It’s everything Victorian in Virginia City, where the annual Christmas on the Comstock celebrates with a nod to the past. Throughout the month of December, events include Breakfast with Father Christmas at Piper’s Opera House (Dec. 7, 9), an evening parade of lights along C Street followed by a concert with David John & The Comstock Cowboys (Dec. 7) and excursions on the Candy Cane Express along the Virginia & Truckee Railroad with hot chocolate, spiced apple cider, cookies, candy canes and other treats (Dec. 7, 8, 14 and 15; two departures each date). Classic Christmas-themed family movies screen at Piper’s Opera House on Dec. 7 from 2–4 p.m.

One of the biggest historic districts in the country, Virginia City preserves a sense of the 1800s with well-maintained sites from its heyday as a mining boomtown and major destination between Denver and San Francisco. Along with numerous historic architectural treasures, the city includes restored 19^th-century saloons, churches and museums. If you don’t feel like wandering around on foot, opt for a tour by stagecoach, horse-drawn carriage or trolley. Quirky, in-town accommodations include historic Gold Hill Hotel and Virginia City Inn.

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