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Celebrate the magic of the holidays in the mountains with the Northern Lights Festival, where Incline Village and Crystal Bay transform into an enchanted winter wonderland, coming alive with lights, festive decorations and events led by the community and local businesses. Many of the events are free, and attendees of all ages are welcome to revel in the holiday spirit.
Photo: Santa and Mrs. Claus bring joy to the community. Photo credit: IVCBA
The festival kicked off on November 15 with the community favorite Pray for Snow Party at Alibi Ale Works, hosted by the Village Ski Loft, Diamond Peak Ski Team and Teton Gravity Research. This event featured raffles, a screening of the ski film Beyond the Fantasy, delicious food and drinks and a welcoming celebration of the upcoming winter season.
The Northern Lights Festival includes a four-day film festival, a tree lighting ceremony, the Diamond Peak Ski Resort opening day celebration, choir concerts, community dinners, fundraisers, local business events and more! Incline Village Crystal Bay Community and Business Association (IVCBA) is also proud to announce a new event this year: Jingle and Mingle, a day dedicated to showcasing local businesses and their unique gifts. It's the perfect opportunity to get to know the local vendors and get your holiday shopping done.
You will not want to miss out on this opportunity to see Incline Village and Crystal Bay in its most magical time of year and meet members of the vibrant mountain community. Below, I have highlighted some of the featured events in the lineup. Make sure to view the entire calendar to see the full list of events and celebrations!
Click here to view the full calendar.
Santa and Penguin Pete celebrate the holidays at Diamond Peak. Photo credit: IVCBA and Diamond Peak
Community Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 28
Celebrate the day of giving and gratitude with a delicious Thanksgiving meal and a chance to meet new friends at the 15th Annual Community Thanksgiving Celebration at the North Tahoe Event Center in Kings Beach. Each attendee is asked, but not required, to bring a dish to share, cans or non-perishable food for the Sierra Community House, a new unwrapped toy for the holidays and donations. There are also plenty of opportunities to volunteer for organization, event preparation and serving food during the event.
Location: North Tahoe Event Center, 8318 N. Lake Boulevard, Kings Beach
Day and Time: Thursday, November 28 from 2 to 6 p.m.
More information is available here.
The Tahoe Film Fest aims to inspire creativity and conservation. Photo credit: Tahoe Film Fest
10th Annual Tahoe Film Fest
December 5 to 8
The Tahoe Film Fest is celebrating its tenth year of bringing internationally acclaimed films and storytelling to the region. This event will highlight a variety of films and documentaries that aim to inspire audience members of all ages to care for the fragile environment and celebrate the conservation efforts of pioneers and innovators in the field. There will be additional screenings of independent American films, upcoming films from Latin America and music documentaries. The Tahoe Film Fest, in partnership with Travel North Tahoe Nevada, encourages supporting local businesses. Local and out-of-town attendees will be encouraged to stay in local hotels and check out the unique storefronts, restaurants and recreation centers. Proceeds from this event benefit the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center.
Location: UC Davis Tahoe Science Center, 201 Country Club Drive, Incline Village
Dates: December 5 to 8
More information is available here.
The children's choir sings holiday favorites. Photo credit: IVCBA
North Tahoe Community Choir Holiday Concert
December 5 and 7
Ring in Christmas cheer with the annual Holiday Concert, presented by the North Tahoe Community Choir at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church in Incline Village. Directed by Donna Axton, this concert features Gloria by John Rutter and Carols and Lullabies of the Southwest by Conrad Susa. Tickets are available for purchase at Potlatch, Handmade at the Lake or directly from members of the choir.
Location: St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, 341 Village Boulevard, Incline Village
Dates: December 5 at 7 p.m. and December 7 at 2 p.m.
More information is available here.
Santa and Mrs. Claus in the festively decorated forest. Photo credit: IVCBA
Candy Cane Lane & Village
Saturday, December 7
Wander through a winter wonderland and create lasting memories with Santa and Mrs. Claus as you make your way from Candy Cane Lane to Candy Cane Village. This free, family-friendly event features a decorated forest, entertainment and opportunities to network with local organizations and small businesses. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at 2:30 p.m. in a fire truck, courtesy of the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District.
Location: IVGID Recreation Center, 980 Incline Way, Incline Village
Date and Time: Saturday, December 7 from 2 to 4 p.m.
More information is available here.
Tahoe Family Solutions' Brunch with Santa
Saturday, December 14
Fun for kids of all ages, Tahoe Family Solutions' (TFS) Brunch with Santa features a meet and greet with Santa, keepsake photos, a tasty brunch, a magic show, a toy raffle and entertainment. This community-favorite event often sells out very quickly, so reserve your spot in advance by purchasing tickets at the TFS store in Incline Village. Babies (under one year old) can attend for free.
Location: The Chateau at Incline Village, 995 Fairway Boulevard, Incline Village
Date and Time: Saturday, December 14 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
More information is available here.
A visitor checking out the local vendors and unique holiday gifts. Photo credit: IVCBA.
Jingle & Mingle Holiday Shopping Event
Saturday, December 14
Jingle & Mingle, the newest event in the festival, offers an opportunity to browse among local vendors, artisans and small businesses to shop for unique gifts for your loved ones. The village comes alive with whimsical holiday lights and decorations. Sip on festive warm drinks, sample delicious holiday treats and connect with the community in this fun local store showcase.
Location: Incline Village
Date and Time: Saturday, December 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
More information is available here.
A Very Cornerstone Christmas
Saturday, December 21
Join the Cornerstone Community Church for a free, family-friendly evening of holiday fun! This event will have an Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest (with prizes for first place), a hearty chili dinner, cookies and hot cocoa for dessert and a very special performance by Julie Elias and Friends.
Location: Cornerstone Community Church, 300 Country Club Drive, Incline Village
Date and Time: Saturday, December 21 from 5 to 8 p.m.
More information is available here.
Join Cornerstone Community Church for a memorable Christmas Eve. Photo credit: IVCBA.
Cornerstone Christmas Eve Services
Tuesday, December 24
Cornerstone Community Church welcomes you for a celebration of Christmas Eve, featuring a special message from Pastor Brandon and music from members of the acclaimed Tahoe Symphony (Tocatta). There will also be a performance by the Cornerstone Kids. Attendees of all ages are encouraged to attend and celebrate the magic and meaning of the holiday.
Location: Cornerstone Community Church, 300 Country Club Drive, Incline Village
Date and Time: Tuesday, December 24, with 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. services
More information is available here.
I hope you have an amazing holiday season and enjoy celebrating with your community, family and friends!
Trees adorned with snow and bright lights create a winter wonderland. Photo credit: IVCBA.
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. 
