The year is coming to a close, and the holiday season is in full swing.
Just as fall seemed to come and go in a flash (or a gust of wind), winter is setting in here in Carson City. The town, in all its small-town charm, tends to feel more quiet and cozy at this time of year. It seems everyone is at home preparing food with their families or roasting chestnuts on an open fire, and the downtown area that was once bustling in the heat of summer is now slow and silent.
As we look forward to the first real snowfall of the season, there’s so much happening this weekend to get you in the holiday spirit and excited to give back to the community and indulge in your own festive traditions. Here’s whats going on.
This time of year needs an official kickoff, and that’s the annual Silver and Snowflake Festival of Lights at the Capitol Building. This event marks the official lighting of the tree on the Capitol Grounds, where the entire community is invited to join in on Christmas carol singing led by the fifth graders of the Carson City School District. Attendees can also meet Santa and the Grinch and take part in horse-drawn sleigh rides. Plus there are raffles, entertainment across the street at McFadden Plaza and free refreshments at Carson Jewelry & Loan and Alatte in the Carson Nugget. In fact, the whole event, happening from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, December 1, is free!
Photo: Silver & Snowflakes Facebook
Over at the Railroad Museum the annual Santa Train ride begins again. This is the perfect thing for kids of all ages, and it has been happening for years (I still remember going on this ride when I was really little). As the train circles the museum on its track, Santa drops in and visits every one of the kids in the car, asking them their Christmas wishes and giving a candy cane in return. The tickets are $5, and it makes for a fun, nostalgic afternoon ride for you and an incredible memory for your little ones. And, as of last year, children fighting cancer and other diseases are invited to ride a Santa Train in which the man with the bag comes bearing some extra special presents provided by local businesses. 
In the spirit of giving back to Carson City’s homeless population, the Holiday with a Hero event is back for its 14th year. The campaign’s goal is to raise enough money for 200 homeless kids in the area to each have their own $100 Walmart shopping spree. All you need to do is drop into Adam’s Hub in Downtown Carson City at 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 1, buy a $25 ticket (or $20 if purchased ahead of time) and hit the town on a holiday-themed pub crawl. You get to drink at all of your favorite downtown bars and restaurants and have a fantastic night out knowing your money is going toward a worthy cause.
Photo: Holiday with a Hero Facebook
Just over the hill in Virginia City, the month-long Christmas on the Comstock event begins. All day on Saturday, December 1, there are craft fairs and local art pop-ups around town, selling completely unique and unforgettable gifts you can personalize for your loved ones – and don’t forget the handmade treats and fresh baked goods! In addition to shopping local, you get to witness the historic old West town transform itself into a winter wonderland, making the visit to Virginia City more than worth it. Stick around for the sun to go down and see the jaw-dropping Parade of Lights at 5 p.m. Floats adorned with hundreds of glowing Christmas bulbs light up the city in this town’s special holiday kickoff.
Grab your friends, gather your family, fill up on joy and experience the best of the holiday season’s beginnings in Carson City and the surrounding areas.
For other events happening this weekend, visit our Daytime, Nightlife and Community pages. Happy holidays!
About the Author Bryan Akerley
Bryan was born and raised in Northern Nevada and is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno. When he’s not writing, he’s keeping up with pop culture as a lover of movies, TV, music and books or out exploring the area through its restaurants, bars and nightlife. Then he’ll unwind by playing the drums or piano or spending time with his corgi, Teddy. 
