Holiday Cheer in Nevada City

How is it already December?  Who knows where the year has gone?  We thought it was a good opportunity to check in with campers and to wish everyone happy holidays with hope for a joyful and healthy 2026.  It’s been fun to see folks planning and booking their camping adventures for next year, friendly reminder we take reservations up to a year in advance.  And while I say it every time, how we’re disorganized and can’t plan in advance, but I love that there are people planning their future camping trips.  If you’ve got your outdoorsy friends or even want to just take a solo staycation, it’s not too early to have something to put on the calendar and look forward to.  Winter can feel long (although we’ve got plenty of ideas on things to do in Nevada City over the winter, if you’re looking for a Nevada County adventure), so sometimes the best way to celebrate the long nights and cold days is to plan a summer vacation?

We’re gearing up for the holidays in Nevada City, with the kick off of the annual Nevada City Victorian Christmas street fair this Sunday, December 7th.  The outdoor street continues Wednesday, December 10th and 17th (5-9pm) Sunday, December 14th and 21st (1:30-6pm).  If you can’t find a parking spot in town, remember you can always park at the Nevada County Government Center and catch the shuttle.  Grass Valley Cornish Christmas continues on Friday evenings till December 19th.

If you need an easy holiday gift idea, you can purchase gift certificates online.  These are great, flexible gifts for friends and family who might be wanting a getaway. Or, if you’re looking for something to tangible to wrap, our camp store will be open 10am-4pm through the month of December.  We stock lots of fun gift ideas like Christmas ornaments, Inn Town Campground mugs, hoodies, stickers, magnets and fun hand made greeting cards.  We also have some fun Nevada City gear– water bottles, t-shirts, wooden stickers and coffee mugs.  If you’re looking to put together a Nevada City experience, check out our wide range of local things to do or maybe check out our Nevada City Travel Guide for some suggestions.  Check our out Instagram post with 15 ways to celebrate the holidays locally, with some great ideas on things to do.

Maybe it’s time to sneak away for a holiday getaway? Why not sneak in a camping trip before the end of the year?  Most of our glamping tents are closed for the winter, but we have the insulated Yurt, RV sites and limited camp sites available (if you want a #vanlife getaway or have a 4 season tent), check out our availability online.  Bookings available MLK weekend and President’s Day weekend, or join the annual  Wild and Scenic Film Festival in February.

Our top tips for decorating your campsite include:

• Pack lights, we love solar lights, but there are some great USB lights for easy recharging options
• Bring a fake Christmas tree and a few ornaments
• Get an inflatable holiday snowman (no snow required)
• Bring along a wreath
• Grab some holiday table decorations and have a picnic outside
• Make a garland
• Hang your stockings in the tree
• Bring your favorite decorative holiday pillows

To follow what’s happening at camp, make sure to check out our  Instagram,  Facebook, TikTok,  Pinterest or Threads feeds.  If you’re looking for more local ideas, check out the Visit Nevada City Instagram feed or the InnSide Nevada City blog.