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.

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

How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

Discover the magic of Dr. Suess’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, November 21-26. Sing along to classic hit songs and listen to Max the Dog narrate the story of how the Grinch stole Christmas.

Christmas on Ice

This beloved Christmas show features glittering costumes, sensational sets and world-class skating and freestyle figure skating this side of the North Pole. Don’t miss a night of merriment at Christmas on Ice at Eldorado Resort Casino at THE ROW from November 21-December 30.

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 24-December 23.

City of Reno Annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Lights Festival

Gather around the BELIEVE sign on Friday, November 24 at sunset for the lighting of the official Holiday Tree at Reno City Plaza. Shop locally-made gifts, listen to classic holiday tunes and grab a bite during the new Holiday Lights Festival, November 24-25. These celebrations 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.

39 North Pole Village and Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade

Downtown Sparks is alive with the holiday spirit this season! Kick off the holiday season during 39 North Pole Village, with light displays, entertainment and an outdoor bazaar, from November 30-December 2. 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.

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 Sierra Resort on Wednesday, December 6.

City of Reno Annual Menorah Lighting

Join the City of Reno and the Chabad of Northern Nevada for the Grand Chanukah Menorah Lighting in downtown Reno, December 7.

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 and Reno Phil Chorus. Spirit of the Season performances light up the stage at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, December 8-10.

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 9.

The Nutcracker

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 13-14. A magical holiday classic takes the stage at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts on December 15-17. 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.

Christmas in Space

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with this high-energy cirque show of acrobats, daredevils and performers, perfect for the whole family at the Grand Theatre. Step into a world where intergalactic wonder meets Yuletide joy in Christmas in Space, December 19-31.

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!