Visiting Virginia City, Nevada is like walking through the town as it was back in the 1800s when it first came to be, and Christmas on the Comstock is a reflection of an old-fashioned holiday. The city retains much of its flavor from the Comstock Lode days; and in fact, it’s one of the largest historical districts in the United States. Virginia City residents take special pride in how they celebrate Christmas with a traditional, Western flair. Christmas on the Comstock is a big event every year in which the whole town and tourists participate. Visit, shop, and enter to win the ‘Believe Again – A Christmas Shopping Giveaway, Dec. 1 to Dec. 17. Read more about this month-long holiday event in 2023.

Each year the residents of Virginia City hold a Christmas on the Comstock celebration in a town with a definite Victorian postcard look to it, especially with a light snow covering.
Saint Mary In the Mountains, 111 E St, Virginia City, NV 89440, USA
Virginia City, NV/Facebook
It attracts folks to the charm of this old-world town, such as the St. Mary in the Mountains Catholic Church all wrapped in winter.
Shops, restaurants, and bars all around the town eagerly embrace the Christmas theme with old-fashioned decorations.
Virginia City, NV/Facebook
The annual Parade of Lights takes place on Dec. 2 and 9, with participants and onlookers alike lighting up their vehicles with Christmas lights and decorations as part of the fun.
Historic Fourth Ward School Museum, 537 S C St, Virginia City, NV 89440, USA
Virginia City, NV/Facebook
Line-up starts at 4:30 p.m. at Fourth Ward School. Register in advance to be part of the Christmas on the Comstock 2023 parade.
One store that loves Christmas in the Comstock in particular is Forever Christmas.
Forever Christmas, 88 N C Street, Virginia City, NV 89440, USA
Forever Christmas/Facebook
The shop is one of the oldest specialty shops for Christmas decorations and gifts. Many have a Western or mining theme and are made by local artists.

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During this lovely Christmas in Nevada be sure to catch a ride on the V&T Candy Cane Express, following rails that have carried loved ones home for the holidays for 150 years.
Virginia & Truckee Railroad Company, 166 F St, Virginia City, NV 89440, USA
Virginia and Truckee Railroad
We love the ride through the winter wonderland of the Comstock to Gold Hill.
This special ride includes a Candy Cane Tunnel, hot chocolate, cookies, candy canes, singing Christmas carols, and of course, a visit with Santa.
Virginia & Truckee Railroad Company
The train runs for only a few weekends in November and December and tickets sell out quickly.
For the saloon crawl at this Christmas in NV event, the town encourages designated drivers with special prizes.
Virginia City, NV/Facebook
And don't miss the two large crafts fairs with baked good and artwork from regional artists take place at St. Mary’s Art Center on Dec. 2.
St Mary's Art Center, 55 R St, Virginia City, NV 89440, USA
St. Mary's Art Center/Facebook
The town also hosts photos with Father Christmas, a Santa with a definite old Victorian twist, following Nevada Christmas traditions.
Virginia City, NV/Facebook
Even if none of the events took place, who couldn't get into the Christmas spirit here?

Find more information about these fun, holiday activities on Christmas on the Comstock web page. Have you ever had the pleasure of experiencing this month-long event? Share in the comments if you have! And for more holiday fun, take this Christmas lights road trip through Nevada. And while you’re in Virginia City, dream of sugarplums in a cozy Vrbo.

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Christmas In Nevada

Carolyn Harmon | October 26, 2023

What are the best Christmas attractions in Nevada?

  • Fallon: This town's annual Christmas Tree Lighting is so magical it attracts residents and visitors alike. Watch the giant tree light up downtown Maine Street, sing with the carolers, attend the historic Douglass Open House where you'll have cookies and hot cocoa, and catch a meeting with Santa. The holiday season comes in warm here, and you won't want to miss out.
  • Mix Bakeshop in Reno is the best place to find a scrumptious pie for the holidays. One of the favorites is the 9" Hoosier Daddy, packed with brown sugar custard filling in a crunchy, oatmeal cookie crust. The staff specializes in made-from-scratch cupcakes, decorated sugar cookies, and extraordinary pies with incredible crusts. When company comes, let the pros do the baking for you.
  • Cathedral Gorge State Park: With all of the eating surrounding the holidays, get out and take a winter hike in the gorgeous state parks. And when the snow is fresh, you won't want to miss the breathtaking mountain views. For a unique, rugged experience, take the family on a holiday camping trip at one of the park's 22 campsites, each offering a table and grill, showers, and restrooms. What could be more spiritual than an open fire in a winter wonderland?

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