Day Trip: Holiday Magic in Nevada City
About this Event
Some holiday traditions are worth making a trip for, and Nevada City's Victorian Christmas is absolutely one of them. This beloved event has been drawing families and holiday lovers to the Sierra foothills since 1978, and it's easy to see why. When you step into downtown Nevada City during Victorian Christmas, the whole world feels different. Streets closed to traffic are lit by authentic gas lamps and strung with glowing lights. The scent of chestnuts roasting on an open fire drifts through the crisp December air. Carolers in full Victorian attire serenade you as you wander the hilly brick sidewalks, and somewhere in the crowd, Father Christmas himself is making his rounds.
With more than 100 artisan vendors lining the streets alongside boutique shops staying open late, there's no shortage of one-of-a-kind finds for everyone on your list. Keep your eyes open for the famous Walking Christmas Tree and Toy Soldier roaming through the festivities, stop in to see the stunning Department 56 Dickens Village display at the Alpha Building, and let the kids visit Santa at the Masonic Lodge. Hot buttered rum, mulled wine, hot cocoa, and an eclectic mix of local food round out the experience. It's festive, it's charming, and it's unlike anything else in Northern California.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 120.00