Victorian Christmas Celebration in Nevada Metropolis, CA
It's Christmas time in the city, but if all the bright lights and busy streets (or maybe that marathon of It's a Wonderful Life you couldn't resist) make you want a small town Christmas, there's no better destination than Nevada City, California and its annual Victorian Christmas celebration. This gingerbread-adorned hamlet in the Sierra foothills, about a 2½-hour drive from San Francisco, is like a portal into the past. Read on to find out where to stay, eat and play.
Two before Christmas WednesdayOn public holidays and the three Sundays in December, most of the city center is closed to through traffic and offers a lot of activity. Christmas carolers, roving minstrels, jugglers, costumed characters, horse-drawn carriage rides, local musicians, including many children, and other local talent perform in the streets as families move from vendor to vendor sampling, sipping, sniffing and sipping their wares buy. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and is frequented by locals and tourists alike.
Santa Claus baby
At the bottom of Broad Street (the main street), Santa Claus is available for photo ops. For $5, children and groups can take a photo with Santa. The money goes to a local charity – photos are not required. If your little ones are camera shy or want to check seeing Santa twice off their list, every child can talk to Ol' Saint Nick about it.
Bonus: There's also balloon art and a bouncy house for the kids. Also keep an eye out for jugglers and magicians.
Chestnuts roast on an open fire
In addition to spiced cider, mulled wine and grilled delicacies, there are chestnuts roasted over a real open fire every evening. Cecil Snow, the town's favorite Victorian chimney sweep, will tend the fire and sell the chestnuts. Not to be missed.
Deck the halls
In addition to unique gifts for sale from local artists and craftsmen on the streets, the United Methodist Church at the top of Broad Street hosts an open house that includes a craft market. It's the perfect place to escape the cold, enjoy the festive atmosphere with Santa, cider, cookies and music, beautiful decorations, and use the restroom! Or stop by the Nevada City Craft Fair Sunday December 11th Find a wide selection of artisan gifts at the historic Miners Foundry.
Photo by Erin Thiem, Outsideinn.com
Park your car
The number of parking spaces is very limited and can be frustrating when the group full of carolers takes to the streets. So drop them off, park your car at the Nevada County Government Center, and then take the shuttle back into town. There is a $5 fee to drive into town, but the ride back to the car is free for everyone! For more information, visit the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce website.
Have a good night's sleep everyone
There are many bed and breakfasts, hotels and motels in this area. Family and pet friendly, The Outside Inn is a motel-style property located within walking distance of all of downtown Nevada City. Or if you'If you're looking for something unique, rent an RV and check out the new Inn Town Campground, less than 2 miles from downtown Nevada City.
The Northern Queen Inn offers affordable rates and its own light show – plus you can choose between traditional rooms or small cabins in the pines! Although it is a little further away than the Outside Inn, the city center is still within walking distance.
What to wear
Dress festively, but wear your warmest clothing. It's not uncommon for snow to fall this time of year! Wool coats, capes and top hats are also appropriate! Bring mittens, hats and scarves for the children and wear good walking shoes. Most of the activities take place outside and Nevada City is hilly. The main street, Broad Street, is a long, rolling hill. Therefore, wear comfortable shoes.
When: Sundays, December 4th11th and 18th of 1:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m and Wednesdays December 14th and 21st out of 5-9 p.m
A fairy tale about two cities
The neighboring town of Grass Valley, which is equally charming, has a similar Cornish Christmas festival that begins the Friday after Thanksgiving and runs until December 20th. Mill Street and Main Street are closed and the cool mountain air is filled with the smell of roasting chestnuts, corn on the cob and pies. Make it a weekend full of super retro Christmas parties and enjoy the best moments – attend both events in one weekend. For more information about Cornish Christmas, visit the Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce website.
Have you ever celebrated the season in Nevada City? Tell us about it in the comments below!
–Erin Thiem and Amber Guetebier
All photos courtesy of the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce unless otherwise noted
