Press Release

Nevada City, CA and Grass Valley, CA — The 35th Annual Nevada County Toy Run returns Saturday, December 12, 2026, bringing riders, volunteers, businesses, community organizations, and supporters together for one of Nevada County’s most cherished holiday traditions.

Held rain or shine, the Toy Run begins at the Eric Rood Administrative Center in Nevada City, where riders will gather before departing at noon for the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley.

Community members are encouraged to come out and be part of the tradition by lining the route in Downtown Nevada City and Downtown Grass Valley to watch the Toy Run pass through. Bring the family, wave to the riders, and help fill the streets with holiday spirit as hundreds of motorcycles make their way toward the Nevada County Fairgrounds.

But the Nevada County Toy Run is more than a motorcycle ride. At the Fairgrounds, local families receive Christmas gifts, holiday groceries, and support made possible by hundreds of volunteers and the generosity of the Nevada County community.

Over the years, the Toy Run has grown into a major community effort, supporting more than 650 families and over 2,000 children through its holiday distribution. Each family is welcomed into an experience designed to give children the opportunity to choose gifts of their own while families also receive groceries and additional holiday support.

What: 35th Annual Nevada County Toy Run
When: Saturday, December 12, 2026 — Rain or Shine
Ride Staging: Eric Rood Administrative Center, Nevada City
Kickstands Up: Noon
Route: Through Downtown Nevada City and Downtown Grass Valley
Destination: Nevada County Fairgrounds, Grass Valley
Family Distribution: 1:30–6:00 p.m.

Community members do not need to ride a motorcycle to be part of the Toy Run. There are many ways to participate, including watching the ride along the route, volunteering, sponsoring the event, donating toys or food, making a financial contribution, or simply helping spread the word.

Nevada County Toy Run volunteers will be at the Nevada County Fairgrounds accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys and gifts, as well as non-perishable food items, at the following times:

Friday, December 11: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 12: 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

After noon on Saturday, donations may be brought to the Toy Run front desk in the Main Building at Gate 1 of the Nevada County Fairgrounds.

Every toy, food donation, sponsorship, financial contribution, and volunteer hour helps make Christmas brighter for children and families throughout Nevada County.

The Nevada County Toy Run’s impact extends beyond the December event.

Through A Ride For Hope, NCTR partnered with Hope for Nevada County to support its back-to-school outreach, contributing more than 600 pairs of shoes, 100 backpacks, and school supplies. Hope for Nevada County’s broader effort served approximately 1,300 children, providing shoes, backpacks, school supplies, groceries, free haircuts, and additional support to local families.

Together, the Nevada County Toy Run and A Ride For Hope represent an ongoing commitment to helping children and families throughout the community.

More Than a Ride.

For information about family registration, volunteering, donations, sponsorship opportunities, or upcoming events, visit NevadaCountyToyRun.com.

For 35 years, the Nevada County Toy Run has brought riders, volunteers, businesses, sponsors, community organizations, and supporters together to help children and families throughout Nevada County.

Through the annual Nevada County Toy Run, A Ride For Hope, and partnerships with local organizations, NCTR provides Christmas gifts, holiday groceries, shoes, backpacks, school supplies, and other support to local children and families.