A Guide to Festive Fun from November to December
Posted by Jackie Latragna on Tuesday, November 14th, 2023 at 9:45pm
As the crisp autumn air gives way to the chill of winter, Northern Nevada transforms into a wonderland of holiday festivities. November and December mark the most magical time of the year in this region, with a delightful array of holiday events that captivate the hearts of locals and visitors alike. From twinkling lights that adorn the streets and mountains to spirited parades that fill the air with cheer, Northern Nevada's holiday season is a time to celebrate.
In this blog, we'll take you on a journey through some of the most exciting holiday events in Northern Nevada, ensuring you make the most of this festive season in the Silver State. Whether you're seeking the thrill of a winter adventure or the warmth of a cozy, small-town celebration, Reno-Tahoe has something for everyone during this special time of the year.
November 10 - 19
More than 100 million people around the world have experienced the phenomenon of Disney’s The Lion King, and now you can, too, when the world’s #1 musical makes its Reno debut. Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, this landmark musical event brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award®-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. The Lion King also features some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award®-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice. There is simply nothing else like it.
Disney on Ice Presents Frozen & Encanto
November 16 - 19
Step inside the magical adventures of Disney’s Frozen and Encanto as they are brought to life like never before at Disney On Ice! Dazzling ice skating transports you to Arendelle to be a part of Anna’s adventure to find Elsa, whose icy powers unleashed an eternal winter. Olaf, Kristoff and Sven take you along as they encounter wintry conditions in a race to bring back summer. Then, enter the fantastical Madrigal family’s Casita amidst the beautiful mountains of Colombia. Join Mirabel on her journey to save her enchanted family home alongside her sisters, Isabela and Luisa. Hosted by Mickey and Minnie, invite your family and friends to sing along to your favorite songs and celebrate the power of love and courage at Disney On Ice presents Frozen & Encanto – the show everyone will be talking about!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
November 21 - 26
Discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage. Featuring the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” The Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the Whos, an endlessly cheerful bunch bursting with holiday spirit. Celebrate the holidays with the show The New York Times calls “100 times better than any bedtime story!”
November 21 - December 30
Glide into the Eldorado Showroom this holiday season as THE ROW Reno presents, “Christmas on Ice” beginning Nov. 21, with performances every Tuesday through Saturday until Dec. 30. The family-friendly Christmas spectacular will be complete with world-class synchronized skating and freestyle figure skating performed on a real ice rink, accompanied by a stunning cast of talented singers and captivating dancers performing all your favorite holiday jiggles. Get into the holiday spirit as each glide, spin, and jump will transport the audience into a realm of pure wonder and excitement.
November 23
Reno’s Wobble Before You Gobble kicks off your Thanksgiving morning festivities with a beautiful 10K/ 5K run in Downtown Reno. Participants will make their way through downtown Reno and the nearby parks before returning to the finish where they will get a finisher’s medal upon completion. Reno’s Wobble Before You Gobble is the best Thanksgiving tradition for the whole family!
November 30 - December 2
Join us in the Victorian Square Plaza for the 8th Annual 39 North Pole Village Holiday Festival. Enjoy free Santa Photos, Live Music, Heated Vendor Tent, Lighting Displays, Free Train Rides, Food Trucks and more. The heated vendor village tent provides guests with a cozy shopping experience as they browse local vendors and crafters. Returning this year is The Griswold Challenge, where local families and businesses compete in a light display contest inspired by the one and only Clark Griswold from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. This is a People’s Choice contest, so people attending the event will determine the winning team.
December 1 - January 7
Let it Glow, Reno is a friendly light competition between MidTown Reno, Downtown Reno, Riverwalk District, Brewery District, and Wells Avenue & businesses within those districts. Come stroll down lit-up streets and shops and enjoy all that the Reno community has to offer. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite lights while shopping at participating local businesses!Voting will take place throughout December. Categories include Most Reno, Most Griswold, Most Creative, Best in District, Most Lit District and more. Winners will be announced at the Let It Glow Spotlight Party at the end of December. Details coming soon.
December 2
The Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade will celebrate 36 years of tradition this winter!
Local businesses present this true community event with thousands of your friends and neighbors participating in the parade with floats, bands, costumes, and entertainment. The City of Sparks’ Hometowne Christmas parade weekend starts with the annual tree lighting ceremony where Mayor Ed Lawson will flip the switch to light the city’s permanent living Christmas tree.
AVA Ballet Theatre Presents The Nutcracker
December 15 - 17
The stage at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts will be alive with a sugar plum fairy and dancing mice as A.V.A. Ballet Theatre presents the annual Nutcracker Ballet. Artistic director Alexander Van Alstyne has choreographed an exciting rendition of the popular holiday ballet and the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky’s moving score. Laura Jackson will be conducting the orchestra.
December 19 - 31
Step into a world where intergalactic wonder meets Yuletide joy in “Christmas in Space,” an electrifying extravaganza brought to you by Q Productions Las Vegas. Hold onto your (space) seats because this show features an unparalleled cast of acrobats, daredevils and cirque performers who will leave you mesmerized. At the forefront of entertainment technology, the show utilizes mind-blowing projection mapping and interactive lasers that redefine ‘holiday lights.’ Are you a thrill-seeker? Prepare to be astonished by The Cyclone, a jaw-dropping daredevil act that suspends a Harley Davidson motorcycle—and its fearless rider—45 feet in the air. But that’s not all; the rider also tows two spectacularly fearless female acrobats performing dizzying aerials. Adding a dash of scientific marvel to the mix is Lady Light Lasergirl, an award-winning laser performer who has dazzled audiences on Discovery Channel’s Outrageous Acts of Science and Fox Network’s Game of Talents. But what would Christmas be without heart? The show’s sentimental core centers on an inquisitive Alien who lands in a theater, determined to abduct a Janitor for a holiday crash course. When he opens a Stargate, his extraterrestrial buddies come rushing in, and together, they embark on a journey to discover the true meaning of Christmas and the Holiday Season. Buckle up; this is one sleigh ride you won’t want to miss!
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