Visiting Virginia City, Nevada is like walking through the town as it was back in the 1800s when it first came to be, and Christmas on the Comstock is a reflection of an old-fashioned holiday. The city retains much of its flavor from the Comstock Lode days; and in fact, it's one of the largest historical districts in the United States. Virginia City residents take special pride in how they celebrate Christmas with a traditional, Western flair. Christmas on the Comstock is a big event every year in which the whole town and tourists participate. Visit, shop, and enter to win the 'Believe Again – A Christmas Shopping Giveaway, Dec. 1 to Dec. 17. Read more about this month-long holiday event in 2023.
Each year the residents of Virginia City hold a Christmas on the Comstock celebration in a town with a definite Victorian postcard look to it, especially with a light snow covering.
It attracts folks to the charm of this old-world town, such as the St. Mary in the Mountains Catholic Church all wrapped in winter.
Shops, restaurants, and bars all around the town eagerly embrace the Christmas theme with old-fashioned decorations.
The annual Parade of Lights takes place on Dec. 2 and 9, with participants and onlookers alike lighting up their vehicles with Christmas lights and decorations as part of the fun.
Line-up starts at 4:30 p.m. at Fourth Ward School. Register in advance to be part of the Christmas on the Comstock 2023 parade.
One store that loves Christmas in the Comstock in particular is Forever Christmas.
The shop is one of the oldest specialty shops for Christmas decorations and gifts. Many have a Western or mining theme and are made by local artists.
During this lovely Christmas in Nevada be sure to catch a ride on the V&T Candy Cane Express, following rails that have carried loved ones home for the holidays for 150 years.
We love the ride through the winter wonderland of the Comstock to Gold Hill.
This special ride includes a Candy Cane Tunnel, hot chocolate, cookies, candy canes, singing Christmas carols, and of course, a visit with Santa.
The train runs for only a few weekends in November and December and tickets sell out quickly.
For the saloon crawl at this Christmas in NV event, the town encourages designated drivers with special prizes.
And don't miss the two large crafts fairs with baked good and artwork from regional artists take place at St. Mary’s Art Center on Dec. 2.
The town also hosts photos with Father Christmas, a Santa with a definite old Victorian twist, following Nevada Christmas traditions.
Even if none of the events took place, who couldn't get into the Christmas spirit here?
Find more information about these fun, holiday activities on Christmas on the Comstock web page. Have you ever had the pleasure of experiencing this month-long event? Share in the comments if you have! And for more holiday fun, take this Christmas lights road trip through Nevada. And while you're in Virginia City, dream of sugarplums in a cozy Vrbo.
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