Christmas on the Comstock will have you Believing Again.

And you wonÕt 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.

You wonÕt find a better place that brings the history and warmth of the season together for that feel-good Christmas vibe than Virginia CityÕs Christmas on the Comstock. During December, the town goes all out. This Victorian-style holiday celebration features the official tree lighting, a saloon crawl, our Believe Again Christmas Giveaway, the V&T Candy Cane Express, the Electric Holiday Train OÕ Lights, holiday performances and much more. Prepare for THIS to be your new favorite holiday tradition.

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 – 2025 Details TBD

• V&T Candy Cane Express and Electric Holiday Train OÕ Lights
  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. Heated seats, Christmas carols and a free cookie will make for a magical holiday treat. Trains depart from the Virginia City depot and the narrated, round-trip ride lasts about 40 minutes. Trains sell out so reserve early. Learn more here.
• ÊElectric Holiday Train OÕ Lights
  Step into a world of vibrant holiday wonder aboard the Virginia & Truckee Electric Holiday Train O’ Lights. With thousands of LED lights, heated seats and complimentary cocoa, this magical journey is a must see for the whole family. Trains depart from the Virginia City depot and the narrated, round-trip ride lasts about 40 minutes. Trains sell out so reserve early. Learn more here.
• Christmas Candlelight Tour at Mackay Mansion
  Explore the Mackay Mansion on a guided tour where you will hear about interesting history and paranormal encounters. The mansion will be decorated for the season with hot chocolate available at the end of the tour. Learn more here.
• Holiday Town-wide Decorations
  December
  Virginia CityÕs shops donÕt 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.
• Official Christmas Tree Lighting
  Friday, Dec. 5 at dark
  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.
• Gingerbread Decorating Contest
  As you peruse the town, don’t forget to support your favorite merchants and their gingerbread houses! Through the Storey County Chamber of Commerce, our merchants are participating in a county wide gingerbread house competition and need your vote. Pick up a map of participating businesses at the Visitor’s Center and vote for ‘Most Creative,’ ‘Most Festive,’ and ‘Most Delicious Looking.’
• St. MaryÕs Art Center 10th annual Holiday Faire
  Dec. 5, 10 AM to 4 PM and Dec. 6, 10 AM to 3 PM
  St. MaryÕs 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. 7, 10 AM to 5 PM and Dec. 8, 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. 6, 1 Ð 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 Down C Street
  Dec. 6, 5 PM and Dec. 14, 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
  Dec. 6 at 6 PM
  Nothing says holiday magic like fireworks during the holidays. ItÕs 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.
• Christmas Drone Show
  Dec. 13 at 6 PM
  For the first time, experience a free magical drone show by Sky Elements. Whether it’s a massive rotating Christmas tree in the sky or Santa waving ‘hello’, this show is sure to impress this holiday season.
• Nightmare Before Christmas Tea Party
  Experience a Nightmare Before Christmas themed tea party with sweets, treats, and a raffle in the historic Mackay Mansion dinning room. Following the hour long tea party, you will be allowed into the mansion with paranormal equipment to investigate our ghosts for 2 hours. Get tickets here.
• Santa’s Workshop at the Gold Hill Hotel
  Spend your Sunday morning at Gold Hill as the Great Room is transformed into Santa’s Workshop. Children will have the chance to design sugar cookies, roast a marshmallow, drink hot chocolate, make a holiday ornament and meet Santa! Proceeds go to Virginia City Middle School Student Leadership. Learn more here.
• Boar’s Head Feast
  Enjoy a historic and festive evening celebrating the magic of Christmas with a BoarÕs Head Feast. Immerse yourself in a medieval tradition featuring an enchanting old English play and a grand feast at the First Presbyterian Church. Learn more here.
• Retro Radio Dolls
  Step back in time and experience a delightful, vintage-inspired holiday celebration with the Retro Radio Dolls at Piper’s Opera House! This program combines the charm of classic Christmas songs, lively dance numbers, comedy, and fascinating fun facts to create an engaging and nostalgic experience for all participants.
• Spirits of Christmas Past at the Gold Hill Hotel
  The Northern Nevada Ghost Hunters host a Holiday Sweater Party!Ê Join us for haunted stories and spirits holiday style.Ê Five Winter/holiday stories paired with cocktails, finger foods provided.Ê Best ugly Christmas Sweater wins a prize. Learn more here.
• Piper’s Opera House presents: The Nutcracker vs. The Tommyknockers
  Experience The Nutcracker like never before with a Virginia City twist as Clara, Fritz, and Uncle Drosselmeyer take on The Tommyknockers, mischievous mine spirits known for luring away the unsuspecting. Perfect for all ages, this 90-minute holiday adventure is packed with humor, adventure, and festive magic! Purchase tickets here.
• In-Tune Tales with Scot Marshall
  Starring longtime favorite local musician, bassist, storyteller, and radio talent Scot Marshall, the centerpiece of this holiday program is the beloved Dr. Seuss classic ÒHow the Grinch Stole ChristmasÓ told in its entirety through spoken word, song, and musical sound effects.

Photo and/or video may be produced from these events and by attending or purchasing a ticket you are consenting to allow your likeness to be used in future Virginia City marketing materials. Ê