Victorian Christmas returns to Nevada City

Photo by Gold Country Photos, courtesy of the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS

Dec. 7–21, 2025 Bundle up in your woolies, pop some chestnuts on an open fire, and pour yourself a draught of mulled wine—it’s time to roll back time to celebrate Victorian Christmas, named by Fodor’s Travel  as one of the top 10 holiday celebrations in America. A regional tradition since 1978, this year’s festivities are expected to run every Sunday and Wednesday from Dec. 7–21, transforming Nevada City’s historic downtown into a winter wonderland—in no small part thanks to enthusiastic and diligent decoration by local Boy Scouts. Along with a fire pit where you can roast your own chestnuts, past gatherings have included cold-weather libations from hot chocolate to hot apple toddy, a surprisingly eclectic array of local food—think savory Japanese pancakes from Grass Valley’s Hachidori Cooking, olive oil tasting from Newcastle’s Baroness Olive Oil, and homemade fudge from Sacramento’s Fudging Around—and more than 100 artisans offering up handcrafted holiday gifts. Keep an eye out also for chance meetings with walking toy soldiers, Icelandic fairies and even Father Christmas himself—a perfect incentive to stay on his nice list all year long. nevadacitychamber.com