Truckee is an experience waiting to be discovered. Wander through the unique boutiques and shops along Commercial Row in downtown, uncover hidden gems on the east end of Donner Pass Rd, Jibboom Street and West River Street, or explore hubs like the Pioneer Commerce Center or The Rock in Truckee’s surrounding neighborhoods. Whether you're hunting for artisan gifts, outdoor adventure gear, or stylish finds, Truckee’s diverse shopping scene has something for everyone.

Shopping Guides

Truckee Cultural District community partners Visit Truckee-Tahoe and the Truckee Chamber of Commerce have wonderful local guides for unique shopping experiences and gift ideas.

• Truckee Chamber of Commerce 2024 Holiday Shopping Guide

• Visit Truckee-Tahoe’s One-Of-A-Kind Gifts & Unique Shops

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For the Person Who has Everything

• A Sustainable Truckee Gift Card: the best way to give an experience, check out Visit Truckee-Tahoe’s 20 Ways to Redeem at Sustainable Truckee Gift Card.

• Friends of Truckee Library - “Libraries build community, and we need our community to build this library.”

• KidZone Museum Membership

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Nothing But Local Artisans

• Mountain Arts Collective - Artisan co-op with affordable, beautifully crafted items. 

• Riverside Studios - Locally made leather purses, jewelry, cutting boards, brass martini stirs. 

• Piper J Gallery - Upscale mountain modern original works. 

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Book Lovers/Records/Puzzles 

• Word After Word Books - Covering all ages and curiosities. 

• Rock Cellar Records - Also selling record players. 

• Bespoke + Atelier - If you love to knit and crochet. 

• The Sock Parlour - Vintage map and mushroom puzzles.

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For Foodies/Specialty Items/Coffee Lovers 

• The Pour House Truckee - The funkiest wine and cheese shop in downtown Truckee. 

• The Cooking Gallery - Unique and cool culinary tools and treats. 

• Zander’s The BottleShop - “Spirit Guides” will create a custom cocktail gift basket.

• Truckee Food Shop - A curated deli and market serving fresh food year round. 

• Tahoe Food Hub - Support the regional farmers and the Farmacy. 

• The Seasoned Sage Catering Company  - Holiday home catering.

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For Creatives/Art Supplies/Journals

• Office Boss 

• Bespoke + Atelier

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Gadget Lovers

• Mountain Hardware and Sports

• Truckee Variety Co. 

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Stocking Stuffers/Under $50/Glittery Things 

• Mo, Jo & Zoe - Shop small and mighty!

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Pets - Our Furry Friends & Family 

• Wild & Ruff

• Pet Station Truckee 

Grass Valley and Nevada City are a shopper’s delight, blending historic charm with modern finds. Stroll through the quaint downtown streets lined with boutique shops, antique stores, and local artisans showcasing handmade treasures. From Grass Valley’s Mill Street to Nevada City’s historic district, you’ll discover unique gifts, vintage finds, and specialty goods that perfectly capture the spirit of these gold country towns. Whether you’re treasure hunting or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere, shopping here is an unforgettable experience.

Find the Gift Guide here.

Festive Fridays in Downtown Truckee
December 6, 13, and 20, 2024
Downtown Truckee

Celebrate the holiday season with evening shopping, refreshments, and festive vibes at local Truckee stores. A great opportunity to find unique gifts and enjoy the community spirit.​

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We Toast the Days! Holiday Concert
Sunday Dec 15, 2024 | 3:00 - 5:00pm
Truckee High School Auditorium, 11725 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA

A heartwarming winter holiday concert from the Tahoe Truckee Community Chorus.

https://www.truckeechorus.org/

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Holiday Block Party
Thursday Dec 12, 2024 | 4:30-8:30pm 
Truckee Airport’s Non-Profit Row, 12116 Chandelle Way

Bounce between Truckee Roundhouse, Tahoe Food Hub, and Sierra Community House for a non-profit holiday market with music, cheer, beer, food and Santa.

https://www.truckeeroundhouse.org/events

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Handel's Messiah & Holiday Favorites
December 20, 2024
Truckee High School Auditorium, 11725 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA

Enjoy a classical evening with a performance of Handel’s Messiah alongside holiday favorites. This concert showcases talented local vocalists and musicians.

https://www.gotahoenorth.com/event/handels-messiah-holiday-favorites/

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Breath of Fire: Transformational Breathwork & Live DJ Music Voyage
December 6, 2024
Mountain Lotus Yoga, Truckee, CA

Experience a unique blend of transformational breathwork paired with live DJ music for a deeply immersive and healing experience. This event invites participants to connect with themselves and the community through mindfulness and rhythm.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/breath-of-fire-transformational-breathwork-live-dj-music-voyage-tickets-910867698807

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Joint Holiday Networking Mixer
Wednesday, December 4 | 5:00-7:00pm
Wild Pines in the Northstar Village. 

Join the Truckee Chamber of Commerce, Visit Truckee Tahoe, Truckee Downtown Merchants Association, North Tahoe Chamber of Commerce, North Tahoe Business Association, and Tahoe City Downtown Association for an opportunity to connect, mingle, and toast to the season. 

https://business.truckee.com/events/details/joint-holiday-networking-mixer-78691

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InnerRhythms Winter Showcase: Miracle on Jiboom Street

Wednesday, December 18 & Thursday, December 19 | 5:30pm

Truckee High School Auditorium, 11725 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA

Be wowed by local youth and community members talent at the annual InnerRythms winter showcase. From adorable minis and elementary-aged kids to highschool stars and adults, the evening is sure to be a good time with familiar faces and wonderful choreography.

https://innerrhythms.org/showcase/ 

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Tahoe Film Fest

December 5-8 | Times Vary

Locations Around Lake Tahoe – See Schedule

The Tahoe Film Fest is celebrating its 10th anniversary this week, running from December 5-8, 2024. The festival showcases award-winning films from around the world, including documentaries and features, with proceeds supporting local science research and education through the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center.

https://tahoefilmfest.com/ 

Smallworks Holiday Show
Nov 15 - Dec 21, Thursday-Saturday 11am - 4pm
Holiday Open House: Saturday, Dec 14, 11am - 4pm
940 Idaho Maryland Road, Grass Valley, CA 95945

The Artists' Studio in the Foothills (ASiF) Gallery & Visual Arts Center is thrilled to invite the public to its Annual Smallworks in the Foothills Holiday Show featuring over forty local and regional artists.

https://www.asifstudios.com/2024-smallworks-holiday-show
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Country Christmas Faire
November 29-December 1Friday & Saturday, 10am-5pm, Sunday, 10am-4pm
Nevada County Fairgrounds, 11228 McCourtney Rd, Grass Valley

The Fairgrounds’ large exhibit buildings will be filled with thousands of handcrafted items and gifts by more than 100 talented artisans. Enjoy musical entertainment, a gingerbread house and holiday exhibit displays, a community bonfire, and wagon rides. There are also delicious food and beverage booths.

Santa is available for visitors each day in the Tall Pines Building. Bring your camera for that special photo.

https://www.nevadacountyfair.com/p/country-christmas-faire

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Holidays at Empire Mine
Saturday, December 7, 2024, 11am – 4pm
Empire Mine State Historic Park, 10791 E. Empire St, Grass Valley

Tell Santa what's on your wish list at Empire Mine! Enjoy festive music, chestnut roasting, vintage crafts, historic games, mine equipment demonstrations and more on the beautifully decorated historic grounds.

https://www.nevadacitychamber.com/nevada-city-events/calendar-of-events/?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D178209747
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North Star Holiday
Sunday, December 8, 2024, 2 – 4pm
12075 Auburn Rd, Grass Valley

Step into the beautifully decorated North Star House, where you’ll be surrounded by festive cheer, seasonal refreshments, and the highlight of the afternoon—a live performance by the beloved Cornish Choir starting at 3 PM.

https://ticketstripe.com/events/2436106208121481

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Nevada City Victorian Christmas
Sundays – Dec 8, 15, & 22, 2024 from 1:30 – 6pm
Wednesdays – Dec 11 & 18, 2024 from 5 – 9pm
Downtown Nevada City

A charming holiday celebration featuring twinkling lights, festive carolers, artisan vendors, and costumed characters that transport visitors to a magical 19th-century winter wonderland.

https://www.nevadacitychamber.com/nevada-city-events/victorian-christmas/

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56th Annual Cornish Christmas
Friday Nights, Nov 29th-Dec 20, 6 PM-9 PM
Downtown Grass Valley

Step into the warmth and wonder of an Old-Fashioned Christmas Street Faire, where the charm of a bygone era comes alive under twinkling lights and festive decorations. Stroll through streets lined with stalls brimming with handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and local treasures.

https://downtowngrassvalley.com/gvda-events/56th-annual-cornish-christmas-2/
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“It’s A Wonderful Life….A Live Radio Play”
LeGacy Presents 
November 29 through December 24th
Thursday, December 19 at 7pm
Fridays & Saturdays, 7:30 pm 
Sundays, 2pm; December 24, 2 pm
Nevada Theatre, 401 Broad St, Nevada City

Sands Hall directs this beloved classic movie-turned radio play, adapted by Joe Landry. The setting is the 1940’s era radio station WFBR (yes, the FB is for Bedford Falls, the fictional New York town where the movie, and Philip Van Doren Stern’s original short booklet takes place). It’s Christmas Eve, and a studio audience is present for the live air broadcast of “It’s A Wonderful Life”.

www.legacypresents.com
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13th Annual Nevada City Craft Fair
Sunday, December 1, 10am-5pm
Miners Foundry, 325 Spring St, Nevada City

Featuring handmade home decor, apparel, bath products, stationary, and art from over 70 of the top local Etsy crafters, designers, and artisans. Nevada City Craft Fair is committed to presenting the freshest voices of the local hand-made movement, under one roof. The Miners Foundry features a no host full bar and snacks available for purchase.

https://minersfoundry.org/event/nevada-city-winter-craft-fair-9/
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The Foundry Sings
December 4 | 6:00-9:00pm
Miners Foundry Cultural Center, 325 Spring St., Nevada City

Join the Miners Foundry for a delightful evening of holiday songs to get you in the mood for the season! Rod Baggett, the retired choral conductor at Nevada Union High School will lead voices unified in song, supported by the precision guitar playing of Jonathan Meredith and Tim Yamauchi. This unique countrywide experience aims to gather people of all ages and singing levels under one roof to share in the power of song.
https://minersfoundry.org/event/the-foundry-sings-17/
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GREAT FOR KIDS!
A Fairy Tale Christmas Carol
Fridays, December 6 & 13, 6pm
Saturdays, December 7 & 14, 3pm & 6pm
Sundays, December 8 & 15, 1pm

Off Center Stage Theatre (behind Center For The Arts)
315 Richardson St, Grass Valley
Presented by The Center For The Arts’ Youth Theater Program: The MainStage Playmakers
Mother Goose narrates as famous fairy-tale characters take on the memorable roles from Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol.
https://thecenterforthearts.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/?_gl=1*1rwyolu*_gcl_au*NzU4OTUwMTkxLjE3MzE5ODE0Nzk.*_ga*MTk0MTM1NDQ0OC4xNzMxOTgxNDc4*_ga_78DP8LK1N2*MTczMjY2OTYzNS4zLjEuMTczMjY2OTY3Mi4yMy4wLjMyOTg2MTQxMA..#/events/a0SUZ000001MOXl2AO
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Martinis & Mistletoe
December 7 | 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Miners Foundry Cultural Center, 325 Spring St, Nevada City

Step into an evening that evokes the charm of a bygone era with cabaret jazz and holiday pop classics in the beautiful Stone Hall. The event will be brought to life by the talented Tamara Fouyer and her band, accompanied by local favorites Michelle Amador and Karen Woerner on harmonies. This special performance features some of the finest jazz instrumentalists in Nevada County, delivering a polished and vibrant sound that brings each piece to life. The evening will include music from the WWII era, featuring beloved swing and jazz standards performed by the Andrews Sisters and the Glenn Miller Orchestra, sure to bring back fond memories. Come if you love swing dancing! https://minersfoundry.org/event/martinis-mistletoe-4/
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Holiday Craft Faire
December 7 & 8, 10am-5pm

North Columbia Schoolhouse Cultural Center, 17894 Tyler Foote Rd, Nevada City

Featuring the highest quality hand made crafts and gifts for all of your holiday needs. Including fine arts and fantastic crafts as well as homemade soups, baked goods and hot drinks. Come do your holiday shopping the old fashioned way~ straight from the hands of the makers. https://www.northcolumbiaschoolhouse.org/holiday-craft-faire/
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Nevada City Victorian Christmas
Sundays – Dec 8, 15, & 22, 2024 from 1:30 – 6pm
Wednesdays – Dec 11 & 18, 2024 from 5 – 9pm
Downtown Nevada City

A charming holiday celebration featuring twinkling lights, festive carolers, artisan vendors, and costumed characters that transport visitors to a magical 19th-century winter wonderland.

https://www.nevadacitychamber.com/nevada-city-events/victorian-christmas/
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KVMR’s 3rd Annual Holiday Hoedown
December 10, 7-10pm
Nevada Theatre, 401 Broad St, Nevada City

Produced by Paul Emery’s Nevada City Live.
KVMR hosts this evening of acoustic original and traditional music featuring a hearty lineup of local musicians performing versions of holiday classics, peppered with original music. Emceed by Peter Wilson.
https://www.kvmr.org/kvmr-event/kvmrs-third-annual-holiday-hoedown/
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GREAT FOR KIDS!
Clara & the Nutcracker
December 12, 13 & 14, 7pm
December 14 & 15, 1 pm
Miners Foundry Cultural Center, 325 Spring St, Nevada City

Presented by The Miners Foundry Cultural Center and Holt Ballet Conservatory

A magical story, told in a magical venue. Meet Clara, who on Christmas Eve 150 years ago, is given a gift from her beloved uncle, Herr Drosselmeyer, of a handcrafted Nutcracker Soldier. Falling asleep by the Christmas tree, with the new toy cradled in her arms, Clara dreams the Nutcracker comes to life and battles the wicked Mouse King and his band of mischievous mice. Mortally wounded, Drosselmeyer magics the toy to life. The real life Nutcracker Prince offers his hand to escort Clara into a fantastic kingdom of dancing Sugar Plums, exotic princesses, and stunning Spanish fan dancers. We also meet the Sugar Plum Fairy’s full court of delightful dancing candyland treats. Holt Ballet’s Nutcracker is Clara’s coming of age story. Will childhood’s belief in magic and imagination be overshadowed by growing up, or will it live on in hearts of Claras everywhere? https://minersfoundry.org/all-events/
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InConcert Sierra presents Sierra Master Chorale & Orchestra
Saturday, December 14, 2024, 7:30 – 9:30pm
Seventh-day Adventist Church, 12889 Osborne Rd, Grass Valley

Experience the magic of the season with beautiful and evocative compositions, including the joyful Vivaldi "Gloria" and Craig Courtney's delightful "Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas," along with more holiday favorites. The concert will be a harmonious blend of classical brilliance and whimsical storytelling, perfect for ushering in the holiday spirit. Don't miss this enchanting celebration of music and joy! www.inconcertsierra.org
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Christmas with the Celts
Sunday, December 15, 2024, 7- 9pm
The Center for the Arts, 314 W Main St., Grass Valley

The Celts, are Dubliner Patrick D’Arcy (U2, Sting, Josh Groban) and , Fiachra O’Regan from Connemara, Ireland, on uilleann pipes/whistles/bodhran, Maggie Lander and Luisa Marion on vocals and fiddle, Matt Menefee (Mumford & Sons) banjo/mandolin/ vocals, and Nashville songwriter/producer and band leader Ric Blair on vocals/guitar/bodhran/piano.
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FREE!
The Christmas Card
Sunday, December 15, 2024, 7 – 9pm
Onyx Downtown, Nevada Theatre, 401 Broad St, Nevada City

Set entirely in Nevada City and filmed on location, Hallmark’s THE CHRISTMAS CARD follows the story of an American soldier who is deeply touched by a holiday card he receives while serving in Afghanistan. Originally slated to be set in Vermont, budget constraints led the film’s producers to set the film right here in Nevada City. From the Classic Cafe to the Methodist Church, there are plenty of local landmarks to spot! Free to the public. 

https://www.theonyxtheatre.com/movies/311038-the-christmas-card/
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VOCES8
December 21, 2pm & 7:30pm
Peace Lutheran Church, 828 West Main St, Grass Valley

Presented by InConcert Sierra. Join InConcert Sierra for a sparkling holiday celebration with the 2023 Grammy-nominated British vocal ensemble VOCES8 is proud to inspire people through music and share the joy of singing. https://www.inconcertsierra.org/pages/concerts/2425voces8.php
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“Comfort & Joy” Holiday Concert
Sat, Dec 21 at 7pm & Sun, Dec 22 at 2pm
The Center for the Arts, 314 W. Main St, Grass Valley

Presented by Music in the Mountains

Featuring the Music in the Mountains Orchestra and Chorus.
https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=247647
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9th Annual Public Menorah Lighting
Chanukah Night 2 // Thursday, Dec. 26, 4:00 PM
Downtown Nevada City, Robinson Plaza - 132 Main St.

Featuring the largest Menorah in Nevada County and entertainment for children and adults. There will be greetings from elected officials and plenty of dreidels, donuts and latkes for all. All are welcome, no charge, security present. https://www.jewishgv.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/3824564/jewish/Menorah-Lighting.htm
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Sleigh! A Big Dog Comedy Showcase
Friday, December 27, 2024
Doors: 7pm | Show: 8pm 

The Center for the Arts | 314 W. Main St, Grass Valley, CA

Featuring local and regional comedians. Hosted by Jori Phillps and Michaela King. https://thecenterforthearts.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/?_gl=1*e2thd0*_gcl_au*NzU4OTUwMTkxLjE3MzE5ODE0Nzk.*_ga*MTk0MTM1NDQ0OC4xNzMxOTgxNDc4*_ga_78DP8LK1N2*MTczMjY2OTYzNS4zLjEuMTczMjY3MTc1MS42MC4wLjMyOTg2MTQxMA..#/events/a0SUZ000001TABW2A4
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2nd Annual Menorah on Main Chanukah Celebration
Chanukah Night 8 //
Wednesday, Jan. 1, 5:30 PM
The Gold Rush Cookie Company, 104 E Main Street

Featuring Menorah lighting, dancing and some awesome surprises!
https://www.jewishgv.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/3824564/jewish/Menorah-Lighting.htm