Santa, Skiing and Festive Fun: 10 Holiday Events in Lake Tahoe

By Shanie Matthews | Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Immerse yourself in the spellbinding magic of Christmas in Lake Tahoe. From cookie decorating to heartwarming breakfasts with Santa, the festive spirit is alive and thriving, promising an unforgettable experience for the holidays. Continue reading to learn about 10 fantastic ways to celebrate the holidays with your loved ones.

Ski with Santa Christmas Week

December 24 & 25

Kick off the holiday cheer at Diamond Peak, where Santa and Penguin Pete join forces to spread joy. On these two magical days, you and yours can witness the merry duo handing out candy canes and capturing cherished moments in photos with children. Be sure to not miss any of the fun!

Santa and Penguin Pete are excited to meet you at Diamond Peak.

Family Fun Activities Off the Slopes – Northern Lights Festival 

Through December 23

Dive into the heart of holiday festivities in charming Incline Village and Crystal Bay during the Northern Lights Festival. From Candy Cane Lane & Village to Sip and Shops to Tahoe Film Fest and the delightful Tahoe Family Solutions (TFS) Brunch with Santa, the calendar is brimming with festive activities.

Northstar Winter Wonders

December 15 to 31

Find yourself in a winter wonderland at The Village at Northstar. From 9 am to 8 pm daily, indulge in festive offerings including ice skating, activities, shopping and dining.

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Festive Program 

December 22 to January 1

Experience enchantment as the Hyatt Resort transforms into a holiday haven. Delight in edible Christmas crafts, story time with Mrs. Claus, cookie decorating and a family New Year’s Eve party. Adults can revel in mixology classes, a polar bear plunge, DJ glamping and pool parties.

Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade 

December 24

Celebrate Lake Tahoe’s Olympic history at Granlibakken Tahoe on Christmas Eve with a spectacular Torchlight Parade starting at 5 pm. Followed by hot chocolate, s’mores and pictures with Santa, it's an evening of festive delights.

There's nothing better than sharing s'mores around a campfire.

Christmas Eve Dinner at Palisades Tahoe

December 24

Savor the grand buffet at Palisades Tahoe, featuring carving stations, favorite holiday dishes and delectable desserts. Enjoy a complimentary glass of Champagne and a full cash bar. Be sure to make your reservations by December 21. Pricing is as follows: adults $90 and kids (ages 5 to 12) $29, Children ages 0 to 4 eat for free (prices do not include taxes or gratuity).

Christmas Eve and Christmas at The Ritz-Carlton 

December 24 & 25

Indulge in holiday-inspired dishes crafted by chefs at The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe. Feast in Manzanita on Christmas Eve or the Grand Ballroom on Christmas Day, choosing from an a la carte meal or a holiday buffet by booking online. Prices range from $45 to $165 per person.

Christmas Dinner at the Cedar House Pub 

December 25

Indulge in an unparalleled Christmas Day dining experience with Cedar House Pub's special festive buffet served in the elegant Mountain Ballroom. Crafted by their award-winning culinary team, this feast features a delightful selection of dishes prepared with love utilizing their favorite recipes. Dinner costs $88 per adult and $44 per child (ages 6 to 12). There is no charge for children age 5 and younger.

Christmas Dinner at Granlibakken

December 25

Celebrate Christmas surrounded by loved ones with a handcrafted buffet at Granlibakken Tahoe. Hotel guests enjoy a complimentary dinner, while non-guests can purchase tickets for $88 (50% discount for kids). Reservations can be made for either 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. and need to be made by December 23.

Enjoying time with friends is special when shared at Palisades Tahoe's mid-mountain chalet.

Snowshoe Tour & Bavarian-Inspired Dinner at Palisades Tahoe 

December 27

Extend the festive spirit beyond Christmas with a snowshoe tour to the mid-mountain chalet at Palisades Tahoe. Indulge in a four-course, Bavarian-inspired feast, complete with a complimentary drink at the bar and a glass of Champagne upon arrival at the chalet. Snowshoes will be available for use gratis, just be sure to bring warm clothes and your appetite. To attend, meet at the Last Chair Bar in the Alpine Lodge no later than 4:30 p.m. Cost for this event is $140 per person. You must be 21 years old or older to attend.

This is just a sampling of all of the fun happening in Lake Tahoe over the holidays. To learn about other events, please visit our Daytime or Nightlife sections.

Photos from Tahoe.com

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.
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