Holiday-themed events dominate our calendar this time of year. Some recommendations this week include the annual holiday-lights celebration at Washoe Lake State Park, the Gay Men’s Chorus’s renditions of Christmas tunes and the downtown Menorah lighting ceremony.

There are plenty more listings on our calendar. Be sure to add your events here (free and paid options) to be considered for next week’s events preview column.

Sponsored events

• Reno Jazz Orchestra Presents “Holiday Jazz: Music of the Season.” The Reno Jazz Orchestra will present “Holiday Jazz: Music of the Season” on December 3, 2023, at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm at The Theatre in Reno, Nevada. The Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra will open for the RJO. Guest Music Director Dr. Doug Pierce and guest vocalist Cliff Porter will present the two-hour performance of holiday jazz favorites with the 17-piece jazz orchestra.
• Stand Up Comedy Night @ Good Luck Macbeth with Matt Knudsen. You may not know his name, but you probably know his face because he’s done just about everything there is to do in show biz. Conan, The Late Late Show, Key & Peele, Malcolm in the Middle, Shrinking, I Think You Should Leave, three comedy albums available to stream and a book about his life as a working actor and comic in Hollywood called “Have I Seen You In Anything” – it’s the one and only Matt Knudsen.
• “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” by Joe Landry at Reno Little Theater. It’s a Wonderful Life – A Live Radio Play is a twist on the classic holiday movie. Set in a radio studio in the 1940s, we meet an actor who plays George Bailey, a man who’s always wanted to leave his small town for bigger and better things. But you know the story – when a financial crisis hits, and he contemplates suicide, an angel shows him what the world would be like without him. 
• When Hollywood Came to Reno. MGM’s Hello Hollywood, Hello! Hello Hollywood Hello was more than a casino show. Opening in 1978 and running for over a decade, the bombastic show had it all: talented performers in elaborate costumes designed by world-famous designers centered around the most celebrated movies in our lifetime.
• Santa Train at Nevada State Railroad Museum at Carson City. All Aboard! The beloved Santa Train is back. Bring the family for a holiday ride on a historic locomotive and visit with Santa Claus.  

Editor’s picks

1. Washoe Lake State Park Drive Through Holiday Celebration. Washoe Lake State Park is hosting its fourth drive-through holiday celebration. Campground Loop B will be decorated with lights, holiday scenes and holiday movie quotes.
2. What Makes Nevada Wild? Join experts from the Nevada Department of Wildlife to explore what makes Nevada wild NDOW representatives will open the door for Discovery Museum visitors of all ages to learn more about bats, birds, snakes and lizards, and learn how to become a confident, competent and ethical outdoor enthusiast.
3. Siamsa – A Celtic Christmas is an enchanting holiday musical that will captivate the entire family. It features international Irish dance champions and a cast of the finest singers, musicians and actors.
4. Menorah Lighting Celebration. Join the City of Reno at the 2023 Menorah Lighting Celebration for a festive evening featuring speeches from dignitaries, a choir performance, the Menorah Lighting ceremony with candle distribution and blessings, and traditional Horah dancing. 
5. A Holly Jolly Holiday Spectacular. The Nevada Gay Men’s Chorus is conjuring the season’s magic with traditional favorites from O Come, Emmanuel, The First Noel and People Look East, to classics like Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, Santa Baby and Joy to the World. 

Correction: The City of Reno is hosting the Menorah lighting, not the Downtown Reno Partnership.