HGTV Names Nevada ‘Ghost Town’ With Less Than 1,000 Residents as a Top Destination To Visit This Christmas

Home design network HGTV has named a small Nevada "ghost town" as one of the best places to visit in the U.S. during the holiday season to experience a true winter wonderland.

The network, which is best known for its glossy home renovation content, released its list of "50 Favorite Small Towns to Visit for Christmas"—highlighting locales 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 pick, at least on the surface: Virginia City, NV, a tiny town that had a population of just 787 people in 2020, according to U.S. Census data.

Today, it's estimated that Virginia City is still home to less than 1,000 residents, prompting some to label it a "living ghost town," a label that also captures the many chilling tales of "haunted" activity said to have been experienced in the area.

What the town lacks in population, it makes up for in festive fun, offering a wide range of activities during the holiday season.

According to HGTV, the town hosts an annual two-week event in December called "Christmas on the Comstock," during which visitors can enjoy fireworks, "train rides on the Candy Cane Express," craft fairs, a tree lighting, and town carolers.

For those seeking a richer historical experience, the area also boasts an impressive—and intriguing—heritage, having served as a mining hub during the 19th century.

While its mine no longer operates, the town "still maintains its historic Old West facade along the main street," HGTV noted.

That history plays an active role in the town's Christmas celebrations, which include festive performances at the 19th-century Piper's Opera House.

The town began its holiday events Dec. 5, with the iconic lighting of a Christmas tree.

The following day, the town opened the doors to its Grinch Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl, which runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and features holiday-themed drinks.

Later, the town unveiled its Parade of Lights, which returns Dec. 13.

Visitors and locals of the town also can attend the St. Mary’s Art Center’s 11th annual Holiday Faire and the Senior Center Craft Fair, which boasts over 30 vendors, offering handmade Christmas gifts.

The local shops are also participating in a holiday decorating contest that locals can vote on through the Storey County Chamber of Commerce.

The stores are also driving in customers by offering a giveaway for consumers who spend over $25.

Participants 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 Dec. 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, which is performing “Miracle on C Street” several times this month.

Lastly, the First Presbyterian Church is opening its doors to guests on Dec. 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to its iconic Boar’s Head Feast, a medieval-themed potluck with live music.

For anyone lured in by the festivity, Virginia City could also provide the perfect opportunity to buy an investment property, with a median listing 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 10-acre estate—the only home listed for more than $1 million at the time of this writing.

Other towns to make HGTV's list were Fairhope, AL; Hot Springs, AR; Solvang, CA; Mystic, CT; Lewes, DE; St. Augustine, FL; Dahlonega, GA; Lihue, HI; McCall, ID; and Galena, IL.