Nevada City Hotels & Vacation Rentals for Christmas

For a classic Christmas dinner on the street made famous by The Christmas Card (Broad Street), visit the National Hotel for Christmas brunch (8AM until noon), or dinner (1PM until 8PM). The National embodies all that Christmas in a small town stands for. With over 130 years experience of Christmas catering, the hotel is one of the most revered places in the city. With rooms filled with Gold Rush memorabilia it is no wonder that Nevada City Hotels for Christmas spark a modern rush of their own.

Open for Christmas lunch from 11.30AM until 9.30PM, Bar of America is a local legend. Enjoy rollicking festive ambiance at this happy hour favorite. Chef Andrew Shimer believes in sourcing local produce and has close relationships with the farmers and ranchers in the vicinity, so your Christmas dinner will be both decadent and locally sourced.

Enjoy a festive buffet dinner at Kane's on Main Street. Kane's specialities are steak and seafood, so expect sumptuous treats come Christmastime. An open kitchen encourages a convivial atmosphere, where guests can engage with the chefs and the food and get the most out of their Christmas dining experience.

Famous for providing a platform to local and regional artists this is one of the most established festivals in Nevada County. Live music provides a festive backing for art installations and performances. A packed program of children's craft workshops teaches little ones new skills through play and you can even take your creations home with you. There is also a wine bar for the grown ups.

Return to the Foundry from mid-December to shop for designer clothing and handbags, jewellery and children's toys. Pore over art prints or pick yourself out some ceramics.

Purchase handmade Christmas gifts for your whole family at this classic Nevadan holiday event. Tuck into handmade soups, sandwiches and pies, or enjoy a coffee or warming spiced cider as you browse.

Between November 29th and December 20th, customers will enjoy free Santa's Workshop gift wrapping in Nevada City's Downtown Shopping District.

Your family will be entranced by horse drawn carriage rides through the historic city center which is garlanded with Christmas lights during the holiday season. Traditional carolers, jugglers and magicians wander the streets. Come and see Scottish Highland dancers perform and meet Father Christmas. You can also shop for gifts, including pottery, jewellery, and candles. Don't forget to try a festive pie and spot the Walking Christmas Tree.

Catch a screening of Nevada City's classic Christmas movie, The Christmas Card, at California's longest running theater. Built in 1865, this historic cinema also features in the film, much of which was filmed at the aformentioned Nevada City Methodist Church also on Broad Street. Other scenes take place in the Nevada City Classic Cafe and the National Hotel. See if the kids can spot these sights once you leave the theater.

Get your family involved in a gingerbread house competition, take part in a county-wide coloring contest, or shop for Christmas presents at this family-focused fair on the edge of town. Horse and carriage rides through the spectacular Nevadan countryside make memories, and performances from the Sierran Symphony Orchestra will spirit you away. Expect visits from Santa Claus and his elves.