Victorian Christmas in Nevada City runs on five days in 2026: Sundays, Dec. 6, 13 and 20, from 1:30 to 6 pm, and Wednesdays, Dec. 9 and 16, from 5 to 9 pm. Downtown fills with gas lamp glow, carolers, chestnuts and more than 100 craft stalls. Take the shuttle and dress warm.
The Nevada City Chamber of Commerce runs it, and the dates and details below come from its page. The chamber says the event has run since 1978. It still feels like a Christmas card come to life. Check the page before you go, since some details get posted late.
When is Victorian Christmas in Nevada City this year?
Two kinds of days. Sundays are the long, bright afternoons. Wednesdays are the dark, lamp lit nights.
| Day | Hours | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Sun, Dec. 6 | 1:30 to 6 pm | Father Christmas walks on Sundays |
| Wed, Dec. 9 | 5 to 9 pm | Free bus from Grass Valley |
| Sun, Dec. 13 | 1:30 to 6 pm | Daylight for small kids |
| Wed, Dec. 16 | 5 to 9 pm | The lights at their best |
| Sun, Dec. 20 | 1:30 to 6 pm | Last chance before the big day |
Our take: bring kids on a Sunday. Come as a couple on a Wednesday. It is the same town, but the mood is not the same at all.
What is there to see and do?
Broad and Commercial Streets close to through traffic, and the whole downtown turns into a street fair. The chamber lists these:
- Craft stalls: More than 100 makers, plus shops that stay open late.
- Chestnuts: Free and hot, roasted over an open fire pit in the food court.
- Santa: Kids can visit and get a photo.
- Father Christmas: An old style Santa who walks the streets on Sundays.
- The Walking Christmas Tree: Look for her and the Toy Soldier on dry days.
- The town tree: A 25 foot local tree in Robinson Plaza, 132 Main Street.
- Dickens Village: A big set of model shops in the windows at 210 Broad Street.
- For kids: Balloon animals, a bounce house, and magic and juggling at the stage at Broad and Pine.
Look up, too. The chamber says every gas lamp gets a fresh cedar and pine swag, made by local Boy Scout Troop 24. Nearly 500 feet of fresh cedar garland hangs from the balconies. Downtown smells like a forest.
Where do you park for Victorian Christmas?
Not downtown, if you can help it. The chamber says parking there is very tight. It also warns that cars parked on the Highway 49 and 20 ramps will be ticketed and may be towed. The shuttle is the easy way in.
- Eric Rood Center: Park at 950 Maidu Avenue. The bus drops you at the top of Broad Street. It has wheelchair access.
- Bodhi Hive: Park at 420 Providence Mine Road. The bus drops you at the bottom of Broad. No wheelchair access at this lot.
- From Grass Valley, Wednesdays only: A free county bus runs from the Tinloy Street stop to the Broad Street overcrossing, 5 to 9 pm. The last pick up in Nevada City is at 9 pm.
The chamber lists a small fare for adults on the shuttle. Kids under 15 ride free. So does anyone in Victorian dress, and rides back are free for all. Shuttles keep running for an hour after the event ends. Small dogs on a leash can ride on your lap.
What should you wear?
Warm clothes first. It is December in the hills, and it may rain. Wool socks, boots and a hat will do more for you than any top hat.
Want to dress up? Costumes are optional for guests. The chamber has a costume guide with easy ideas, like a vest over a high collar shirt, a long scarf, a shawl, or a bow tie. It also names two shops on Pine and Broad that carry the gear.
What happens if it rains?
It goes on, rain or shine. The chamber's weather plan says it may cancel for six or more inches of snow, strong wind, heavy smoke, or a storm close by. It aims to give a day's notice, and posts news on its event page and social media.
Where can you eat and warm up?
The food stalls sit in the food court on Commercial Street. Near Broad and Pine, the chamber's bar booth pours hot buttered rum and hot toddies, and the VFW booth serves mulled wine. Pace yourself on the warm drinks, and pick your driver or your ride home before the first cup.
Then sit down somewhere warm. Sherwood is at 111 North Pine Street, a short walk from the stage. The bar opens at 4 pm. We are closed on Wednesdays, so plan your meal with us on one of the Sundays. Book ahead, since the whole town is out. See the menus, and check current hours on our visit page.
Questions people ask
What are the Victorian Christmas dates for 2026?
The chamber lists Sundays, Dec. 6, 13 and 20, from 1:30 to 6 pm. It also lists Wednesdays, Dec. 9 and 16, from 5 to 9 pm. Check the chamber page before you go.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes. The chamber says the city allows dogs on a leash. Small dogs on a leash can ride the shuttle on your lap. Crowds are thick, so keep the leash short.
Where should I park for Victorian Christmas?
Use a shuttle lot. The chamber lists the Eric Rood Center at 950 Maidu Avenue and Bodhi Hive at 420 Providence Mine Road. Do not park on the highway ramps. Cars there get tickets and can be towed.
Do I need to dress up?
No. Costumes are optional for guests. The chamber has a costume guide, and its page says anyone in Victorian dress rides the shuttle free.
What happens if it rains?
The event goes on rain or shine. The chamber may cancel for heavy snow, high wind, smoke or storms, and it posts changes on its event page and social media.
One more tip
Come once in the day and once at night if you can. The day is for shopping. The night is for the lamps. For a walk that covers the history behind the brick fronts, take our walking guide to downtown along.
