‘Tis the Season at Nevada State Museums!
From festive events and merry museum adventures to one-of-a-kind gifts and memberships worth unwrapping, our seven state museums offer fun, family-friendly ways to make the season truly memorable.
Southern Nevada
Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas
Holidays Around the World
Saturday, December 5 | 11am–3pm
Travel the globe without leaving Las Vegas! All ages are invited to explore holiday traditions from different cultures through activities, crafts, and live performances.
Click here to learn more
“Gingerbread” House Workshops
Saturdays | November 14–December 19 | 11am–3pm
Craft your own cardboard “gingerbread” house at this special Discovery Saturday.
Click here to learn more
Treasures of the Southwest Trunk Show
Saturday, December 5 | 11am–3pm
Shop exclusive items from the Lost City Museum Store (hosted by the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas), from timeless turquoise jewelry to handcrafted pottery.
Click here to learn more
Nevada State Railroad Museum, Boulder City
North Pole Express
Saturdays & Sundays | November 28–December 20
Departures at 5pm and 7pm
This festive celebration starts with a 30-minute train ride, featuring holiday tunes and a special reading of The Night Before Christmas. Disembark at Santa’s Railyard for hot chocolate and cookies, photos with Santa, games, and activities.
Click here to purchase tickets
Santa Train
Saturdays & Sundays | November 28–December 20
Departures at 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm, 3:30pm
Climb aboard a vintage railroad car for a joyful holiday ride to Henderson and back. Sing along to your favorite holiday tunes while Santa and his helpers stroll through the train, handing out candy canes and pausing for photos.
Click here to purchase tickets
Lost City Museum, Overton
Handmade Holidays
Saturday, December 12 | 10am–2pm
Make cherished memories with family at this fun, affordable event featuring holiday crafts and refreshments.
Northern Nevada
Nevada State Museum, Carson City
Past & Presents Holiday Artisan Fair
Saturday, December 12 | 10am–4pm
Sunday, December 13 | 10am–2pm
Local northern Nevada artists and authors sell their wares, plus kids crafts, activities, and pictures with Santa. Bring a Toys for Tots donation for a discount in the museum store. Fun for the whole family!
Click here to learn more
Nevada State Railroad Museum, Carson City
Santa Train
Saturdays & Sundays | December 5–20
10am–3pm (Departures every 30 minutes)
Returning for its 38th year, the Santa Train is a beloved family tradition. Take a train ride, snap a photo with the jolly man himself, and write a letter to Santa in the cozy depot!
Click here to purchase tickets
Holiday Gifts You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
Museum Store Sunday
This holiday season, discover meaningful gifts at Nevada’s museum stores. From books and educational goodies to unique keepsakes and locally inspired treasures, there’s something for every curious kid, history buff, and hard-to-shop-for human on your list.
On November 29, stop in for Museum Store Sunday, a nationally recognized shopping day on the Sunday following Thanksgiving. It’s a great way to find meaningful gifts loved ones will cherish that also support our state museums.
Give the Gift of Membership
Members receive FREE admission to all six Nevada State Museums, discounts for train rides and at museum stores, and invitations to exhibit openings and members-only events. Ask about a membership at your next museum visit, or give a gift membership!