The City of Sparks is getting ready to launch its holiday season on Friday, December 5, and Saturday, December 6, with its annual Hometowne Christmas celebrations along Victorian Avenue.
The festivities start on Friday, December 5, with the tree lighting ceremony from 6:30-7 p.m. next to the large gazebo at Victorian Avenue and Victorian Plaza Circle.
Presented by Nugget Casino Resort, the event includes music from Copper Clover and free hot chocolate provided by Living Stones Church.
Mayor Ed Lawson will flip the switch to light the city’s permanent living Christmas tree, a sixty-foot Giant Sequoia.
The holiday fun continues Saturday, December 6, at 1 p.m., with the Hometowne Christmas Parade. Now in its 38th year, the parade carries a “Christmas in Toyland” theme that features marching bands, costumes, animals, floats, and more.
The parade moves east to west along Victorian Avenue from Pyramid Way to Victorian Plaza Circle.
This year's Santa float was built by Scouting America Troop 10.
Holiday activities extend beyond the city-sponsored events. The group 39 North will host its annual 39 North Pole at Victorian Plaza in front of the Galaxy Theatre, offering food trucks, entertainment, holiday light displays, and a craft fair inside a heated vendor tent.
