No Hibernation Necessary — Things to Do in Reno in Winter

There are endless things to do in Reno during winter. Enjoy aprés-ski, cozy dining spots, thrift shops, art galleries, craft breweries, world-renowned gaming and spas, plus life-sized Burning Man art sculptures and vibrant public art all along the way.

Start your adventure in downtown Reno. Get a unique climbing experience at Basecamp Climbing Gym, the indoor bouldering park at Whitney Peak Hotel. Climbers of all levels are welcome. Make the most of the snowy days by gazing at the city lights and historic Reno Arch while you climb Basecamp's Outdoor Climbing Wall, the Guiness Book of World Record’s Tallest Artificial Climbing Wall. Looking for a way to get out and have some family fun? There are plenty of ice skating rinks around Northern Nevada to practice your twirl. Need to get out of the cold in search of indoor activities? Carnival Midway inside of Circus Circus is the perfect way to stay warm while having fun. In the mood for something more relaxed yet thrilling? Escape to the comfort of THE ROW and test your luck at gaming entertainment or unwind at the world-class spa inside Silver Legacy Casino Resort.

Take a stroll along the Riverwalk and savor Reno's urban scene. Liberty Food & Wine Exchange is the perfect aprés-ski staple with its inviting food and wine bar. A local favorite, Liberty Food & Wine Exchange offers an extensive wine list, craft cocktails and dishes blending local organic flavors and ingredients. Stop for hand-crafted cocktails and cozy up near the fire pit at The Shore Room to enjoy the beauty of winter in Reno or relax at Refuge Spa, located inside Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel & Spa. Craving some caffeine after a day of exploring? Fuel up at Hub Coffee Roasters and grab a sweet treat from Dorinda's Chocolates, then go walk along the Truckee River. Enjoy fine dining at Beaujolais Bistro, a cozy dining spot offering refined French dishes that change daily with some of the best hand-selected French wines you can find.

Foodies and eclectic shoppers will love Reno's MidTown District, a diverse neighbor in the heart of the city. Rice Box Kitchen serves up simple Asian-inspired comfort food with fresh ingredients prepared daily. Packed with flavor and amazing fragrance, their menu offers organic chicken, pork and tofu with gluten-free options available. Centro Bar and Kitchen is a great local hangout, specializing in tapas-style meals meant to be shared by the whole table. Make your way over to Craft Wine and Beer and celebrate happy hour with a unique assortment of wine, beer and spirits. If ciders and sour beers are more your style, you'll be hard-pressed to not find a beer you'll love at Pinon Bottle Co. Fear not—you're sure to find something unique at one of MidTown’s shops. Treat yourself to a few self-care goodies from Prude & Boujee, a Latinx and API-owned Korean beauty shop. Prude & Boujee carries a wide range of sheet masks and other skincare products. Head over to your one-stop shop for vintage cowboy boots, wedding dresses, kimonos and more at The Nest.

Reno Tahoe is a culturally vibrant region and a true arts destination. Find an abundance of public art by exploring through the city's art sculptures and more than 100 larger-than-life murals across downtown and MidTown. Take the scenic routes downtown to find numerous Burning Man pieces such as BELIEVE and the Space Whale. Inspired by the vibrant street art around The Biggest Little City? Unwind and embrace your creativity at Picasso & Wine with painting classes and do-it-yourself crafts. Looking for a traditional art experience? Explore the Nevada Museum of Art, the only nationally accredited museum in the state, and find art collections and exhibitions created by national and international artists. Are you a museum fan? Visit the interactive Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum or the National Automobile Museum where there are loads of awesome car exhibits to explore.

Just a short 45-minute drive from Reno, Lake Tahoe is the perfect winter escape. As you cruise through the Sierra Nevada, snow-dusted evergreens and breathtaking mountain views make the journey just as magical as the destination. Once you arrive, dive into Lake Tahoe winter activities like snowboarding at Palisades Tahoe, ice skating at Northstar, or cross-country skiing at Tahoe Donner. After a day of adventure, unwind at a variety of fire pits and other favorite aprés-ski spots.

If a single day in Lake Tahoe isn’t enough, extend your trip with a weekend getaway. Many resorts and hotels offer special packages, so you can hit the slopes by day and relax in comfort at night. THE ROW makes it even easier by offering 20% off current ski rates when you book with them—meaning you can float through fresh powder during the day and experience Reno’s vibrant nightlife after dark.

Nightlife in Reno offers a vibrant mix of bars, pubs, and nightclubs to suit every taste. Start your evening at one of the city's unique bars, where you can enjoy a carefully mixed cocktail or a local craft beer. For those looking to dance the night away, venues like LEX Nightclub provide an energetic atmosphere with top DJs and live performances. If you prefer a more laid-back experience, explore the local pubs offering a variety of brews and a cozy ambiance. No matter your preference, Reno's diverse nightlife scene ensures an unforgettable night out.

Reno's casinos are a central part of its nightlife scene, offering everything from classic slot machines to poker tables and live gaming action. Whether you're a seasoned gambler or just looking for some fun, the city's vibrant casino culture guarantees excitement. Many casinos are also attached to entertainment hubs, where you can enjoy live music, great food, and even top-tier performances. If you're feeling lucky, don't miss the chance to test your skills at one of Reno's many iconic casinos.

Reno in winter offers a dynamic mix of adventure and relaxation, making it an ideal winter destination. From exploring the eclectic downtown and experiencing thrilling winter activities at nearby Lake Tahoe, to indulging in vibrant nightlife and world-class casinos, there’s something for everyone. Reno’s winter charm will keep you coming back for more. Don’t miss out on all the things to do in Reno during winter this season!