This December is kicking off in a big way, with many opportunities to get together and celebrate the season of giving. Hopefully you have an ugly sweater in your closet to participate in the Ugly Sweater Fun Run at Scheels, followed by a visit from Santa — or wait until later in the month when you can wear it out in Victorian Square during the Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl. Besides hitting the town in your awful holiday wear, Sparks businesses are inviting everyone to come out during the month to partake in locally-made marketplace events, parades, and where to spend some quality time with Santa.
It’s Ugly Sweater Time
Dec. 1- Meet Santa at Scheels and Ugly Sweater Fun Run
Scheels invites you to don your most ridiculous holiday outfit for a complimentary fun run around the Sparks Marina that starts at 10am. Pre-register for the event at the customer service desk or just show up. Although the event is free, runners are encouraged to bring in a new, unwrapped toy or make a minimum $20 donation to Toys for Tots.
Afterwards, mosey on up to the second floor of Scheels and see if you can spot Santa and his elves; he’ll be there every weekend from 11am-3pm leading up to Christmas.
Dec. 22- Ugly Sweater Crawl in Victorian Square
For its third year in a row, the Sparks Pub Crawls company is hosting the Ugly Sweater Crawl in Victorian Square. Enjoy drink specials, dancing, contests, giveaways, and shotskis all night long. Click here to buy tickets.
Where Santa is Making His Rounds in Sparks
Dec. 1: 2018 Hometowne Christmas Parade
Named one of the top 10 best holiday parades in the nation by USA Today, the Sparks’ Hometowne Holiday Parade is back with visits from Santa, arts and crafts vendors, and the famous Marnell Christmas Tree Lighting. The 32nd annual Hometowne Christmas festivities start at 10:30am with the parade taking place at 1pm. Santa will be available for pictures from 10:30am-12:30pm and 2:30pm-3:30pm.
Dec. 1: Breakfast with Santa at the Cantina at 8am
If you want a better chance to have some more extended one-on-one time with Santa before the parade, then head over to the Cantina for photos, entertainment, activities, and breakfast with Jolly ‘Ole St. Nick. All proceeds from this event support the Northern Nevada Renown Children’s Miracle Network.
Dec. 22: Breakfast with Santa at Rosie’s Café in the Nugget Casino Resort
From 9am-11am families are invited to join Santa at the Nugget and enjoy a $5.50 pancake breakfast ($6.50 with the hot cocoa bar) which includes a special holiday coloring book. Because you know Santa has to keep up his weight to have the energy to navigate his sleigh around the world on that one special night.
Where to Buy the Perfect One-of-a-Kind Gift in Sparks
Dec. 1: Made in Nevada Holiday Marketplace at the Flag Store
From 10am-4pm, the Flag Store on 155 Glendale Avenue will be selling food, wine, and gourmet items all made right here in Northern Nevada. From 10am-4pm, hundreds of products from local vendors including Nevada Sunset Winery, Italian Hearts pasta sauce, Killer Salsa, Nevada Brining Company pickled veggies, and our favorite Great Basin Brewery items will be on display. Go check it out and give something original and totally Nevadan this holiday season.
Dec. 6: 39 North Pole Village Opens in Victorian Square
Watch as Downtown Sparks transforms into a winter wonderland as 39 North Downtown brings in thousands of sparkling lights to decorate the streets of 
Victorian Square and the holiday shopping booths offering handmade crafts, food, and drinks inside the heated vendor tent. 39 North Pole Village is open on Dec. 6-7 from 4pm-9pm and Saturday, Dec. 8 from 12pm-9pm.
During the event, 39 North Downtown will also hosting a photo scavenger hunt with the chance to win a $200 Visa gift card. Each item found is worth one entry into the drawing and OneNevada will announce the winner on Dec. 10 on its Facebook page. Pick up the scavenger hunt list at the 39 North Downtown booth- good luck!
Ring in the New Year at Great Basin Brewing Company
Dec. 31: Mojo Green and Gold Ball at Great Basin Brewing Company
Always introducing new and delicious brews and exciting community events, the Great Basin Downtown Sparks location is bringing in the New Year right with live music at the Mojo Green and Gold Ball. So dress up in your finest sparkle and bling and dance the night away into 2019.
See you next year!
— Kayla Anderson
