The town is “so perfectly preserved you have to pinch yourself the first time you walk up the Broad St., just to make sure it’s real,” says one of the actors.

Nevada City is a greeting card come to life during Victorian Christmas. The annual family tradition features holiday activities for all ages: children’s pony rides, carriage rides, live entertainment, yuletide treats and—of course—Father Christmas.

“It’s a magical setting of winding streets, authentic gas street lamps, artisan vendors and Victorian characters,” says Cathy Whittlesey, executive director of the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce.

Nevada City’s shops, restaurants and wine tasting rooms will greet visitors with flair. One example: Treats, a popular ice cream store at 110 York St., is now dishing up dessert crepes, such as Chocolate Mousse — a warm treat to ease you into winter.

Victorian Christmas is Dec. 7, 14 and 21 (Wednesdays 5-9 p.m.) and Dec. 11 and 18 (Sundays 1:30-6 p.m). Entertainment will be expanded this year, and the event is being run by the same team that founded the Wild & Scenic Film Festival 10 years ago. There is no admission charge.

A $5 roundtrip shuttle bus service runs from the Nevada County Government Center to historic downtown during the event.

Children under 12 years old ride for free. Nevada City embraces out-of-towners. It recently launched a military discount program to lure visitors from nearby bases. “The local community loves welcoming visitors,” says Chamber President Barbi Jackson.

“This new exciting event will take place in downtown Nevada City on the 4th of June 2011 from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Foreign Car and motorcycle enthusiasts may enter their vehicles. The entry will be limited to 1980 and older vehicles, including vintage motorcycles. There will be a special class to allow cars of special interest to enter, such as race cars and exotics. The cars will be parked on Broad Street in Nevada City for the public to view.

“In addition to a thrilling day of gazing at these beautiful cars, the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce will hold a Wine Stroll from noon to 3:00pm. Visit local businesses, chat with merchants, and learn the history of our charming town while enjoying a sampling of local Foothill wines and beers. Participating merchants, wineries, and breweries include: The APPLE Center, Fantastic Finds, Nevada City Winery, Indian Springs Winery, Clavey Wines, BYOB, and Coufous Winery. A separate ticket is required and available at the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce, 132 Main Street, for $15/adv/ $20 day of. This includes a unique Nevada City Wine Glass and tasting at 6 locations.

“The Sierra Sports Car Group is an informal group of enthusiasts who enjoy restoring, driving, maintaining and showing their vintage cars. Most of their members are located in the Nevada City /Grass Valley area, and meet on a monthly basis. The Group began meeting in 1990 and has grown to some 75 members and the cars range from M.G’s, Austin Healey’s, Porsches and Ferraris.

“This will be a great opportunity to see many of the vintage cars up close and talk to the owners of these beautiful and rare cars. There will also be music and information available about United Way of Nevada County, The Nevada City Chamber of Commerce and the Sierra Sports Car Group. During the event a people’s choice award will be given out. The public may vote for their favorite cars.”

Sierra FoodWineArt magazine is a sponsor.

Employing the distinctive techniques she’s christened as “transformative art,” her imaginative visual renderings on behalf of businesses has resulted in netting her another new credit: having her artwork of Nevada City’s Chamber of Commerce selected by SureWest Communications to be featured on the cover of one of their regional editions, shipping to homes and businesses this week.

Similarly, Redfern’s dreamy style was recognized by the publisher who took over Sierra Food Wine Art in 2009 which highlights entertainment offerings regionally in Sacramento, the Sierra foothills, Lake Tahoe, and Reno.

As the featured cover artist for the magazine under the leadership of publisher Jeff Pelline, Redfern’s “transformative art” showcases a regional business each issue, often leveraging the prevalence of lovely old historic buildings in the Sierra.

A veteran journalist of 30 years previously with the San Francisco Chronicle and a founding editor of CNET, Pelline recalled, “As soon as I saw one of Lisa’s paintings at a local restaurant, I immediately knew her style was ‘the look’ we’d been seeking to give our magazine distinctive cachet as well as a competitive branding edge.”

Redfern has been the featured cover artist on four quarterly issues to date for the magazine.