Victorian Christmas, 2008
in Historic Nevada City

Calendar of Events

(Vendors: Download the 2008 Craft Vendor Application)

Victorian Christmas, the old-fashioned celebration held each year in this colorful California Gold Rush town, evokes holiday memories of an earlier era.

During the event, Nevada City’s landmark historic district is closed to motorized traffic and transformed back in time. Christmas melodies and costumed characters remind visitors of another time and place.

Victorian Christmas 2008 is featured Wednesday nights, Dec. 3, 10 and 17, from 6-9 p.m., and on two Sunday afternoons, Dec. 14 and Dec. 21, from 1:30-6 p.m. There is no admission charge.

Holiday celebrants fill the streets, sampling the outdoor fare of friendly hawkers and vendors and food and goods offered by downtown restaurants and specialty shops. Victorian singers, bagpipers, a living nativity scene and visits with Santa Claus are among the attractions. Taste chestnuts roasted on an open fire and enjoy strolling minstrels, brass bands, hay wagon rides and much more.

Nevada City is situated at the 2,500-foot elevation in the wooded foothills of the northern Sierra Nevada. It is located one hour (60 miles) northeast of Sacramento, via Interstate 80 and Highway 49 north. From Marysville and the north valley, take eastbound Highway 20. From Reno and Tahoe, take westbound I-80 and westbound scenic Highway 20.

Overnight visitors are encouraged to book local accommodations early. A dozen historic bed & breakfast inns and several comfortable hotels and motels are located in Nevada City and nearby Grass Valley.

Victorian Christmas Holiday Shuttles
Free parking at the Nevada County Government Center on Hwy. 49
$5 Roundtrip Shuttle to Victorian Christmas
5:30-9:30 on Wed.
noon-6:30 on Sun.