Summary of Free Christmas Activities in Reno
Free Christmas and holiday activities in Reno include Christmas parades, concerts featuring holiday music, museums showcasing festive displays, holiday lights, special fun at local libraries, and much more.
Free Christmas & Holiday Events, Concerts, and Shows
Sparks Hometowne Christmas Celebration – December 5 and 6, 2014. The annual Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade kicks off on Saturday at 1 p.m., traveling east to west along Victorian Avenue. Expect to see Santa on a jet ski, whimsical snowmen, and cheerful elves driving a vibrant ’65 Mustang. The Sparks Hometowne Christmas Tree Lighting will be held on Friday, December 5 at 6:30 p.m. in Victorian Square, featuring caroling and various entertainment.
Holiday Fun at the Washoe County Library – Various dates in December. Check the Washoe County Library website for details regarding holiday events such as Christmas story times, visits from Santa, and free holiday movies. For more information, please call (775) 327-8300.
Arte ala Carte: A Holiday Exhibit – Sierra Watercolor Society Winter Art Show and Sale at the May Museum – through December 13, 2014. Enjoy this free exhibit featuring artists displaying original watercolors that reflect Nevada’s heritage. The museum is open from Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The May Museum is located in Reno’s Rancho San Rafael Regional Park.
Tuba Christmas Concert at the May Museum – December 6, 2014. Attend the annual Tuba Christmas Concert at the Wilbur D. May Museum at 3 p.m. This free, family-friendly event features delightful carols performed by local tuba, baritone, and euphonium players. Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies while the museum showcases holiday decorations and offers free admission all day. Be sure to return for the Holiday Gingerbread Festival the following weekend.
Holiday Gingerbread Festival at the Wilbur D. May Center – December 13, 2014. Gather your family for the Holiday Gingerbread House Contest at the May Center in Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. Ribbons and prizes will be awarded across four categories. This event also includes live musical performances, arts and crafts, and free admission to the May Museum. Proceeds go to the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Entry forms are available online or at the May Arboretum Office and Wilbur D. May Museum. The entry fee is $10, and forms must be submitted by December 10. Gingerbread houses must be delivered on December 13 between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Winning announcements will occur at 2 p.m., and the festival runs from noon to 3 p.m. For details, call (775) 785-5961.
“Home 4 the Holidays” Adoption Drive – through January 4, 2015. The Nevada Humane Society is striving to find homes for 1,000 dogs and cats during the Home 4 the Holidays Pet Adoption Drive. The holiday season emphasizes family, including our four-legged friends. Now through January 4, adult dogs can be adopted for only $25, adult cats under 3 years for $15, and cats over 3 are free. Meet your future family member at the Nevada Humane Society, located at 2825 Longley Lane, Reno. For additional information, call (775) 856-2000.
Participate in the following holiday events at the Nevada Humane Society:
- December 20 – Cupcake Day and Santa Paws (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- Through January 4 – Lights of Love (honor your pets with a $20 donation)
Lights of Tanea – The Biggest Little Christmas Light Show in Reno – November 29 through December 31, 2014. The neighborhood at 16180 Tanea Drive hosts an impressive holiday light display synchronized to music. Lights of Tanea also collects non-perishable food items for Evelyn Mount’s Outreach Program, as well as cash donations and clothing for Friends of Multiple Sclerosis. Lights are on from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. This event is highly popular, so please adhere to the rules for an enjoyable experience.
Art Angels Workshop by Sierra Watercolor Society – December 13, 2014, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Kids can create their own holiday gifts through this free watercolor workshop, which includes all supplies and personalized instruction. Space is limited, so reservations are required. Call (775) 785-5961 to register.
Galena Creek Visitor Center – Twisted Christmas Tree – Book Signing – December 4, 2014, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. This inspirational children’s book tells the story of a tree named Charlie, whose appearance changes after a windstorm, conveying that it’s okay to be different. The event also offers shopping opportunities at the Galena Creek Store. Winter hours are Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call (775) 674-5499.
“Joy to the World” Reno Pops Community Christmas Concert – December 12, 2014. Join in the celebration with holiday classics including “White Christmas,” “Silent Night,” and Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” Enjoy performances from the Tintabulations hand bell choir and the Kindred Spirits Ladies Septet, concluding with a family sing-along. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. at The Rock Church, 4950 Vista Boulevard in Sparks. Admission is free, with donations appreciated. For more information, call (775) 673-1234.
Free Christmas Events in Virginia City, Carson City, Lake Tahoe
Silver and Snowflakes Festival of Lights in Carson City – December 5, 2014. This festive event kicks off from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Capitol, featuring the lighting of a state tree and decorations along Carson Street. Following the lighting, join Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Carson City 5th Grade Music Students Singing Ensemble. Enjoy special-priced ice skating and food options from local vendors. For more information, call (775) 882-1565.
Christmas on the Comstock – December 6, 2014. This family-friendly event series in Virginia City highlights a Christmas Parade of Lights at 5 p.m., visits from Father Christmas, a craft fair, and strolling carolers. The event also features Christmas train rides on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. Tickets are available for advance purchase online. For more details, call (775) 847-4386.
Festival of Trees & Lights – December 3 – 7, 2014. This festive family event features artistically decorated trees, wreaths, and a full gift shop, alongside activities for kids, a Polar Express experience, and live performances. The festival takes place at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Convention Center. Various ticket options are available for purchase online, supporting the Barton Community Clinic. For more information, call (530) 543-5614.
