Dennis Little hangs out with Santa at last year’s Gallery of Trees at the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center
Photo by Kurt Hildebrand.
On Dec. 7, the Douglas County Historical Society invites the community to their 2024 Holiday Gala at the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center, 1477 Main St. in Gardnerville, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free.
As the society makes preparations for the annual gala, they invite bakers interested in contributing treats to the Santa’s Cookie Shop fundraiser to call the museum at 775-782-2555 and sign up. Santa’s Cookie Shop is one of several featured fundraisers at the event, and proceeds support DCHS programs that include the museum’s Family Day events and Heritage Lecture Series.
On the day of the gala, visitors will enjoy a winter wonderland of Christmas trees beautifully decorated by community organizations and individuals to reflect the services and culture of the Carson Valley. And though this is his busy season, Santa will stop by to stroll the Gallery of Trees and visit with children and their families from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Attendees can bring a camera for a selfie with Santa (or ask DCHS staff to help snap a photo), and there’s plenty of other fun and seasonal Family Day activities to be had.
“Our Gingerbread Village is sure to bring you into the holiday spirit,” organizers said, noting that entries into the 20th annual Gingerbread House Decorating Contest will be nestled amongst the festive forest. Attendees may vote for their favorite tree designs and gingerbread structures, with winners being announced at an artisan’s reception 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 21 from Entry forms with specifics related to the gingerbread house contest are available on the DCHS website at historicnv.org or at the CVMCC front office; applications can also be sent via email by submitting a request to DCHS@HistoricNV.org. There’s no cost to enter.
The doors to Santa’s Cookie Shop opens at 10 a.m. the day of the gala. Early arrival is encouraged for the best selection of homemade treats, as everything usually sells out by Noon.
From Nov. 30 through Dec. 31, museum bookstore purchases are 10 percent off; join the DCHS and the discount increases to 20 pcersent. Gift certificates and DCHS memberships are available in the shop.
The museum’s location makes it a prime spot for watching the 28th annual Parade of Lights, which starts at 5 p.m. Dec. 7 and makes its way north from Eddy Street up 395 through town to Minden Park. This year’s theme is “Santa’s Holiday Express,” with Grand Marshal District Fire Chief Tod Carlini. Visitors are invited to join DCHS on the front lawn for a parade-watching party; be sure to arrive by 4:30 p.m. before the highway closure, and bring a camp chair and and a blanket. Lighted and holiday-themed attire is encouraged!
For more information, visit HistoricNV.org, send an email to DCHS@HistoricNV.org, or call 775-782-2555.
Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com.
