NevadaExplorer

Christmas Lights and Holiday Events in Reno, Sparks, and Tahoe

Holiday events, light displays, and winter celebrations in Reno, Sparks, and North Lake Tahoe, including the Northern Lights and Western Lights festivals.

Weather at Reno

Wind Advisory in effect — Wind Advisory issued September 12 at 1:47AM PDT until September 13 at 2:00AM PDT by NWS Reno NV

Tonight
Mostly Clear
Temperature
52°F
Wind
5 to 20 mph
Zone
NVZ003

Holiday light displays and community events in the region are concentrated in North Lake Tahoe and downtown Reno. Visitors planning to travel between Reno and the Tahoe Basin should monitor mountain pass status, as winter conditions frequently impact travel.

North Lake Tahoe: Northern Lights Festival

The Northern Lights Festival takes place in Incline Village and Crystal Bay. The event series runs from late November through December.

Key Events:

The festival includes various shopping events, such as the Holiday Craft Fair and Community Celebration on December 2. Concerts are held at the Crystal Bay Club. Attendees should verify ticket prices and set times through Devil Dog Productions.

Reno: Western Lights Festival

The Western Lights Festival is scheduled for February 19–21, 2026, in downtown Reno. This event features over 40 visual and interactive art installations. The festival includes ticketed afterparties featuring musical acts such as Chromeo, A Hundred Drums, Bad Pussycat, TOKiMONSTA, Mark Farina, and Spencer Kilpatrick & The Sand Gators.

Carson City Lights

A media preview for the Carson City Lights event is scheduled for February 5, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Mills Park in the Seely Loop.

Winter Travel Considerations

Travel to North Lake Tahoe from Reno typically involves driving over SR-431 (Mt. Rose Highway). This route reaches an elevation of 8,911 feet and is subject to chain controls and closures during winter storms. Check SR-431 Mt Rose road conditions before departure.

Drivers using the lake route should also monitor SR-28 road conditions. For travel from the west or south, check I-80 road conditions and US-50 road conditions for updates on major mountain passes.

Cameras for the drive to Incline Village.

Official road status is provided by Caltrans and NDOT. Always verify current conditions before driving into the mountains.

More around Reno–Tahoe

Check the road first

Updated 2026-09-12.

Sources: Carson City Lights Media Night RSVP · Western Lights Festival Contest · Northern Lights Holiday Community Celebration - Diamond Peak · 6 Reasons to Be Stoked on the Returning Northern Lights Festival · Northern Lights Festival Lake Tahoe - Winter Holiday Celebration.