The Christmas holidays will be here faster than you can blink. Before you let the season become a jampacked laundry list of obligations, try to recreate the magic and joviality of the season and experience it in the same way that young children do. One way to do this is to carve out some time to enjoy the amazing public Christmas events right here in Carson City.
Silver and SnowFlake Festival of Lights and State Tree Lighting
Friday, December 6
Every year Carson puts on the Silver and Snowflake Christmas Tree Lighting. This year the event starts at 4:30 p.m. on December 6 at the Capitol building. The party includes sleigh rides, caroling, the illumination of the Capitol at 5:30 p.m., photo ops with Santa, the lighting up of downtown Carson and the opportunity to enjoy local treats and hot chocolate.
Carson City Crafts Fair
Saturday, December 7
Want to cross off some gifts on your holiday shopping list while partaking of the season’s festivities? Don’t miss the Carson City Crafts Fair on Saturday, December 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is the ninth year of this particular event. It features crafts sold by local vendors, which make great Christmas presents. The event takes place in the Fuji Park Exhibit Building, and raffle proceeds will benefit the local food bank.
The Polar Express
Through December 23
The V&T Railway Commission will be giving its holiday train rides several times a week throughout the Christmas season. This is a unique opportunity to experience The Polar Express story in real life on a historic railway. You’ll be encouraged to wear your pajamas for this holiday ride while the crew dresses in historic clothing. Kids get a holiday treat and a gift from Santa as he makes his way through the train cars on this epic, once-in-a-lifetime journey. See my 2023 blog about this family-friendly event here.
Carson City Wine Walk
Saturday, December 7
If you’ve ever wandered around a European city in winter with a warm drink while shopping in the markets, you’ve probably wondered why you can’t do the same in the United States. Well, here is your opportunity. At the Carson City Wine Walk, local businesses will be pouring glasses of wine as you wander throughout downtown. The event is on Saturday, December 7, with a check-in time between 1 and 3 p.m., though the event goes beyond that time. But you must purchase tickets in advance and arrive before 3 p.m. to take part in this event (no exceptions).
Cowboy Christmas in Genoa
Saturday, December 14
No Christmas in the Carson Valley is complete without a visit to Genoa’s Cowboy Christmas. Taking place on December 14 from 6 to 8 p.m., this event brings the old-timey spirit of Genoa alive with a gathering of music, dance and food in the old Genoa Town Hall. Tickets may be purchased for this event by calling the Town Office at (775) 782-8696. Food, dessert and a performance by musician Tom Miller are included in the ticket price.
Remember to set aside some time this year to attend a couple of these events in Carson and the surrounding areas, like Capitol tree lighting pictured above. Something about the bustle of public gatherings brings the season alive and helps us to remember what the holiday spirit is all about.
About the Author Dan Bablinskas
Dan Bablinskas is a relentlessly curious person with a passion for travel, foreign languages, affordable food and lodgings, well-fashioned cappuccinos and refreshing craft brews. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in creative writing, he traveled through Europe and South America while working as an English teacher and travel blogger. After trying a number of different careers, he settled into technical and content writing for his day job. In his spare time, he enjoys exploring the Reno-Tahoe area by foot, car, bike and ski. He lives in Reno with his wife and two kids. 
