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When it comes to the holidays, there are some places that make the experience more special than others. Lake Tahoe is one of those places.
It is hard to beat snow-capped mountains framing a lake that changes colors as the shifting sun touches its glistening surface. But Lake Tahoe doesn’t snuff out the competition when it comes to holiday joy. Keep reading to learn five reasons why Lake Tahoe is a holiday paradise.
The area is filled with ways to get into the spirit of things. All around the lake there are so many different ways to enjoy the fun of the holidays, from Christmas tree lighting ceremonies to Santa Claus making special trips to the ski areas. A few exciting get-togethers worthy of putting on the hit list include Santa’s visit at Homewood Resort from December 21 to 25 or Diamond Peak’s Santa get-together with Penguin Pete on December 24 and 25. Another enjoyable outing is South Lake Tahoe’s Barton Health’s Festival of Trees and Lights, where the options for Christmas-themed fun are never ending.
The dining experiences are incredible. Delicious items tend to show themselves on restaurant menus around the holidays. There are impressive farm to fork offerings as well as gourmet feasts that include pairings of wine and food. Jakes on the Lake and Granlibakken will be offering holiday dinners for those on the north shore, while guests in South Lake Tahoe should check out Camp Richardson’s four-course gourmet menu as well as other honorable mentions including The Chart House, The Lone Eagle Grill and the Echo Restaurant. Whether you are hoping to eat a family meal together on Christmas proper or another day, you are sure to find exceptional opportunities to eat to your heart’s content.
The outdoor activities are available in full form. Lake Tahoe is a land of outdoor adventures. The chance to go out on exciting outings actually increases during the winter months, unlike many towns. Whether you are looking for a leisurely snowshoe or a good workout from a skate skiing excursion, you are sure to find what you are looking for. Or maybe skiing and snowboarding with the help of a chairlift sounds more like your style. If so, check out the bling of the holidays with an on-mountain torchlight parade at Granlibakken.
Listen to the angels sing. Lake Tahoe is blessed with multiple ways to listen to the sweet sound of holiday music. Take, for example, the offering of joy given by the Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus (otherwise known as TOCCATA), where guests will enjoy a stunning performance of George Frederick Handel’s classic, Messiah. Or allow your ears to sing with glee as the Reno Jazz Orchestra brings Christmas tradition to light with a little jazz sparkle.
You may just step into a true winter wonderland. Maybe one of the most special aspects to Lake Tahoe is the way that entire communities take part in the celebration. For instance, the Village at Northstar becomes a land of delight complete with horse-drawn sleighs, ice skating and s’mores around the fire. The Village at Squaw Valley also decorates itself to the hilt, showing off with fireworks, a Holly Feet & Grinches Groove dance performance and a Merry Wonderland Ice Garden.
Photos: Diamond Peak, Reno Jazz Orchestra, Homewood Resort
There is much more to do around Lake Tahoe this holiday season. Be sure to check our Daytime and Nightlife sections of Lake Tahoe This Week. Happy Holidays!
About the Author Shanie Matthews
A longtime Lake Tahoe local, Shanie is a freelance writer, Vinyasa Flow yoga teacher and positivity warrior. A true lover of the the gorgeous Tahoe region, she connects with the serenity of the mountains via skiing, biking and backpacking. She also believes in the gift of yoga and its way of allowing one to become his or her true best self, a passion she shares with the world with her online yoga studio.
