HGTV names Nevada ‘ghost town’ with fewer than 1,000 residents as top destination to visit this Christmas
Home design network HGTV has named a small “ghost town” in Nevada as one of the best places to visit in the US during the holidays to experience a true winter wonderland.
The network, best known for its glossy home renovation content, released its list of “50 favorite small towns to visit at Christmas” – highlighting locations across the country, including the aptly named Santa Claus, IN; Breckenridge, CO; Flagstaff, AZ; and of course North Pole, AK.
Among the list of top festive destinations was a somewhat surprising choice, at least at first glance: Virginia City, NV, a small town with a population of just 787 in 2020, according to US Census data.
Today, it is estimated that Virginia City still has fewer than 1,000 residents, prompting some to call it a “living ghost town,” a label that also reflects the many chilling stories of “ghostly” activity reportedly experienced in the area.
What the city lacks in population it makes up for in festive fun, offering a wide range of activities during the holiday season.
According to HGTV, the city hosts an annual two-week event in December called “Christmas on the Comstock,” where visitors can enjoy fireworks, “train rides on the Candy Cane Express,” craft fairs, tree lighting and town songs.
For those looking for a richer historical experience, the area also boasts an impressive and intriguing heritage, having served as a mining hub in the 19th century.
Although the mine is no longer in operation, the town “still retains the historic Old West facade along Main Street,” HGTV noted.
That history plays an active role in the city’s Christmas celebrations, including festive performances at the 19th-century Piper’s Opera House.
The city kicked off its holiday events on December 5 with the iconic lighting of a Christmas tree.
The next day, the city opened its doors for the Grinch Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl, which runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and offers holiday-themed drinks.
The city later unveiled its Parade of Lights, which returns on December 13.
Visitors and city residents can also attend the St. Mary’s Art Center’s 11th annual Holiday Faire and the Senior Center Craft Fair, where more than 30 vendors offer handmade holiday gifts.
The local stores are also participating in a holiday decorating contest, which locals can vote on through the Storey County Chamber of Commerce.
The stores also attract customers by offering a giveaway for consumers who spend more than $25.
Participants will have a chance to win one of three one-night stays in Virginia City.
The historic Mackay Mansion is also offering Christmas Candlelight Tours on December 12, 13, 19 and 20. Tickets can be purchased on the website and cost $35 per person.
People can also enjoy a festive performance at Piper’s Opera House, where “Miracle on C Street” will be performed several times this month.
Finally, First Presbyterian Church will open its doors to guests on December 16 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM for the iconic Boar’s Head Feast, a medieval-themed potluck with live music.
For anyone lured by the party, Virginia City could also provide the perfect opportunity to purchase an investment property, with an average price of just $198,250, according to Realtor.com®.
The most expensive property currently on the market in Virginia City is a $2.4 million estate, the only home listed for more than $1 million at the time of this writing.
Other cities that made HGTV’s list were Fairhope, AL; Hot Springs, AR; Solvang, California; Mystic, CT; Lewes, DE; St. Augustine, Florida; Dahlonega, GA; Lihue, Hello; McCall, ID; and Galena, IL.
