Every December, this Nevada town becomes a real-life winter wonderland
The former mining boomtown Virginia City transforms into a Victorian-style holiday celebration every year from Dec. 1 to 31.
In one small town in Storey County, Nevada, it’s Christmas for an entire month.
The former mining boomtown Virginia City transforms into a Victorian-style holiday celebration during Christmas on the Comstock from Dec. 1 to 31.
From decorations so bright that Santa Claus is rumored to see them from the North Pole to candlelight tours of a haunted mansion (followed by a warm and toasty cup of hot cocoa), it’s a real-life winter wonderland all month with a Virginia City twist.
Christmas on the Comstock
Nevada’s largest and most widely known mining town, Virginia City was home to the country’s first major silver deposit discovery, the Comstock Lode, in 1859. Its role in American history and storied past make it a popular—and possibly haunted—tourist destination.
A National Historic Landmark District, the town hosts exciting annual events, wacky races, cool car shows, and holiday celebrations for Halloween and Christmas. Many events, like the International Camel & Ostrich Races in September and the World Championship Outhouse Races in October, are based on historical happenings. Camels were crucial to the Comstock Lode, carrying salt and wood to the mines. The outhouse race is based on an unpopular early 20th-century town ordinance banning outdoor latrines.
Christmas on the Comstock kicks off with an official tree lighting at dark on Dec. 1. This is followed by a month of events and activities, including holiday train rides, a parade, fireworks, a done show, a saloon crawl, an arts and crafts show, and a haunted take on the holiday classic, “The Nutcracker.”
While some events have a cost attached, others, like the parade and fireworks, are free.
Here’s a closer look at some of the highlights. For a full calendar of events and local lodging options, visit the Christmas on the Comstock website.
Holiday train rides
The vintage Virginia & Truckee Railroad was a major short line in its heyday, hauling millions of dollars in ore from the local mines. Today, the 100-year-old steam engines and heritage diesel locomotives run various conductor-narrated train tours for ticketed passengers daily and during special events.
The Electric Holiday Train O’ Lights is already sold out for the season, but tickets are available for the V&T Candy Cane Express.
V&T Candy Cane Express
Noon, 1:30, and 3 p.m. Nov. 29-30; Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, and 22
All aboard the Virginia & Truckee Railroad’s V&T Candy Cane Express for a 40-minute, round-trip train ride across the snowy landscape with heated seats, Christmas carols, storytelling, and cookies. The family-friendly, narrated excursion departs from the Virginia City depot, 166 F Street. Get your tickets before it sells out.
Holiday hauntings
Built in 1859, the Mackay Mansion (291 S. D Street), is one of the few original structures in Virginia City to survive the Great Fire of 1875. The Victorian-era mansion still has its original furnishings and decor.
Featured on Discovery’s “Ghost Adventures” and the Travel Channel’s “The Dead Files,” the mansion is known for its haunted activity. It even claims to have given A-list actor Johnny Depp his first paranormal experience.
Christmas Candlelight Tour at Mackay Mansion
6 p.m. Nov. 29 and 30; Dec. 6, 7, 13, 20, 21, 27, and 28
From two little girls running on the staircase to a shadow man upstairs, the paranormal activity on the Mackay Mansion Christmas Candlelight Tour will fill you with chills. Fortunately, you can warm up with hot chocolate at the end of the tour. Expect the halls of this mansion to be decked out for Christmas. Tickets are $35.
Nightmare Before Christmas Tea Party
6-9 p.m. Dec. 14
The historic and haunted Mackay Mansion sets the table for a Nightmare Before Christmas-themed tea party in the dining room. After spilling tea and munching treats for an hour, guests will have two hours to investigate the mansion for ghosts using paranormal equipment. Tickets are $100.
Eat, drink, and be merry
Walking into the historic saloons in Virginia City is like stepping into the Old West. Stop by for a cocktail, a history lesson, and new memories.
The Grinch Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl
1-5 p.m., Dec. 7
Every festive drink you down helps the Grinch grow his heart an extra size on the Grinch Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl. Dress up in your holiday best for this tipsy tour through the town’s historic salons, restaurants, and shops. Tickets are $30.
Parodies & parades
It isn’t Christmas without “The Nutcracker,” but at Piper’s Opera House in Virginia City, the popular play comes with a twist. Plus, everyone loves a parade, especially when that parade is followed by exploding fireworks or dancing drones.
Piper’s Opera House presents The Nutcracker vs. The Tommyknockers
Select times on Dec. 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22
“The Nutcracker vs. The Tommyknockers” unites all your favorite characters from the Christmas ballet with mischievous mine spirits known to lure away unsuspecting children. The humorous 90-minute parody is perfect for all ages. Tickets start at $10.
Parade of Lights Down C Street
5 p.m. Dec. 7 and 14
The annual Parade of Lights is fun for the whole family. Warm up during the festivities with hot cocoa from local shops. The parade will be followed by a fireworks show at 6 p.m. Dec. 7 and a drone show by Sky Elements at 6 p.m. Dec. 14. For more information, visit the event website. It’s free to all!
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