Christmas is fast approaching, and while many Christmas events have already taken place in Reno, there’s still time to enjoy a few more before the yuletide passes us by.
Photo: The Santa Crawl is always a wild time in Reno.
Santa Crawl
The Santa Crawl, which we covered last year, is a festive nighttime event for ages 21 and older. At this rip-roaring event, crowds dressed in Santa and other holiday costumes get a cup to take their fill at more than 40 participating bars as they meander through downtown Reno. Entertainment includes live music, fire pits, tasting local brews and wines, and of course, people watching.
This year’s Santa Crawl is on Saturday, December 14. Tickets are on sale now for only $7 to 15. Safe ridesharing or staying downtown is highly advised, and discounts are provided for attendees at three local hotels.
Christmas Lights
The most spontaneous thing you can do on a dull December evening is drive to one of the Christmas lights hotspots in Reno, preferably with a cup of hot cocoa in hand.
The best neighborhoods continue to be Hidden Valley, with its Parade of Lights (now in its 42nd year), Somersett (holding a holiday caravan on December 15), Evans Creek and the Hope Community Church (with a special event on December 19).
Driving to see neighborhoods full of Christmas is a favorite Reno activity.
Ice Skating
Reno doesn’t get cold enough to skate out on any of the local ponds and lakes, but there are a few places to get in the Christmas spirit by enjoying an ice-skating outing.
One great place is Reno Ice in South Reno. Nearly every day there is a public skating time when you can drop in, rent some skates and twirl around on the ice for a few hours.
The Grand Sierra Resort also has a magnificent ice rink. It's outdoors with Christmas lights hanging above you, and the massive lit-up GSR hotel in view. You can book a session on most days of the week, rent skates on-site and even enjoy treats and a bar on certain days of the week.
Ice skate with views of the mountains at Grand Sierra Resort.
Christmas on Ice
Want to watch the professionals do their tricks on ice? Check on Christmas on Ice at the El Dorado Casino in downtown Reno. This one-of-a-kind, holiday-themed show features synchronous and freestyle figure skating, singers and chorus girls, live music and dance — all performed by seasoned professionals on ice.
There’s still lots to do in Reno before Christmas is here. Book one of these events before your schedule fills up!
