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I can’t think of a more vibrant and picturesque place to celebrate the New Year than the Tahoe-Truckee region. From firework displays to snowshoe tours, to sailing on the lake, there are exciting options for everyone to enjoy.
With fresh snowfall, the region is finally looking like a winter wonderland! Always check the forecast, be prepared for sudden weather changes, prioritize safety and have fun. The most memorable evenings are the ones you return home safely from, and there are always options for public transportation, rideshares and nearby lodging to help make everything convenient.
Below, I have curated a list of locally loved events to help you ring in 2026. I hope you have the best time, and may this year be your best one yet!
Bring the whole family to Palisades for an exciting New Year's celebration. Photo Credit: Palisades Tahoe.
Heavenly Holidays New Year’s Eve
Watch the dazzling fireworks display and listen to live music at Heavenly Village. Photo credit: Visit Lake Tahoe/Heavenly Ski Resort
Fun for all ages, Heavenly Holidays wraps up its festivities with the beloved New Year’s Eve celebration in the village. This exciting spectacle includes live music entertainment from headliner Eric Paslay joined by Jared James Nichols, CJ Solar and Mark Mackey. Also performing will be Bahena, a locally loved rock band from Sacramento. This must-see event will also feature a live DJ, the Gondola Ball Drop and a fireworks display.
For the 21-and-older crowd, nearby casinos will be continuing the celebrations afterwards at their respective nightclubs.
Make sure to get there early to ensure your spot! Rideshares, carpooling and public transportation are highly encouraged to alleviate traffic and parking congestion.
Date and Time: Wednesday, December 31 from 4 to 10 p.m.
Location: Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe
New Year’s Family Celebration at Palisades
Celebrate New Year’s with the whole family at Palisades! This beloved free event has something for all ages to enjoy, including the legendary torchlight parade, live music entertainment, fireworks, disco tubing, games and an East Coast balloon drop.
Get there early to ensure parking or use a rideshare to help alleviate traffic.
Date and Time: Wednesday, December 31, starting at 5 p.m.
Location: The Village at Palisades Tahoe
NYE Dinner Cruise on the M.S. Dixie II
Celebrate the new year with a dinner cruise on the M.S. Dixie II. Photo credit: Zephyr Cove Resort
End 2025 in style, right on your favorite big blue lake! Set sail aboard the iconic M.S. Dixie II from Zephyr Cove Resort and enjoy jaw-dropping panoramic views, a three-course gourmet dinner, music, dancing and a bubbly toast on your tour around Lake Tahoe’s vibrant southern region.
Make your reservation early to ensure your spot. Bring extra layers, gloves and a camera.
Date and Time: Wednesday, December 31, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Location: Zephyr Cove Resort
NYE Guided Snowshoe Hike and Fireworks Show
Opt for a unique outdoor adventure through the forest on a guided snowshoe hike. Photo Credit: Tahoe Donner
Celebrate New Year’s Eve under the night sky on a guided tour through a snow-covered forested trail at the Tahoe Donner Cross-Country Ski Center, located just outside Truckee. After a peaceful snowshoe tour, you will end up at the Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort, where you will be able to watch a dazzling fireworks display to ring in the new year! Spots are limited for this popular excursion so reserve in advance. This event is weather-dependent, so check the website to stay up-to-date with conditions and information. Bring warm layers and a camera.
Date and Time: Wednesday, December 31, starting at 5 p.m.
Location: Tahoe Donner XC Ski Center, Truckee
Karaoke Countdown Party at Margaritaville
Tropical-themed fun for the whole family! Head to Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe to experience an island state of mind. Here, you can enjoy a high-energy celebration for all ages, including karaoke, a delicious buffet dinner and an 8:30 p.m. beach ball drop that children of all ages will love. Your ticket also includes a dinner buffet and one drink ticket for guests older than 21.
Date and Time: Wednesday, December 31, 6 p.m.
Location: Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe
Edgewood Tahoe New Year’s Eve Clubhouse Gatsby Celebration
Perfect for history enthusiasts, this bygone-era party is the perfect mix of the elegance and energy of the 1920s and laid-back Lake Tahoe charm. Edgewood Tahoe’s Clubhouse will offer live music and dancing, drinks, appetizers and a ball drop celebration. This event is strictly for guests older than 21, and the formal dress code is enforced. Advanced booking is required, and dinner packages are available as add-ons. It is highly encouraged to have a carpool or rideshare for guests staying outside the lodge.
Date and Time: Wednesday, December 31, starting at 9 p.m.
Location: Clubhouse at Edgewood Tahoe, Stateline
New Year’s Eve Dinner and Dance at Granlibakken
Boogie down at Granlibakken's legendary dinner and dance party! Photo Credit: Granlibakken Tahoe
Boogie into 2026 with Granlibakken’s disco-themed celebration! Fun for all ages, this special New Year’s event will include a delicious festive full-course dinner buffet, a disco dance party, a live DJ and a fully-stocked bar for guests ages 21 and older.
Advanced booking is required. If you plan to drink and are not staying in the lodge, it is highly encouraged to carpool, utilize rideshares or public transportation.
Wear your favorite retro costumes!
Date and Time: Wednesday, December 31, from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Location: 725 Granlibakken Road, Tahoe City
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. 
