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The holiday season is now in full swing here in Tahoe-Truckee, and it’s time to deck the halls and light up the towns in festive lights and cheer.
Winter in Tahoe-Truckee is a magical time. It's a short season where the landscape transforms into a winter wonderland, where you can walk out of your house and directly into a snowglobe. There’s something whimsical about a snow-covered landscape, festively lit buildings and houses, and locals and visitors bonding over skiing, sledding and sipping warm cocoa by the fireplace.
Photo: Heavenly Village comes alive during the holiday season. Photo credit: visitlaketahoe.com
Winter might be a time to slow down, but here in Tahoe-Truckee we also believe that winter is a time for outdoor recreation and vibrant community events. With light festivals, tree lightings, visits from Santa, live music and local artisan markets, there’s no shortage of family-friendly events in the region to ignite your holiday joy.
Below, I have created a list to help you find events throughout Tahoe-Truckee to add some holiday cheer to your winter trip. Happy holiday season!
The family-favorite Brunch with Santa is back at the Northern Lights Festival. Photo credit: IVGID/IVCBA/TFS
Northern Lights Festival: Throughout December
The Incline Village family-favorite Northern Lights Festival is back, featuring festive events all month, celebrating holiday cheer and bringing together members of the community.
Events kick off the first week of December with the Northern Lights Opening Weekend, which features the Tahoe Film Fest, North Tahoe Community Choir Holiday Concert, Diamond Peak Season Kickoff Party, Lake Tahoe School Winter Market, TFS Brunch with Santa and more.
Other events throughout the month will include Jingle and Mingle Holiday Shopping, Santa Ski Day at Mount Rose, Cornerstone Christmas Eve Service and many more! Click on the link below to see the full calendar of heartwarming events.
Heavenly Holidays: Throughout December
The entire month of December is full of holiday joy at Heavenly Village. Join community members and visitors for family-friendly events including a tree lighting, live music and entertainment, Heavenly Ski Resort’s 70th Anniversary Kick Off Celebration, a New Year’s ball drop and more!
Bring the family to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Holiday Tree Lighting in Kings Beach. Photo credit: North Tahoe Public Utility District
Kings Beach Holiday Tree Lighting: December 5
Santa is making a special appearance to light the tree in Kings Beach! At 5 p.m. Santa will arrive in a fire truck to deliver holiday cheer to the community and light the Christmas tree.
Stay awhile to enjoy festive holiday lights, live music performances, free holiday-themed arts and crafts, cookie decorating, hot cocoa and soup, and take your photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The fun lasts until 7 p.m. at 8318 North Lake Boulevard in Kings Beach.
Enjoy meeting Santa for breakfast, ice skating and gifts at Winter Sports Park. Photo credit: TCPUD
Breakfast with Santa: December 6
Santa Claus is coming to town! On December 6, Santa will make an appearance at the Winter Sports Park for a special breakfast, ice skating, photos and a sleigh of presents for kids ages 10 and younger!
This is a free and family-friendly event brought to you by the Rotary Club of Tahoe City, Kiwanis Club of North Lake Tahoe and SnowFest. The fun runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 251 North Lake Boulevard in Tahoe City.
Holiday Block Party: December 11
Celebrate the holidays with local creators, makers and farmers at the Truckee Roundhouse, in partnership with Tahoe Food Hub and Sierra Community House.
Connect with community members at this free event and sample local food and drink, enjoy music, and shop for handmade arts and crafts, organic produce and specialty food items. It’s a great place to get your holiday shopping done and support small businesses in the community! Hours are 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., and it's held at 12116 Chandelle Way, Suite E3 in Truckee.
Gather your loved ones for the Festival of Winter Lights with dazzling light displays and a visit from Santa. Photo credit: City of South Lake Tahoe
Festival of Winter Lights: December 12-13
Gather your loved ones for one of South Lake Tahoe’s most beloved family-friendly holiday events. The Festival of Winter Lights is a two-day celebration dedicated to spreading holiday cheer in the community with delightful light displays, local vendors, live entertainment, food and drinks and visits from Santa Claus.
Other joyous activities include a carriage ride with Tahoe Sleigh Ride, the Holiday in History museum exhibit, arts and crafts with the Tahoe Art League, photos by the Christmas Fire Engine, a Gingerbread House Village, a gingerbread house decorating competition, the Trail of Lights, and making memories with your family and friends.
Parking spots are limited, and it is encouraged to carpool or utilize public transportation to ease congestion. Make sure to get there early to ensure your spot! Time are 4 to 8 p.m. both days. It's held at 3050 Lake Tahoe Boulevard in South Lake Tahoe.
Holiday Tree Lighting at Northstar: December 19
Gather around the Ice Rink at the Village at Northstar to celebrate the holiday season with the annual Holiday Tree Lighting on December 19. Stay in the village for family-friendly fun, including ice skating, exploring the storefronts and dining. The fun starts at 5 p.m.
12th Annual Holiday Bazaar - Journey Through Northern Nights: December 20
Join Tahoe Flow Arts and Fitness for its 12th Annual Holiday Bazaar, a showcase and celebration of arts, creative movement and giving back to the community. This event features two spectacular aerial and dance performances, a vendor village, a homemade holiday bake sale and event-specific discounts for classes and programs. Proceeds benefit the Kelly Smiley Scholarship Program, which funds educational opportunities for the performing arts and community events in Tahoe Vista and North Lake Tahoe. Times are 3 to 6 p.m., and the address is 6921 North Lake Boulevard in Tahoe Vista.
For a full rundown of events this holiday season, be sure to see our Daytime and Nightlife sections.
About the Author Kirsten Alexis
Kirsten is an outdoor adventure enthusiast, writer and photographer. You can typically find her hiking, paddleboarding, cross-country skiing and checking out new spots to share in the Tahoe Donner region. She has been lucky to call Tahoe her second home since she was a child and aims to inspire people to experience Tahoe and fall in love with the beauty and adventurous spirit of the region through her blogs and content. 
