Visits from Santa, snowshoe tours, and sleigh rides? It must be the holiday season in North Lake Tahoe! Here’s a roundup of some of our favorite events happening in North Lake Tahoe and Truckee this holiday season.
November 25-December 31, 2018: Magical Memories
The Resort at Squaw Creek, located at the base of Squaw Valley, knows how to do the holidays right. A skating rink, gingerbread village, and shopping and dining make the Resort a magical place to spend a winter day or evening. A few must-go events include holiday-themed mixology classes throughout December, breakfast with Santa each Saturday until Christmas, and Christmas Day meals at the Resort at Squaw Creek’s many eateries. Stay nearby.
November 29-December 31: Northern Lights Holiday Celebrations
Incline Village gets into the holiday spirit with a full month of festivities. Enjoy live music and performances by local theater and musical groups all month long, and a special tree-lighting ceremony in Incline Village on December 15th. Stay nearby.
Every Friday through December 21: Northstar California Holiday Celebrations
Northstar California’s picturesque mountain village transforms into a holiday wonderland each year. You won’t want to miss Noel Nights each Friday-with visits from Santa, horse-drawn sleigh rides, s’mores, and live music. Skate under the stars at Northstar’s ice rink in the center of the village, and enjoy S’more o’ Clock every day at 4PM. Other holiday festivities include breakfast with Santa, holiday movie viewings in the village, and a special New Year’s Eve fireworks show. Stay nearby.
December 7-21: Festive Fridays
Get that last-minute holiday shopping done. Many shops in historic downtown Truckee offer expanded hours, accompanied by Christmas caroling and gift wrapping by the local Girl Scouts troop. Have a little fun while you shop-visitors are invited to join in for a holiday-themed scavenger hunt throughout Truckee. Stay nearby.
December 13-31: Merry Days & Holly Nights
Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows pulls out all the stops for their holiday celebrations. The Olympic Valley Lodge is decked out in its holiday best, hosting events from a farm-to-table holiday dinner with Olympians to performances of Handel’s Messiah by the Tahoe Tocatta Symphony Orchestra and The Nutcracker and the Rat King by the Truckee Dance Factory. The Squaw Village is host to sleigh rides, live music, and an ice sculpture garden. An après-ski ugly-sweater party and storytimes with Santa are held at Alpine Meadows throughout the month. The holiday celebration is topped off with a fireworks show that lights up the valley as part of a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration. Stay nearby.
December 15 - December 31: Holiday Celebrations
Kick off the holiday season with a tree lighting at the West Shore Cafe on December 15. The tree is located on the West Shore Cafe pier, and we couldn’t think of a more picturesque location. The night also includes photos with Santa, caroling from the Tahoe Truckee School of Music, and ornament crafting.
On December 31, ring in the new year with a view at the West Shore Cafe. Family-friendly festivities start at 5:30PM, and 21+ seatings start at 8:30PM. All guests will enjoy a special menu featuring seasonal favorites, party favors, and of course, incredible views of Lake Tahoe. Stay nearby.
December 15: Jazz & Jingle Mingle
Who doesn’t enjoy boats and the holidays? When the two mix, holiday magic happens. Head over to the Tahoe Maritime Museum from 4-6PM for jazz music performed by West Shore Jazz, ornament crafting, a soup dinner, and wine and beer. It will be the perfectly nautical way to celebrate the holiday season. Stay nearby.
December 15: Donner Visitors Center Open House
Looking for something out of the ordinary to do this holiday season? Visit the Donner Visitors Center on December 15 for a full day of holiday cheer and education. Story telling, ornament making, and guided tours will make the day unforgettable. Stay nearby.
December 22: Full-Moon Snowshoe Tour
Calling all adventurers! The Tahoe Adventure Company is offering a full-moon snowshoe tour just in time for the Christmas holiday. The full-moon tour is led by knowledgeable guides who will be able to teach you about astrology as well as the local flora and fauna. You’ll also stop along the way for moonlit hot drinks and snacks. Stay nearby.
December 25-31: Holiday Celebrations
Tahoe Donner gets into the holiday spirit during the winter months with a plethora of family-friendly activities. Enjoy brunch with Santa on Christmas Day, as well as snow tubing, a light parade, and a kids’ night out at Tahoe Donner. Ring in the new year with a guided snowshoe tour through the forest, followed by dinner and kid-friendly celebrations. Stay nearby.
Searching for Santa? See where to find him in North Tahoe and Truckee here.
Spending 2019 in North Lake Tahoe or Truckee? Check out a few of our favorite elegant affairs and family-friendly events.