Nevada gives the gift of unforgettable experiences for the 2015 holiday season
CARSON CITY, N.V. (November 19, 2015) — As the holidays approach, presents and wish-list items are on everyone’s mind. In Nevada, some of the best gifts are memories created through experiences that combine the state’s unique culture and time with loved ones. Plan a trip for one of the following major events happening in Nevada this holiday season. For a full listing of events, visit www.TravelNevada.com.
Holiday Train Rides
As a literal gold mine state during the mining boom, Nevada’s railroad history is as rich as the miners who discovered it. During the holiday season, many of the railways that still operate today offer holiday themed train rides for the whole family.
- Nevada Railroad Museum’s Santa Train, Carson City, December 5-20, 2015 (select dates)
Not only does the Nevada Railroad Museum work to preserve the history of Nevada railways, but it also works to preserve the spirit of Santa Claus each year with its annual Santa Train. Parents and children will take a ride with Santa himself and enjoy hot chocolate and candy canes while surrounded by equipment from the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. - V&T Railway’s THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, Virginia City, November 19 — December 22, 2015
As a historic gold mining town, Virginia City is known for its railways. V&T Railway was rebuilt in 1974 and operates daily. It provides scenic tours through town using century-old, ornate, open and closed passenger cars powered by hardworking steam and heritage diesel locomotives. Leading up to the holidays, V&T Railway makes dreams come true for children who haven?t yet boarded the midnight train to the North Pole with THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. - Nevada Northern Railway’s Polar Express Train Ride, Ely, November 21 — December 29, 2015 (select dates)
The track for Nevada Northern Railway was laid more than 100 years ago, and the original trains still travel them for locomotive lovers to enjoy. As a National Historic Landmark, the Ely, Nevada, site also operates a museum for visitors to learn about the area’s copper mining history. In the winter, this historic train site transforms to one of legend. Those who ride the Nevada Northern Railway’s Polar Express will meet Santa and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate.
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas’ The Ice Rink, Las Vegas, November 21, 2015 — January 3, 2016
Most know the Cosmopolitan as one of Las Vegas’ most luxurious hotels with spectacular views. Anyone who has stayed also knows of the Boulevard Pool that overlooks The Strip. What people might not know is that the pool is transformed into The Ice Rink in the winter where guests can skate while enjoying a fire pit, s’mores and warm cocktails as the city lights twinkle in the background. It’s a picture perfect holiday experience.
Cowboy Christmas at the 2015 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Las Vegas, December 3-12, 2015
The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) is a 10-day championship event held each December in Las Vegas. Because it is timed so closely to the holidays, the Las Vegas Convention Center holds a Cowboy Christmas that is straight out of the Old West. The event is free and showcases more than 400 vendors from across the U.S. and Canada. Cowboys and cowgirls can enjoy holiday shopping and a show with free transportation to and from the convention center and the rodeo.
Reno Santa Crawl, Reno, December 12, 2015
It’s every person’s childhood dream to meet Santa Claus, and at the Reno Santa Crawl, there are thousands of jolly St. Nicks! In 2015, more than 12,000 elves, Santas and reindeer will gather for a pub crawl that raises money for a local charity. The festively clad participants will visit dozens of bars throughout Reno with drink specials and holiday cheer.
Spring Mountain Ranch’s Old Time Ranch Christmas, Blue Diamond, December 19, 2015
Spring Mountain Ranch is one of Nevada’s many state parks and is located 15 miles west of Las Vegas inside the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. The 520-acre oasis was developed into a combination working ranch and luxurious retreat by a string of owners who have given the area a long and colorful history. Each December, the Ranch House Visitor Center hosts an Old Time Ranch Christmas with pinecone crafts and ornament-making for all ages, along with s’mores, hot chocolate and a live brass band. Santa even ventures out to the ranch for this party.
Winter Ignite at Heavenly Mountain Resort, Stateline, December 4-12, 2015
Heavenly Mountain Resort, which straddles the Nevada-California border, hosts an annual snow-fueled festival for two weeks to kick-off the ski and board season. This year’s Winter Ignite will have special meaning for the resort as it celebrates its 60th season. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, guests can enjoy bands like the rock/indie duo Matt and Kim and parties like Unbuckle Après Parties at Tamarack Lodge.
For more on Nevada travel, visit TravelNevada.com.
# # # #
The Nevada Division of Tourism (Travel Nevada) is part of the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. It promotes and markets Nevada as a tourism destination for domestic and international leisure and business travelers through its marketing and advertising programs and by coordinating partnerships between public and private entities. Travel Nevada also administers grant programs for local entities to market travel and tourism offerings and publishes Nevada Magazine.
Media Contact:
Chris Moran
Travel Nevada
(775) 687-0616
[email protected]
