Name: Holiday Decorating Contest
Start: 2023-12-1T00-00-00-00
End: 2023-12-1T23-23-59-00
Location: Virginia City

01dec12:00 am31(dec 31)12:00 pmChristmas on the ComstockMonth Long Event

Time

1 (Friday) 12:00 am - 31 (Sunday) 12:00 pm

Location

Virginia City

86 S C Street

Event Details

Christmas on the Comstock is about tradition.

And you won’t find a better place that brings the history and warmth of the season together for that feel-good Christmas vibe. Join in on the magic of the season in Virginia City, Nevada.

Christmas on the Comstock goes all out in December. This Victorian-style holiday celebration features an official tree lighting, a saloon crawl, our Believe Again Christmas Giveaway, the V&T Candy Cane Express, the Train O’ Lights, a holiday performance and much more. Prepare for this to be your new favorite holiday tradition.

Visit, shop and enter to win our “Believe Again – A Christmas Shopping Giveaway, Dec. 1 to Dec. 17:
Plan your holiday shopping spree in Virginia City and enter the BELIEVE AGAIN Christmas Shopping Giveaway where we’re giving away three fabulous one-night stays plus an Adventure Pass for two people. Simply show your receipts at the Visitors Center, and for every $25 spent in town, you’ll receive a raffle ticket and be entered to win. The town is filled with shops to fit even the most discriminating person on your list. The more you shop between Dec. 1 and Dec. 17, the more chances you have to win. Winners announced December 18. Visitor Center hours are 10 am – 5 pm daily. Full details available at the Visitor’s Center

Below are some of the events that will be taking place during Christmas on the Comstock with more details to be added as events are confirmed.

DECEMBER EVENTS

V&T Candy Cane Express and Electric Holiday Train O’ Lights (2023 TRAINS SOLD OUT)
Nov. 24-25, Dec. 1-3, Dec. 8-10, Dec. 15-17 and Dec. 22-24
Add a little magic to the season and bring your family to Virginia City to ride the V&T Candy Cane Express. Steeped in holiday spirit, this whimsical train has become a cherished local tradition for families of all ages. Or choose the Electric Holiday Train O’ Lights – an evening train that lights up the sky with thousands of LED lights, creating a magical Christmas memory that will last forever. Trains depart from the Virginia City depot and the narrated, round-trip ride lasts about 40 minutes. Reserve your seats in advance here.

Holiday Town-wide Decorations
December
Virginia City’s shops don’t just decorate for Christmas, they go full Clark Griswold. With lights bright enough for Santa Claus to see from the North Pole, come see what makes this small-town holiday celebration so special. Come to town, drive around or go for a stroll and take in all the magic of Christmas.

Believe Again – A Christmas Giveaway
Dec. 1 – 17
Making it fun to support local businesses with your chance to win a shopping spree. Visit the Visitors Center for details or see above.

Official Christmas Tree Lighting
Dec. 1, 6 PM
Join us as we ring in the holiday season with our official Virginia City Christmas Tree Lighting, taking place at the Bucket of Blood parking lot located at the corner of C and Union streets.

601 Christmas Concert at Piper’s Opera House
Dec. 1, 7 PM
There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than during the Home for Christmas Concert featuring Glen and Molly of Lady an the Tramps. Bring the whole family to this holiday concert at Piper’s Opera House with special guest appearances. Learn more here.

Pictures with Santa at the Virginia City Visitors Center
Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17 and 23, 10 AM to 11 AM and Dec. 24, 9 AM to 11 AM
Capture Christmas magic at Virginia City Visitors Center! Join us for Pictures with Santa – a festive family experience, creating cherished memories and holiday joy in the heart of Virginia City. Learn more here.

St. Mary’s Art Center 9th annual Holiday Faire
Dec. 2, 10 AM to 4 PM and Dec. 3, 10 AM to 3 PM
St. Mary’s Art Center offers a truly festive holiday shopping experience with over 20 local and regional artists and makers sharing and selling their creations in a decorated music-filled space. This is the perfect shopping opportunity to give truly one-of-a-kind gifts while also supporting artists and artisans. Free admission. Learn more here.

Senior Center Craft Fair
Dec. 2, 10 AM to 5 PM and Dec. 3, 10 AM to 3 PM
Handmade and one-of-a-kind gifts made by local artists and artisans. Free admission. Learn more here or by calling the center at 775-847-0957.

The Grinch Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl
Dec. 2, 1 – 5 PM
Have some fun during the Grinch Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl with festival specialty holiday drinks at featured locations. Get tickets here.

Parade of Lights, sponsored in part by the Old Red Garter, Down C Street
Dec. 2, 5 PM and Dec. 9, 5 PM
See the spirit of Christmas travel through our historic town as Christmas cheer lights up the streets with our annual Parade of Lights. Everyone is welcome to participate! Bring the entire family and join in the fun. Sip some hot cocoa and enjoy sweet treats from our local shops as you take in the warmth of the Christmas spirit. Line-up starts at 4:30 p.m. at Fourth Ward School. Light up your vehicle, add some music and join in the festivities! Register your participation in advance here to receive updates about the parade.

Magical Christmas Fireworks Show, sponsored in part by the Old Red Garter
Dec. 2, 6 PM and Dec. 9, 6 PM
Nothing says holiday magic like fireworks during the holidays. It’s just that extra sparkle needed to make your family truly believe in the spirit of Christmas once again. Join us for a special holiday Christmas firework show taking place following the Lighted Christmas Parade.

Piper’s Players present Mark Twain and Friends Holiday Spectacular at Piper’s Opera House
Dec. 2, Dec 8, Dec 9 at 7 PM, Dec. 3, Dec. 9, Dec. 10 and Dec. 23 at 2 PM
Come for an evening of Christmas Magic as Master of Ceremonies, the Legendary Mark Twain, himself weaves three tales of holiday wonderment. Tickets start at $20 for adults, $15 for kids 13 and younger. Click here to purchase.

St. Mary’s Art Center, Various Holiday Themed Events
Dec. 7, 6 PM and Dec. 10 and Dec. 17 at 1 PM
St. Mary’s Art Center brings out your artistic side with Canvas & Cocktails and two Arts & Crafts Revival Classes focused on the holidays. Visit online to learn more and register.

St. Marys in the Mountains Holiday Bake Sale
Dec. 9, 11 AM to 4 PM and Dec. 10, 1 PM to 4 PM
Purchase great gift items and treats for your Christmas celebrations! Take the time to explore the beautiful building, take in the history, admire the architecture, and visit the special museum located below.

Nightmare Before Christmas Tea Party at the Mackay Mansion
Dec. 9, 7 PM
Take part in a Nightmare Before Christmas-themed tea party in the Mackay Mansion historic dining room followed by a 2-hour investigation with equipment provided. Register in advance here.

Holiday and Christmas Events at the Gold Hill Hotel
Various dates and times
The Gold Hill Hotel is hosting three holiday-themed events including a Rat Pack Dinner and X-Mas Extravaganza Dec. 10, Santa Visits the Gold Hill Hotel Dec. 14 and a New Year’s Eve Celebration Dec. 31. Learn more here.

Sharing is Caring Bingo at Piper’s Opera House
Dec. 21, 7 PM
December’s theme is “Sharing is Caring.” Bring a non-perishable food donation and receive one extra card. Donations will be delivered to the Storey County Senior Center by Piper’s Opera House staff. Must be 21 and older to play – buy-in for five games is $20. Learn more here.

The Polar Express Movie at Piper’s Opera House
Dec. 22, 5 PM
In collaboration with Carson City Classic Cinema, join this special showing of The Polar Express at Piper’s Opera House.

Christmas on the Comstock with Lacy J. Dalton and Dale Poune at the Red Dog Saloon
Dec. 22, 7 PM
Lacy J. Dalton plays to her hometown crowd in this intimate setting, joined by Dale Poune, to celebrate the Holiday season in Virginia City with her traditional, annual Christmas Show. Reserve tickets here.

Photo and/or video may be produced from this event.