Certain areas of Reno are known for their splendid — and competitive — displays of Christmas lights and other holiday decorations (can’t forget those loveable yard inflatables!).
On these cold evenings when the sun sets early, it’s fun to grab some hot chocolates to go, fill up the car with family and friends, put on some Christmas music and drive out to view intricate residential light displays from the warm comfort of your vehicle.
But where to go? Renoites all over town decorate their yards for the holidays, but a few neighborhoods are more festive than others. Depending on your location, these are among the best to peruse with your family and friends in tow.
Hidden Valley Parade of Lights
If there’s any one neighborhood that will reliably impress, it is Hidden Valley. The HOA has had a contest for the best lights for several years now, and 2022’s list of winners is a great place to map out your journey through the neighborhood. There is even a Google Maps version of last year’s winners. A secluded neighborhood east of the airport, Hidden Valley punches way above its weight in its holiday spiritedness. Tune into 99.3 FM when you get to 2845 Parkway Drive for a holiday soundtrack to accompany your journey.
Somersett
Somersett, located in northwest Reno by the Somersett Golf & Country Club, has been upping its game in recent years and is putting on a light competition in 2023 similar to Hidden Valley’s. It remains to be seen if it will rival Hidden Valley, but it’s definitely worth checking out either way. For more information, check out their Facebook page for updates.
Evans Creek
For those closer to the southwest side of Reno, Evans Creek is noteworthy for its magnificent displays of the Christmas spirit. Though there is no competition, several homes along Evans Creek Drive and the cul-de-sacs that line it feature complex light displays and an abundance of inflatable Christmas creatures.
Hope Community Church
For the South Reno crowd there is Hope Community Church. Located on 755 Trademark Drive, the church puts on a light show with more than 11,000 lights. This is on display nightly from 6 to 9:30 p.m. up until Christmas Eve. You can even go through a light tunnel as part of the spectacle.
Reno is a wondrously well-lit place during the holiday season, and many more neighborhoods dotted throughout town have remarkable arrangements of lights. What better way to spend the cold winter nights than to drive and check them out.
About the Author Dan Bablinskas
Dan Bablinskas is a relentlessly curious person with a passion for travel, foreign languages, affordable food and lodgings, well-fashioned cappuccinos and refreshing craft brews. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in creative writing, he traveled through Europe and South America while working as an English teacher and travel blogger. After trying a number of different careers, he settled into technical and content writing for his day job. In his spare time, he enjoys exploring the Reno-Tahoe area by foot, car, bike and ski. He lives in Reno with his wife and two kids. 
