with performances December 18-31. A Christmas Rock Story centers around the story of an elf that receives a magic guitar, with mashups of favorite holiday and rock classics set to unique cirque acrobatics.

Christmas Lights

There’s something magical and nostalgic about driving through neighborhoods admiring Christmas lights. Are you a fan of a Clark Griswold-level light show or does a yard full of singing Santas make you giddy with holiday cheer? Make some hot chocolate and get in the car for a drive through the merriest streets in Reno Tahoe.

These holiday shows and so many other festive events in Reno Tahoe are just the way to get in the spirit of the season! Head to the events calendar so you can find other upcoming events, festivals, concerts, and more!