The month of December is filled with cheery holiday fun and jolly events in Virginia City. As part of the month-long Christmas on the Comstock event, visitors will be transported not only back in time to the wood-planked sidewalks of the 1800s gold rush town, but also to a winter wonderland with holiday surprises around every corner.
“Our town changes overnight and becomes brightly decorated for the holidays,” says Todd Tuttle, director of tourism in Virginia City. C Street—the town’s main stretch—pulls out all of the bells and whistles, draped in decorations from corner to corner. “It's heartwarming to drive into town and see it all done up, but the backdrop is what makes it standout. Our buildings and town are historic, so they add the perfect old-time scenery that makes everything else feel more magical,” Tuttle explains.
The goal is always to maintain the integrity of Virginia City’s historic mining town feel, even during the holiday season. “I firmly believe this is the only place in the nation that combines holiday cheer with a historic Comstock mining town for an unforgettable seasonal experience.”
Can’t Miss Events
Many of Virginia City’s most beloved events are rooted in tradition. For decades, visitors and locals have been coming to the Comstock to watch the Parade of Lights roll down Main Street (Dec. 7 and 14 at 5 p.m.) featuring brightly lit floats and other vehicles followed by a magical Christmas-themed fireworks show, or to ride the V&T Candy Cane Express, a whimsical 40-minute, round-trip journey that begins and ends at the Virginia City depot.
Another long-time favorite is the annual tree lighting ceremony, held at the corner of C and Union streets in the Bucket of Blood parking lot.
Other events offer a modern experience in a not-so-modern setting. This year a drone show will join the merry line-up. “It's exciting that we'll have a firework show on the first Saturday of December and follow it up the next weekend with an entirely different display of lights,” Tuttle teases. “Visitors will be able to look up at the sky and see all sorts of colors and configurations among the stars where there may even be some special surprises.”
And if twinkling lights are your cup of hot cocoa, then consider a ride on the Train O' Lights with your family in tow, similar to the Candy Cane Express experience but with an illuminated twist.
That’s just the beginning of the jovial fun, however. Tuttle calls out The Piper's Opera House Christmas play as one of his favorite events of the season. “There are very few historic opera houses like Piper's where, to this day, you'll be able to sit in the same venue and watch the stage come to life like it did back in its heyday,” he says.
Shop Till You Drop
“Merchants around town are especially holiday ready, as we tend to see that Virginia City is the place to purchase those truly unique and handmade western wares,” Tuttle says. So, aside from the kitschy shops that feature everything from homemade candy to nostalgic toys, tin signs, and original art, where can you complete your list for both those naughty and nice?
The St. Mary’s Art Center will hold its 10th annual Holiday Faire Dec. 7-8. More than 20 local and regional artists and makers gather to sell their own creations in a holiday market-style space filled with music and decorations. Similarly, the Senior Center Craft Fair (over the same weekend) will have its own collection of handmade and one-of-a-kind gifts.
Perhaps the best place to shop for Christmas collectibles, however, is the Forever Christmas store. Open year-round, Forever Christmas has been selling a large variety of holiday-themed goodies and decorations for more than 30 years, making it one of the longest running retail spots in Virginia City.
Owners Loren and Sue Pursel originally bought the shop with plans to put something else in its place. Ultimately, they decided to keep the tradition original owners Billy and Murla Drake had created. “We remodeled the existing space several years ago to add about 25% more retail floor space,” Loren says. “This allowed us to put in new lines and a larger selection of merchandise, which has benefited us greatly in attracting shoppers year-round to the store. We are quite popular in winter, spring, summer, and fall as tourists are looking for that special moments to remind them of their visit to Virginia City.”
Santa Claus and his elves are both common fixtures in Forever Christmas during the holiday season, so if you pop in during December you just may see some hard at work.
Our town changes overnight and becomes brightly decorated for the holidays.
“I firmly believe this is the only place in the nation that combines holiday cheer with a historic Comstock mining town."
Adult’s Only
Most of the holiday cheer in Virginia City is family friendly, but there are a couple of events that cater to adults.
Get boozy—and feel free to dress up—during The Grinch Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl from 1-5 p.m. on Dec. 7 featuring specialty holiday drinks. You can also head to Piper’s Opera House for monthly bingo nights. On Dec. 19, the event will have festive flair.