Remote surveillance trailer in Virginia City, NV

Want to meet the big man or one of his helpers this holiday season? Look no further! Here are all the places Santa is scheduled to be in Carson City, Minden, Gardnerville, Virginia City, and more now through Christmas.

Silver and Snowflakes Festival kicks off holiday season in Carson City this Friday on the capitol grounds. The lighting begins at 5:30 p.m. Pre-lighting festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. Enjoy sleigh rides, hot cocoa and cider, carolers from Sierra Lutheran High School, and the charm of Carson City’s downtown illuminated to spread the holiday joy. Enjoy seeing the Carson City School District 5th Graders sing carols on the Capitol Steps.

Carson City Sheriff’s Office annual Santa Visit registration is now open: It’s that time of year again to arrange a visit by Santa on Christmas Eve. Good cheer and the handing out of presents will be the order of this special evening, thanks to the Carson City Sheriff’s Office Volunteers, Uniform Reserve Unit, Search & Rescue, and Mounted Unit Volunteers. Carson City residents who would like Santa to visit their home Christmas Eve can call the Santa Hotline at (775) 283-4728.

Please leave a message with Santa’s elves, and do not forget to leave your name, address, contact phone number, number of children, location of gifts to be distributed, and the approximate time you would like Santa to visit.

The Santa Train in Carson City returns with multiple dates this month. Bring the whole family for a holiday ride on a historic locomotive, visit with Santa Claus, and get a candy cane! Plus: Write a letter to Santa, enjoy hot beverages, and more! Dates are December 7-8, 14-15, and 21-22 with the train leaving every 15 minutes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $10.00 per person, children 2 and under sitting on a lap are FREE. Purchase tickets here!

Carson City Antique and Collectibles Mall to host Popcorn and Polaroids with Santa: The Carson City Antiques and Collectibles Mall is excited to announce Popcorn and Polaroids with Santa. Every Saturday and Sunday come down to the Carson City Antiques and Collectibles Mall for a chance to meet Santa. Tickets are $35 per person, $10/each additional person. Tickets include meet and greet with Santa, holiday popcorn and an old-fashioned polaroid. Located at 1831 N. Carson St (the old Grocery Outlet).

Santa’s Last Stop Holiday Craft Fair at the Nevada State Museum is happening Friday Dec. 20 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday Dec. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pictures with Santa are available Saturday only. There will be food trucks, crafts, the coin press, and more! More info here.

Santa’s Christmas Elevator Experience at the Carson Mall is happening every weekend through Dec. 21 by appointment. Families can step into a transformed elevator that whisks them straight to the heart of the North Pole, where Santa awaits. Photo packages begin at $40. Held at Magical Moments at the Carson Mall. Book here.

CASI pets and people photos with Santa this Saturday at Benson’s Feed in Carson City. Pets and their people are invited to come visit Santa this Saturday at Benson’s Feed, 2750 Highway 50 in Carson City.

Pictures are $20 and include a 4×6 as well as a digital copy to share. Proceeds benefit Critter Fixer, CASI’s low cost spay/neuter voucher program that has to date helped over 1400 animals have access to spay/neuter services.

To schedule your appointment, visit santapics24.givesmart.com then scroll down to ‘click to make appointment’ or call 775-230-6110.

Carson Valley

Gardnerville’s 19th Annual Christmas Kickoff is happening Dec. 5 at Heritage Park, located at 1447 Courthouse St. There will be electric carriage rides around the park, live entertainment from dancers and aerial artists, as well as multiple food options, a musical light show, and more! Santa will arrive at 5 p.m. and carriage ridges start just after.

28th Annual Carson Valley Parade of Lights returns Saturday Dec. 7 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. along Highway 395 beginning at Eddy Street and concluding at Minden Park. As always, the parade is free. The theme this year is “Santa’s Holiday Express.” Be sure to keep an eye out for the big man himself in the parade!

Carson Valley Meats 4th Annual Ag & Artisan Faire returns Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the old Storke Dairy in Centerville. The cowboyest craft show is where agriculture and art meet to showcase the region’s artisans and crafters along with ag students from 4-H, The Grange, Nevada Keystones and FFA showing their animals, roping demonstrations, animal exhibits, antique farm implements, Selfies with Santa, food and beverages, and tractor rides to benefit local ag education programs. Crafters and artisans will showcase their handcrafted sterling silver jewelry, goat milk soaps and lotions, country charm decor and gifts, decadent gluten-free desserts, western art and apparel, beeswax candles, honeys, jams, household items, kettle corn and more – all locally created! Valley Eats NV mobile food service, the Farm Bureau Ag Wagon, adult hot chocolate bar and so much more will also be available. Located at 876C Centerville Lane in Gardnerville. Head down Highway 88 and take a right at the roundabout.

Dayton

Small Town Christmas returns Dec. 7 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Our Park in Dayton. There will be a tree lighting featuring the DHS cheerleaders and the fire department leading the parade for Santa’s grand entrance. Afterwards, take photos with Santa and the Grinch, warm up with a cup of hot cocoa, and more! Located at 215 Lincoln Highway.

Lake Tahoe

Holiday Tree Lighting at Kings Beach returns Dec. 6 at the North Tahoe Event Center with live music, free holiday crafts, homemade soup, hot cocoa and coffee, and more! The event is from 5 to 7 p.m. and photos with Santa are available if your register in advance. Email parks@ntpud.org for more information.

Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus returns to Fire + Ice in Heavenly Village: Celebrate the holiday season with Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Fire + Ice in Heavenly Village! This beloved family tradition features a delicious breakfast, holiday cheer, and Santa and Mrs. Claus on December 7, 14, and 21. Indulge in a hearty breakfast that includes pancakes, bacon, sausage, potatoes, and more—all grilled fresh right in front of your eyes. Guests can choose from two seating times, 8 a.m. or 10 a.m.

This event is popular and sells out quickly, so reservations are strongly recommended to secure your spot. To make reservations, click here.

Candy Cane Lane and Village stroll in Incline Village is happening Dec. 7. Meet at the IVGID Recreation Center and walk the Candy Cane Lane through the decorated woods to Candy Village on UNR Lake Tahoe’s Campus. In the village, prepare to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will be arriving in a fire engine, among other festivities. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at 2:30 p.m., ad the event takes place from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event is free; learn more details at ivcba.org

Brunch with Santa at the Chateau in Incline Village Saturday, Dec. 14. The event includes a brunch, photos with Santa, a toy drawing, and a magic show. Purchase tickets at the TFS Thrift Store. Prices are $5 for children 1-12 and $20 for brunches ages 13 and above. Babies under one year are free. More info here.

Hyatt Lake Tahoe’s Festive Program includes dozens of events throughout the holiday season including building your own gingerbread house, a pajama party movie night, portraits with Santa, and more. See their full line up here.

Santa and Penguin Pete visit Diamond Peak Christmas Eve from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. They’ll be handing out stickers and treats, and visiting with both kids and kids-at-heart throughout the slopes as well as in the Base Area.

The Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade is happening Christmas Eve from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Granlibakken Tahoe’s historic ski hill. Skiers will illuminate the slopes with torches, followed by Santa and his eleven on the vintage Tucker Sno Cat. Holiday gifts, cookies and winter beverages will be handed out. Located at 725 Granlibakken Road in Tahoe City.

Virginia City

Christmas on the Comstock returns to Virginia City throughout December including holiday shopping experiences, saloon crawls, the tree lighting, fireworks, and the annual Parade of Lights. See all the events here.

The Parade of Lights is happening on Dec. 7 on C Street beginning at 5 p.m. featuring dazzling floats, followed by the Christmas fireworks show. On Dec. 14, in addition to the Parade of Lights, Virginia City introduces a first-of-its-kind Christmas Drone Show by Sky Elements. The event offers an aerial display featuring hundreds of drones creating festive images in the night sky.

Latest News

Thank you to Virginia & Truckee Railroad for hosting us. As always all opinions are honest and our own. Read our disclosure.

We recently got the opportunity to ride the V&T Candy Cane Express Train. This is a Christmas-themed train ran by the Virginia & Truckee Railroad that is located in Virginia City.

The V&T Candy Cane Express leaves from the Virginia City station and runs annually on select weekends during the holiday season.

The entire station is Christmas-themed and Santa is even there! My kids are 5, 4, and 8 years old and our little family of five had such a great time.

I’m giving a breakdown of our experience.

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Candy Cane Express Train

The train ride is about 60 minutes long. You venture 30 minutes out and then 30 minutes back to the station. During the train ride, the entertainment includes Christmas songs, a choice of hot cocoa or cider, sugar or chocolate chip cookies, and the conductor even reads a Christmas story! The candy cane sisters are so sweet and do a great job during the train ride.

Everyone on the train really seems to enjoy themselves and I loved how the ladies and conductor had a microphone they used during songs and story time so everyone could hear them! They also give all the kids a postcard and candy cane pen so they can write a letter to Santa while on the train.

And of course, as you leave the train they give everyone a candy cane! I mean how can they call it a candy cane express without one right?

Like The Polar Express, the Candy Cane Express train ride kept my kids entertained the entire time.

The 2024 season will run on weekends from November 29th – December 22nd, 2024.

Nov. 29, 30 and Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15, and the Grand Finale 21 & 22.

On each date you have three different times to choose from; noon, 1:30pm, and 3pm.

Purchase your tickets beforehand online. By reserving online you pick-up inside the depot. If they don’t sell out before the day of your ride, you can purchase tickets directly at the depot.

Given that this event is extremely popular it will sell out, I suggest booking ahead of time.

Ticket Prices

Tickets are sold in groups this year and vary in price. See below for more price options. Tickets start at $56 for a bench seat (2 seats).

Parking at the station is free. I highly suggest planning to arrive at the station early to get your parking spot. The parking lot is located directly across the street from the station. Did I mention it was free to park?

Not only that, but the day we went was cold and snowy and I have very small children so the closer we could park the better! We arrived approximately 30 minutes early and had no trouble finding parking.

Seating is assigned this year versus years past it was first come first serve. It’s a super fun setting and the seats are able to face each other making it fun for large parties and families to enjoy the ride together!

Tips For Your Visit

The train is heated but waiting in line to board is outside with no cover. Dress warm! It was snowing the day we went which was super fun, but we made sure to bundle up and wear our snow boots! We all also had gloves and hats on as well.

During the train ride we were comfortable enough to take off our jackets and gloves.

There are no restrooms on the train, so make sure you and your kiddos use the restroom at the depot before boarding.

Santa is not on the train! He is at his workshop! Halfway through the train ride, you’ll stop at Santa’s workshop. You don’t get off of the train. Santa tells a story and even called out the names of all the kids on the train! The kids loved hearing their names.

Check out this article for places to get your pictures taken with Santa!

The Depot

At the depot, there is a small souvenir shop, where you can find a small assortment of train-themed items. They accept both cash or card.

I was super impressed with the entire Candy Cane Experience! From arriving at the station to see waving elves to the singing on the train, I thought they did a wonderful job! It was also fun to attend while there was snow on the ground. My 4-year old loved hitting me with snowballs as we waited in line to board. The V&T Candy Cane Express is a great budget-friendly Christmas activity that is fun for the whole family!

Do you have tickets for the Candy Cane Express Train?

Have you been on the Candy Cane Express Train? This is a wonderful family activity for the holidays!

Nevada is known as the state of extremes, where you can experience the city life of Las Vegas and the polar opposite areas on the back roads, such as Lake Mead or the Moapa Valley Wildlife Conservation. Sometimes, experiencing these two opposites is possible on a one-day road trip. Adding these road trips to your itinerary is necessary; whether you want a practical 24-hour excursion or a weekend getaway, both are possible in this contrasting state.

Unforgettable Small Towns In NevadaNevada is home to spectacular sceneries ranging from lofty mountain peaks to stunning desert landscapes, fascinating landmarks, vibrant cultures, and limitless outdoor recreation.

Las Vegas to Boulder City

Las Vegas to Boulder City is a 30-minute road trip traveling Southeast along the I-11 and U.S. Route 93. Along the way, the famous Hoover Dam is a spectacle on the Colorado River and hosts visitor center tours year-round. Numerous water activities, such as whitewater rafting and fishing, are also available. Lake Mead is a popular destination for road trippers on U.S. Route 93, as it offers picnic areas, water activities, and incredible views. With Boulder City approaching, there are a few refueling stops, one being The Coffee Cup Cafe, a retro cafe known for its delicious breakfast menu. If you are sentimental, The Coffee Cup Cafe also hangs their guests' coffee cups from home around the cafe, adding to the cozy interior. Upon your arrival in Boulder City, the Historic District can fill your day by roaming around art galleries, restaurants, and antique shops.

Reno to Virginia City

Reno to Virginia City will catch your attention if you want another short-day road trip. The drive is around 35 minutes Southeast along I-580 and U.S. Route 341. You will find the scenic winding road through the Sierra Nevada Mountains and a breathtaking panoramic view of the valley—beautiful during Autumn. There are fun outdoor activities by the dozen, such as Wasoe Lake State Park, where hiking trails are abundant and significant bird-watching opportunities for twitchers. The Chollar Mine Tour is located in Virginia City and showcases Virginia's centuries-old silver mine heritage. At the end of a long day, a bite to eat is always in order. Cafe Del Rio in Virginia City offers southwest cuisine using fresh ingredients and rich flavors.

Carson City to Zephyr Cove

Carson City to Zephyr Cove is a 30-minute drive southwest on U.S. Route 395 and 50. Taking this road trip during a beautiful clear day is ideal, as Kingsbury North Trailhead and Castlerock are a short detour away. Here, you can view Lake Tahoe in all its glory and the rock formations that have taken place over millennia. The eastern shore of Lake Tahoe is another photo-worthy spot called the Zephyr Cove Day Use Area. Zephyr Cove is across from Zephyr Cove Resort, a camping ground with Zephyr Cove Marina just nearby. Zephyr Cove offers crisp water, rock formations, and recreational activities such as camping and boating. The fun doesn’t stop there; the Puzzle Room is a family-friendly escape room made for the investigative mind. After a day of adventure, refueling is a number one priority, which can be done at Casey’s, a unique lakeside location. Casey’s boasts a traditional all-American menu with a rustic interior that sets the mountainside tone.

Las Vegas to Caliente

Following the I-15 and U.S. Route 93 slightly Northeast for 2.5 hours provides a perfect weekend getaway from Las Vegas to Caliente. The trip offers multiple State Parks, including Valley of Fire State Park, Kershaw Ryan State Park, and the Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge, showcasing wetlands and a protected area for unique bird migrations. As you enter the small town of Caliente, you will be greeted by a vibrant history and photogenic landscapes. Rainbow Canyon is a hidden gem in Southern Nevada, ideal for hiking, biking, and spotting historic petroglyphs. The Panaca Hot Springs is also a must-see, particularly after a long day of winding down in crystal clear, naturally heated water. A local recommended spot to get some food is Side Track Restaurant. The menu includes cheeseburgers, hot honey pizza, and desserts like pies and cakes.

Las Vegas to Pahrump

One of America's most iconic road trips is heading around Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area and the Toiyabe National Forest an hour west on the I-15 and U.S. Route 160. The Red Rock Scenic Drive is 13 miles of red-rock landscapes, and if you are willing to go for a small hike, you will even see the petroglyph wall, estimated to be 800 years old. The history of Pahrump can be found at the Pahrump Valley Museum, which showcases local cotton fields heritage, geological rocks, and a unique outdoor exhibit featuring structures that are original to the town. Enjoy Pahrump's Finata Italian Style Pizza, known in town for its extensive list of brick oven pizzas and excellent fresh toppings.

Reno to Tonopah

Following U.S. Route 95 is a four-hour journey filled with desert scenery, one-of-a-kind stops, and eccentric landmarks. As you travel southward, mountain tops quickly fill the area with a distinct remote wilderness that defines the Nevada desert. Walker Lake is located in the Great Basin in Mineral County. It is essential to some migratory wildlife and an ideal rest stop for a quick break and beautiful panoramic lake views. Tonopah is known as the “Queen of the Silver Camps” due to its silver mining heritage. Some must-see locations are Tonopah Historic Mining Park and the Central Nevada Museum, which showcase historical exhibits and vintage mining artifacts. Strawberry Hill Diner is a highly talked-about diner in Tonopah where travelers can eat comfort food in a restful atmosphere. The menu boasts all-American classics with burgers and large breakfast plates featuring pancakes.

Henderson to Searchlight

Heading south from Henderson on U.S. 95, follow a winding road to Searchlight. The road trip is only 45 minutes long, offering a distinguished vantage point of Nevada's baron landscape with heritage stops en route. The journey starts east of Henderson at Lake Las Vegas, a petite lakeside village with photo-worthy architecture, boutiques, and Coffee Shops such as Mimi & Coco Bistro. Next, a short 25-minute detour will bring you to Eldorado Canyon, where the Techatticup Mine resides—Nevada's oldest, richest, and most famous gold mine. Here, you can view old mining equipment, the labyrinth tunnels, and historic artifacts. When arriving in Searchlight, the Searchlight Historical Museum is a small, free local museum that displays old mining artifacts and presents life in Searchlight before settlers, during settlers, and after—including famous residents. Once you conclude Searchlight, take a detour back to the Nelson Ghost Town, a high-traffic tourist spot with a fun food steak sandwich food truck.

Fallon to Austin

From Fallon to Austin, it is a 90-minute road trip on U.S. Route 50, a beautifully graphic route highlighting desert landmarks and rich Nevada history. Around 25 miles east of your starting point in Fallon is the Sand Mountain Recreation Area in the high desert, offering a landscape of dunes ideal for off-roading. Nearby tourists can view the excavated and stabilized ruins of the Sandy Springs Pony Express Station.

Grimes Point Archeological Site, along U.S. Route 50, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Native American people etched open-air petroglyphs into rocks dating back as far as 6,000 years - the short and sweet walking trails make it easy for travelers to view these iconic markings. Approaching Austin is Stokes Castle, positioned on a hill on the western edge of town. The castle was built in 1867 by a mine developer. It is an ode to Austin's mining heritage and is still beautifully preserved. Stopping for a bite to eat at Middlegate Station is well-known to travelers—and home to the “Middlegate Monster Burger.” The pit stop was initially built as a Pony Express Station in 1860, making it one of a kind.

Winnemucca to Paradise Valley

Taking you along the Nevada countryside on the NV-290 for 1 hour is a peaceful route from Winnemucca to Paradise Valley. Traveling north, you will gaze upon the largest dunes in Nevada, the Winnemucca Dunes. Ample activities happen at the dunes, including sandboarding, ATVing, and off-roading - road trip tip: heading there at sunset for epic views of the sand, taking on the colors of the sky. Heading into Paradise Valley's Historic District, tucked into the foothills of neighboring mountains, will not disappoint. Well-preserved buildings such as old ranches, schoolhouses, and a general store tell a colorful life story of the 19th century. Santa Rosa Peak is the second-highest peak in the Santa Rosa-Paradise Peak Wilderness. It offers a central and immaculate view of the wilderness and hiking, climbing, and wildlife-watching opportunities. The Paradise Valley Saloon Bar and Grill is a local stop loved by many. The restaurant serves open fire-cooked steaks and ice-cold beer and sometimes has live entertainment on the weekends.

These nine road trips offer scenic routes showcasing Nevada's loneliest highway, beautiful mountain ranges, early-settler heritage, and most convenient pit stops—all ingredients for a memorable road trip. Nevada provides access to various historic sites, whether you want to see antique artifacts, millennia-old petroglyphs, or sparkling lakeside views of old rock formations. Sometimes, when planned just right, you can see them all in just one day.

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