Nevada City Victorian Christmas

Sundays – Dec 3, 10, & 17 from 1:30 – 6pm
Wednesdays – Dec 6 & 13 from 5 – 9pm

The aroma of roasted chestnuts fill the air, along with cries of street vendors hawking their wares and lamp-lit streets filled with Christmas treasures.. It’s the one & only Victorian Christmas.

Welcome the holiday season in Nevada City. It’s a magical setting of hilly streets with authentic gas lamps, wandering carolers dressed in Victorian attire, and visitors sharing holiday cheer and good tidings.

This annual, family tradition takes place two Wednesday evenings and three Sunday afternoons in December. There are holiday activities for all ages including live entertainment, yuletide treats and libations, and Father Christmas!

We look forward to welcoming the best of the holiday Season with you!

Know & Go

Click on each date to view the full schedule:

Check back soon…

Get into the holiday spirit with special attractions throughout the event:

Artisan Vendors & Boutique Shops – walk through the Victorian streets while browsing the 100+ artisan vendors or pop into one of the many boutique shops that stay open late for the event.
Free Hot Roasted Chestnuts – Step back in time and experience the sweet flavor and aromas of chestnuts roasted on an open fire! Stop by the fire pit located in the Food Court to watch the whole process and try a chestnut yourself.
See the Department 56 Dickens Village Display – The Nevada City Chamber of Commerce was gifted an extensive collection of Dickens Village collectible town models. These models will be displayed in the windows of the Alpha Building, located at 210 Broad Street.
Visit Santa – Kids can visit with Santa and get their picture taken at the Masonic Lodge located at 108 North Pine Street. Santa is located upstairs. Take the elevator or stairs up.
See the famous Walking Christmas Tree & Toy Soldier – Look for them wandering throughout the event and stop for a photo. (The rain keeps the tree away – look for her on clear days)
Find Father Christmas – Father Christmas is a Santa reminiscent of yesteryears. Find him walking the streets spreading holiday cheer (Sundays only).
See the Town Christmas Tree – The 25 foot silver tipped white fir tree is locally sourced and a sight to see. Decorated in traditional style with red bows and frosted pine cones. Located in Robinson Plaza at 132 Main St.
Notice the Town Decorations – The entire down town is decorated with warm glowing string lights; every gas lamp (yes – they are still traditional gas lamps!) is adorned with fresh and locally sourced Cedar and Pine swags (made by local Boy Scout Troup #24), bows and flags; and nearly 500 feet of fresh cedar garland is strung from balconies all throughout town.

There are several public restrooms located throughout the event:

City Hall – Located on upper Broad St. at 317 Broad St. (Baby changing and feeding station)
Commercial Street Parking Lot – located just outside the event footprint at 412 Commercial St. – Just past the Remedy Garden in the public parking lot.
Nevada Theater – There are several Port-a-Potties located just outside the Nevada Theater.
Robinson Plaza – Look for the Christmas Tree! The public restrooms are behind the tree (slightly hidden by the Pelton Wheel). Additional Port-a-Potties are located in the Plaza on the side of the bookstore. This is the closest restroom to the food court. Located at 132 Main St.
Spring & Pine St.
NY Hotel Parking Lot
Shuttle Parking – the is a Port-a-Potty located at the shuttle parking lot at 950 Maidu Ave.

Parking in downtown is extremely limited and is mostly street parking. We encourage attendees to take advantage of our Shuttle Service.

Parking is challenging, as Broad and Commercial Streets are closed to through traffic. Parking is not allowed on “On or Off Ramps” of Highways 49 and 20. Cars parked on the ramps will be ticketed and may be towed.

The main event shuttle picks up at the Eric Rood Government Center located at 950 Maidu Avenue and drops off at the bottom of Victorian Christmas next to the Food Court on Union Street.

For the return trip, the bus picks up and drops off at the same location. Shuttle run for one hour after the event ends. Please plan accordingly.

Shuttle Hours:

Wednesdays – 4:30-10pm
Sundays – 1pm-7pm

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 preferred!
Small dogs on a leash that can be on your lap allowed
Wheel chair accessible (one of the shuttles is an ADA wheel chair accessible shuttle)

*Pro Tip – Save money! Drop your group off at the event, park your car, and catch the shuttle. We only charge for the ride to the event. Everyone can ride back for free.

New this year we have teamed up with Nevada County Connects to offer a free shuttle service connecting people from downtown Grass Valley to downtown Nevada City on Wednesdays during Victorian Christmas.

This shuttle will pick up and drop-off at the Tinloy Street bus stop in Grass Valley and the Broad Street overcrossing in Nevada City.

*Please note – the last shuttle pick-up in Nevada City is at 8pm (the event goes until 9pm), please make sure to plan accordingly.

5pm – GV to NC
5:20 – NC to GV
5:40 – GV to NC
6pm – NC to GV
6:20 – GV to NC
6:40 – NC to GV
7pm – GV to NC
7:20 – NC to GV
7:40 – GV to NC
8:00 – Last bus NC to GV

Shuttle goers will be able to ride the new zero-emissions bus.

ADA Parking Spots Available:

Spring Street
Union Alley
Park at Nevada County Government Center and ride the wheel chair accessible shuttle, located 950 Maidu Ave

Be sure to come hungry! There are numerous street vendors selling delicious foods and warm drinks. All food vendors are located in the Food Court on Commercial Street. Additionally, there are many downtown restaurants offering both indoor dining and patio seating.

Alcoholic Drinks

There’s nothing more festive than sipping a Hot Buttered Rum or Hot Mulled Wine as you stroll the streets. Stop by the Nevada City Chamber Bar Booth for Hot Buttered Rum, Hot Apple Toddy’s or Hot Chocolate Snugglers or check out the VFW Booth for Hot Mulled Wine. Both booths are located on Broad Street near the intersection of Broad & Pine.

Bringing your kids? We have numerous fun activities for kids to enjoy!

Get a Balloon Animal – Balloon animals are located next to the bounce house
Visit one of our many kids boutiques and toy stores
Check out the magic and juggling shows – The stage is located on the corner of Broad & Pine (check schedule for dates and times)
Visit with Santa

Why not add to the party by dressing as a Victorian?

We’re encouraging people to dress up and add to the Victorian nature of the event. You’ll find costume tips and ideas costume tips and ideas here.

The Nevada City Chamber of Commerce was gifted an extensive collection of Dickens Village collectible town models. These models will be displayed in the Alpha Building at 210 Broad Street.

Tour Buses must use the designated drop-off point on Union Alley for loading and unloading. There is no bus parking at the event! Buses are encouraged to park at the shuttle site.

Tour Bus Drop-Off/Pick-Up Point: 104 Union Alley, Nevada City, CA 95959

Tour Bus Parking: 950 Maidu Ave., Nevada City, CA 95959

General Information

Victorian Christmas is a Rain or Shine event – however extreme weather conditions may cause the event to be cancelled. Learn more about our cancellation policy.

The City allows dogs on a leash.

For More Information

Contact the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce at (530) 265-2692.