Anticipating Nevada’s Festive Holiday Season

By BRIAN K. KROLICKI | November/December 2012

Photo: Emily Clark Photography

Dear Friends,

With the days getting shorter and temperatures dropping, we’re reminded that winter will soon be upon us in the Silver State. And although winter means different things to different people depending on where you live in a state as diverse as ours, one thing it means to all is that the holidays are just around the corner.

This has always been my favorite time of year. As someone who celebrates his birthday during the winter months, as a child it meant extra presents. As I got older, it meant school vacations and, later, ski trips with friends. As an adult, I get to see the holidays through the eyes of my children, which is why I very much look forward to our festive family activities.

For Reno families, the winter season kicks off with the official opening of the Rink on the River, the outdoor downtown ice-skating rink. You don’t need to know how to skate—the rink welcomes everyone from beginners to those who can literally skate circles around you. It’s a great family atmosphere, and skating under the stars next to the Truckee River is a magical way to spend the evening.

I am a big supporter of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad in Carson City and Virginia City, and every winter the V&T offers riders a chance to live a page from the children’s classic, “The Polar Express.” The V&T has created a ride that recreates the scenes you’ve read about (or seen in the movie), decorating the cars with festive touches and bringing Santa and some of the book’s characters along for the ride. Revelers can sip hot chocolate while they listen to a reading of a memorable holiday book.

Another great holiday event is Virginia City’s month-long Christmas on the Comstock festival, starring the spectacular Parade of Lights. The parade has ornately decorated floats with dazzling lights and marching bands, with car clubs and other local groups well represented.

The festival has something for the whole family, including storefronts adorned with Victorian decorations, strolling carolers, a gingerbread house competition, and, of course, visits with Santa. Christmas on the Comstock takes you back to a simpler time and reminds you of the uniqueness of living in Nevada.

Starting in November, Southern Nevada candy maker Ethel M Chocolates in Henderson will host its 19th annual Holiday Cactus Garden. The attraction allows visitors to see 600,000 sparkling holiday lights twinkling over a three-acre cactus garden, take self-guided tours of the factory to see treats being made, and visit the sample room.

As a Lake Tahoe resident, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the wonderful tradition of sleigh rides. They’re a great way to spend a day with family and friends, snuggled together under warm blankets as you dash across the snow with spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada and the lake.

With so many great things to do in Nevada this winter, I hope you’ll come see us soon! 

Brian K. Krolicki
Lieutenant Governor
Chairman—Nevada Commission on Tourism
ltgov.nv.gov