Nevada City Victorian Christmas – A Festive Guide for a Top California Christmas Town
One of the most magical seasons of the year is Christmas, when streets light up with holiday cheer and warmth, decorations, and ornaments decorate every corner, and the air is filled with joy and happiness. One of the California Christmas towns that we love visiting is Nevada City, California. This town comes alive each year with the sparkle of Christmas for its much-awaited Victorian Christmas celebration. If you’re a sucker for Christmas and everything that comes with it, then you need to visit Nevada City and experience the magic of Victorian Christmas.
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Nevada City Victorian Christmas
The signature event of Nevada City’s holiday season, Victorian Christmas, is a festive way to start the holidays by getting you in the mood for the most wonderful time of the year. This annual event is an ongoing holiday tradition in Northern California.
Today, the town streets are transformed into an enchanted forest of twinkling lights, enchanting scents, and jubilant sounds as carolers and street musicians fill the air with heavenly music. Nothing beats the magic of the town’s Victorian-era storefronts and old-fashioned gas lamps in the dimly lit streets.
A Magical Time of Year in Nevada City
Organized by the Nevada City Chamber, this charming event takes over downtown, turning it into a lively street fair. With nearly 100 vendors showcasing their unique products, delicious food trucks serving up mouthwatering treats, and the delightful aroma of hot mulled wine filling the air, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
During this magical time of the year, the town’s historic buildings and Victorian architecture sparkle, decorated in their holiday finest. Shops and boutiques stay open late for some serious Christmas shopping, and bakeries and cafes are stocked with festive treats such as hot cocoa, pastries, and gingerbread. Even Father Christmas visits, listens to children’s Christmas wishes and takes pictures with them. There is also a holiday craft fair where vendors lay out their handmade wares, perfect for unique and unforgettable Christmas gifts.
Activities & Attractions
Artisan Vendors & Boutique Shops: Nevada City Victorian Christmas offers a delightful experience with artisan vendors, boutique shops, and charming Victorian streets. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere while browsing over 100 artisan vendors and exploring the late-night boutique shops.
Free Hot Roasted Chestnuts: Treat yourself to the nostalgic aroma and flavors of hot roasted chestnuts, prepared right before you.
See the Department 56 Dickens Village Display: The Department 56 Dickens Village Display showcases an extensive collection of collectible town models.
Visit Santa: Kids can visit Santa upstairs at the Masonic Lodge and capture memorable moments. The building is located at 108 North Pine Street.
See the famous Walking Christmas Tree & Toy Soldier: Watch for the enchanting Walking Christmas Tree and Toy Soldier for a unique photo opportunity.
Find Father Christmas: A Santa reminiscent of the past, spreading holiday cheer on Sundays.
See the Town Christmas Tree: Marvel at the impressive silver-tipped white fir Town Christmas Tree adorned with traditional decorations in Robinson Plaza.
Notice the Town Decorations: The entire town is beautifully dressed with warm glowing string lights, traditional gas lamps embellished with fresh Cedar and Pine swags, and fresh cedar garlands hanging from balconies.
Food and Dining
Indulge your taste buds at Nevada City Victorian Christmas! You won’t go hungry with a wide array of street vendors serving delicious foods and warm drinks in the Food Court on Commercial Street. And if you’re looking for a sit-down dining experience, downtown restaurants offer a cozy atmosphere with options for indoor dining or patio seating.
Don’t miss the chance to sip on festive alcoholic beverages like Hot Buttered Rum or Hot Mulled Wine as you explore the streets. Visit the Nevada City Chamber Bar Booth or the VFW Booth on Broad Street for these delightful treats.
Kids Activities
Are you bringing your kids to Nevada City for Victorian Christmas? The city has you covered you with many fun-filled activities designed to keep the kids entertained! They can start by getting their very own balloon animal, conveniently located next to the bounce house.
If they’re into shopping, there are plenty of kids’ boutiques and toy stores to explore. They won’t want to miss the magic and juggling shows happening at the Broad & Pine corner – be sure to check the schedule for dates and showtimes.
And, of course, a visit with Santa is a must-do during this festive event. With so much to do, your kids are guaranteed to have a memorable time at Nevada City Victorian Christmas!
Victorian Dress is Encouraged
Dressing up in Victorian attire for Nevada City Victorian Christmas is a great way to embrace the event’s nostalgic theme. You don’t need to spend excessive money or time creating a standout costume. Here are some simple and affordable ideas to achieve an authentic Victorian look:
1. Layer a vest over a high-collared shirt for a sophisticated touch.
2. Transform your everyday jeans or pants into knickers by wearing knee socks over them.
3. Enhance your ensemble by attaching feathers to a broad-brimmed hat and wearing long, elbow-length gloves.
4. Push up your shirt sleeves and secure them with elastic at the elbows to add a dashing flair.
5. Tie a long scarf around your blouse, sweater, or jacket for an elegant touch.
6. Drape a shawl over your blouse or shirt to exude Victorian charm.
7. Wear colorful suspenders worn over a plain, plaid, or paisley shirt.
8. Experiment with a bow tie or string tie for a stylish Victorian look.
9. Consider wearing a top hat, a bowler hat, or even a fake handlebar mustache for a touch of whimsy.
10. To add extra frills, try wearing a ruffled apron over an ankle-length skirt or a ruffled cap.
These simple Victorian costume ideas will help you participate in Nevada City Victorian Christmas while looking charming and embracing the festive spirit.
Or dress up in your favorite Christmas Holiday outfit to celebrate this event.
When is Victorian Christmas in Nevada City?
Nevada City Victorian Christmas is a delightful annual family tradition on two Wednesday evenings and three Sunday afternoons in December.
2023 Dates
Sundays – December 3, 10, & 17 from 1:30 – 6 pm
Wednesdays – December 6 & 13 from 5 – 9 pm
Parking for Victorian Christmas
Parking in downtown Nevada City during Victorian Christmas can be limited, mainly consisting of street parking. It is important to note that Broad and Commercial Streets are closed to through traffic, making finding parking even more challenging.
Additionally, it is essential to avoid parking on the “On or Off Ramps” of Highways 49 and 20, as doing so can result in a ticket and possible towing. To make things easier, visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the Shuttle Service. With this in mind, plan your visit accordingly to ensure a smoother parking experience while enjoying all the festive delights of Victorian Christmas in Nevada City.
Shuttle Hours:
- Wednesdays – 4:30 pm -10 pm
- Sundays – 1 pm-7 pm
Shuttle Parking & Pick-Up: Nevada County Rood Center – 950 Maidu Avenue, Nevada City.
- $5 for adults. Children under 15 – free
- Return journeys are free for all
- CASH ONLY!
- Small dogs on a leash that can be on your lap allowed
- Wheelchair accessible (one of the shuttles is an ADA shuttle)
Find a Place to Stay During Your Visit
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
Yes, the city allows dogs on leashes.
Several public restrooms are located throughout the event. Restroom locations include City Hall, Commercial Street Parking Lot, Nevada Theater, Robinson Plaza, Spring & Pine Street, NY Hotel Parking Lot.
Listen to our Nevada City Victorian Christmas Podcast
On episode 60 of The Places Where We Go podcast, we drive to California Gold Country to see how Nevada City celebrates Victorian Christmas.
We share our experience visiting Nevada City for the holiday season. There was plenty of holiday cheer and good tidings. We even encountered Icelandic elves checking to see who was naughty or nice.
This annual event fills the air with the spirit of a Victorian Christmas. The aroma of roasted chestnuts fills the air. Carolers and musicians fill the streets with the sounds of Christmas songs. Street vendors line the streets with wares for sale. In the evening, a magical ambiance emerges as the lamp-lit streets and glowing Christmas decorations sparkle as the sun sets and the dark skies of winter settle on the city.
Our afternoon was filled with live entertainment, yuletide treats and libations, and Father Christmas!
Watch our Nevada City Victorian Christmas YouTube Video
Visit the Nevada City Website Before Your Visit
Be sure to visit the city website before your visit. There is always something happening throughout the year. You can plan a trip when a local event catches your interest.
You can find the Nevada City Calendar of Events here:
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Conclusion
Nevada City’s Victorian Christmas will not disappoint you if you’re looking for a beautiful, joyful, and traditional Christmas experience that delivers all the warm feels the season offers. It’s not every day that one can experience a town that reenacts the Victorian Era while celebrating the most wonderful time of the year. It’s a perfect destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and looking for a whimsical holiday experience.
There’s lots to see and do in Nevada City, including several museums, hotels, shopping, and restaurants. We hope we’ve convinced you enough to travel to Nevada City and experience Victorian Christmas at least once in your lifetime!
Thanks for reading this post. We hope to see you at the places where we go.
Julie & Art
#nevadacity #victorianchristmas
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