Sparks is a community that’s known to immerse itself in the holiday spirit, and this year is no different — with festivals, shopping events and plenty of opportunities to hang out with Santa all month long. In the beginning of the month, run from Sparks to Reno while tasting brews along the way or take in the sparkling, beautiful Christmas trees during the Lights of Kindness or when the 39 North Pole Village comes to town. So, this December, feel free to eat, drink, and be merry with friends and get your last memorable experiences in before 2020 comes around.
December 1: MRC Sparks to Reno Brewery Run
What better way to kick off the winter holiday season than with a 7.3-mile beer run from Sparks to Reno. The Mikkeller Running Club Reno Brewery Run starts at our favorite Sparks’ brewery, the Great Basin Brewing Company location in Victorian Square at noon and then ends at The Brewer’s Cabinet on Arlington Avenue in Reno. There is a total of 10 participating breweries where runners can chug a half a beer at each one and then be on their way. The shortest length between breweries is four blocks and the longest is 2.4 miles, much of it along the river. This run is expected to take about five hours if you can manage a 12-minute per mile pace and drink half a beer in 20 minutes at each brewery. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/MikkellerRunningClubReno/.
December 1-7: Check Out the Lights of Kindness at the Legends Outlets at Sparks Marina
Bask in the soft glittery lights draped elegantly around the pines, all in the name of charity at the Outlets at Legends Mall during the Lights of Kindness event. Decorated trees will be available to view from 2:30pm-8pm during the first seven days of December, located in front of the IMAX theater. Sip on some hot chocolate and vote for your favorite arbor beauty for just one dollar; all proceeds are directly donated to local nonprofits within the Sparks community. Santa will be on hand for pictures, and you can also ride the train around Legends’ holiday forest.
December 7: Hometowne Christmas Parade
See your neighbors’ creative Christmas displays during the popular Hometown Christmas Parade in Victorian Square on December 7. Have breakfast with Santa at the Cantina Los Tres Hombres on 1180 Scheels Drive Suite B in the Legends Outlets at 8am before heading over to Victorian Square to participate in or watch the parade happening at 1pm with a theme celebrating holiday traditions around the world. https://www.evensi.us/2019-sparks-hometowne-christmas-parade-victorian-square/318673347.
December 10: Cookies with Mrs. Claus at Scheels
While out holiday shopping with the kids at the Legends Outlets, be sure to take a time out and immerse yourself in your creative side by decorating cookies with Mrs. Claus. Her and Santa’s elves will be on the second floor of Scheels from 5:30pm-7:30pm sprucing up some cookies and you’re invited to join. This event is free, and participants receive their own cookie kit with sprinkles, frosting, and more.
December 12-14: Visit the 39 North Pole Village
The North Pole is migrating to Sparks the weekend of December 12-14 to give people a taste of what’s to come later in the month. When the 39 North Pole Village opens, families and friends can enjoy a free holiday light festival featuring thousands of twinkling lights along with great food, opportunities to do some Christmas shopping, entertainment, and you named it- Santa appearances. Local businesses will also have decorated booths Griswold family-style. http://www.39northdowntown.com/39-north-events-and-meetings/39-north-pole/.
Have a safe and happy holiday season, and we’ll see you next year!
— Kayla Anderson
