It's Not Christmas In Nevada Until You Do These 11 Enchanting Things
By Marisa Roman|Published December 15, 2017
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Marisa Roman
Author
A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.
A great majority of residents in Nevada have their own personal Christmas traditions, that when not enjoyed it won’t fully feel like the holidays. Nevada has quite a few holiday activities and experiences to partake in, which will add to the enchantment of the season. Consider this a holiday bucket list if you will, with great rewards for the whole family no matter the adventure.
1. Gather the whole family for an endless night of fun and surprises at WinterFest.
Reno's WinterFest is one of those time-honored traditions that families gather together to enjoy every year. Whether you tackle the holiday express train or take pictures with Santa Claus inside the village, this one-of-a-kind holiday adventure should not be missed.
2. Plan a trip to one of the most festive towns in the state.
Fallon, Nevada is one of the most festive holiday towns in the state. Visiting Fallon to see the tree lit up, snag some hot chocolate, and of course snack on some holiday cookies from the local bakeshop will get anyone in the mood to celebrate Christmas.
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3. Snag a scrumptious pie from Mix Bakeshop to make your Christmas Eve complete.
It has been said that Mix Bakeshop in Reno, Nevada is one of THE places to snag a pie for the holidays. Residents have driven through snow storms in order to grab their delicious pie for their yearly celebration. If you don’t believe us, then find out for yourself with the 9" Hoosier Daddy, complete with decadent brown sugar custard filling, all in a crunchy, slightly salty oatmeal cookie crust.
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4. Spend the day exploring one of the prettiest winter parks in Nevada.
While Cathedral Gorge State Park is known for its rock formations and peaks, experiencing this park during the wintertime is nothing short of magical. Open all year long, visiting Cathedral Gorge after a significant snowfall provides endless snowcapped mountain views.
5. Take the North Pole Train ride for the best nighttime holiday experience.
Indulge in the magic of Christmas through your children’s eyes as the classic book The Polar Express comes to life. Nevada Northern Railway has a few epic train rides to take that will make any holiday that much brighter.
The holiday winter walk through Opportunity Village’s Christmas lights is an honored tradition perfect for the whole family. Get ready for millions of Christmas lights, delicious holiday snacks and tons of holiday cheer at every turn.
7. Snow tube down one of the most epic mountains in Nevada.
The snow tubing hill at Lee Canyon will allow for endless amounts of wintery fun for the whole family. Spend the day hitting the slopes and enjoying the fresh powder, bouts of laughter, and of course, end-of-day hot chocolate.
8. Skate your way around the rink in Reno during ice skating season.
Yes, it's true, Reno has an ice rink and it is darn cool. Bringing the family together for a night of skating in the crisp, cool air will be exactly what you need to get into the holiday spirit.
Cutting your own Christmas tree is a time honored tradition in Nevada that requires just a little bit of a skill and a permit. Thanks to the abundance of land from the Bureau of Land Management, tree cutting permits are available to the public at $4 a piece.
10. Visit the only chocolate factory to decorate their cactus garden with over a million lights.
Ethel M Chocolates is the place to go for a holiday experience you'll never forget. Imagine pairing together millions of holiday lights and decadent chocolate treats for a one-of-a-kind holiday dreamscape.
11. Check out one of the most popular holiday shows in Nevada.
Las Vegas’ favorite holiday tradition can be enjoyed by folks of all ages. The Nutcracker at The Smith Center is a thing of beauty, with endless holiday cheer and a story that can be enjoyed time and time again.