This Nevada town was named one of HGTV’s top Christmas destinations

A group of wild horses hanging out in the snow. Virginia City, Nevada, USA on Jan. 1, 2023. (Daniel Locke/Shutterstock)

By USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

December 9, 2025

By Carly Sauvageau, Reno Gazette Journal

Home and Gardening Television (HGTV) has released its list of “50 Favorite Small Towns to Visit for Christmas” ahead of the 2025 holiday season.

Each state is home to one standout destination. Anyone who has spent a December in Nevada’s pick won’t be surprised it made the list. From the Candy Cane Express on the V&T Railroad to Christmas on the Comstock events, this small Nevada town offers a full lineup of family-friendly festivities throughout the month.

If you haven’t guessed Nevada’s top Christmas town, here’s a look at which place HGTV picked, what winter events are happening there and what other towns made the list.

What is the best Christmas town in Nevada?

In Nevada, the best Christmas town according to HGTV is Virginia City.

HGTV highlighted Virginia City’s mining history and Christmas events as key reasons it was named the best town to visit during the winter holiday season.

“Virginia City is a 19th-century mining town that still maintains its historic Old West facade along the main street,” HGTV said.

“This history is acknowledged in the annual Christmas on the Comstock in December, filled with two weeks of events such as fireworks, train rides on the Candy Cane Express (aka the Virginia and Truckee Railroad), craft fairs, tree lighting, town carolers, parade of lights and, of course, visits with Santa. You can also catch Christmas-themed performances at the 19th-century Piper’s Opera House.”

Virginia City Christmas activities 2025

There are multiple Christmas events happening in Virginia City throughout December, beginning tonight (Dec. 5) with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at dusk.

On Dec. 6, the Grinch Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl runs from 1–5 p.m. for ages 21 and older and features holiday-themed cocktails at local saloons. Tickets are available at lbe.ticketspice.com.

Later that evening, the Parade of Lights begins at 5 p.m. The family-friendly parade features glowing floats and Christmas fireworks. It returns to C Street on Dec. 13.

St. Mary’s Art Center’s 11th annual Holiday Faire and the Senior Center Craft Fair run Dec. 6–7 with more than 30 artisans offering handmade Christmas gifts.

Virginia City’s Christmas lights don’t stop at the Parade of Lights. Local shops are participating in a townwide decorating contest that the public can vote on through the Storey County Chamber of Commerce.

The shops are also running a giveaway for shoppers who spend more than $25. Entrants have a chance to win one of three one-night stays in Virginia City with activities included.

The Mackay Mansion is offering Christmas Candlelight Tours featuring festive decorations in the historic mansion on Dec. 12, 13, 19 and 20. People can RSVP for the $35 tour at therealmackaymansion.com.

People looking for more entertainment can visit Piper’s Opera House, which is performing “Miracle on C Street” multiple times this month. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com for a little less than $13 per person.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without feasting, and the First Presbyterian Church is welcoming guests on Dec. 16 from 6-8 p.m. to its traditional Boar’s Head Feast, a solstice celebration and medieval-themed potluck with live entertainment.

People interested in more of Virginia City’s Christmas events, including sold-out activities such as the Candy Cane Express, can visit visitvirginiacitynv.com for more information.

Are there any Christmas towns in the US?

Yes, there are many Christmassy towns across the nation. HGTV said these were the best towns to visit in each state during Christmastime: