North Lake Tahoe Holiday Calendar
Get into the holiday spirit at the annual tree lighting at King’s Beach
The winter holidays are almost here, and with them come our favorite traditions. In our family, we tailgate at the summit of the Santa Cruz mountains before setting out to find the perfect Christmas tree, make trays of rum balls and salted caramels for holiday parties, gather the extended family together for a Christmas Eve feast, and eagerly await Santa’s arrival. We celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve, but we love to be included in the celebrations of other winter holidays, like Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Diwali, Kwanzaa, St. Lucia Day, Three King’s Day, and Chinese New Year. What I appreciate about all these holidays is their focus on bringing light into the darkness of the long winter days, spreading joy through food, charity and gifts, and gathering together with loved ones for meals and storytelling.
The winter holidays are especially magical in North Lake Tahoe where the early storms transform the landscape into a winter wonderland, draped with icicles and blanketed with snow. This natural beauty is bejeweled by festive lights, decorations, and Christmas trees. Many families incorporate a visit to North Lake Tahoe into their winter traditions. The earth offers up the best fun all winter long, from snowboarding and skiing at the local resorts to snowy walks and moonlit snowshoe excursions. From early December through New Year’s Day, North Lake Tahoe puts on a festive holiday celebration with theater, music, crafts, games, festivals, sleigh rides, movies, stories, train rides, and feasts. This calendar lists some of our favorite family-friendly holiday events happening within a short drive of Happy Cabin. If you have something you’d like to add, leave a comment or drop me a note at happycabintahoe@gmail.com.
Saturday, December 1
5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Annual Tree Lighting. North Tahoe Events Center (King’s Beach).
Get in the holiday spirit with a tree lighting party, featuring photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live holiday music performances by local youth, holiday crafts, soup, hot cocoa and more. Fun for all ages. No cost.
sunday, december 2
Learn how to make unique cocktails for the holidays at the Art of Mixology at the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe
3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Art of Mixology. Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe (Truckee).
Learn how to make three unique cocktails paired with appetizers using freshly cut herbs and classic ingredients such as bitters and infused liquors. Age 21+. Call 530-562-3000 ext. 3051 for a reservation. $60 per person.
Thursday, December 6
5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Northstar Silent Nights. Northstar Village Skating Rink.
Grab some skates and a headset and tune into the movie being shown on the Village stage, or switch channels to holiday tunes as you ice skate under the stars. No cost.
Various Times. Tahoe Film Festival. North Lake Tahoe.
Tahoe Film Festival begins with a showing of The Push at Incline Village Cinema and The Biggest Little Farm at Truckee Community Arts Center.
Friday, December 7
5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Noel Nights. Northstar Village.
Celebrate the holidays at The Village with horse-drawn sleigh rides, outdoor ice skating, pictures with Santa and s’mores and hot cocoa by the fire pits. No cost.
4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Festive Fridays. Downtown Truckee.
Stroll around beautifully-lit downtown and finish your holiday shopping with special promotions and discounts. Participating merchants will hold a Scavenger Hunt, a fun way for the family to explore shops and earn prizes and discounts. No cost.
Various Times. Tahoe Film Festival. North Lake Tahoe.
Tahoe Film Festival continues with a showing of Roma at Incline Village Cinema and Free Solo at Truckee Community Arts Center among others.
Saturday, December 8
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at Truckee Tahoe Airport
9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Santa's Fly-In. Truckee Tahoe Airport.
Bring the family to the airport at 10 a.m. to watch Santa fly in on a special plane. Afterward, the kids can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and take a holiday photo. Hot chocolate and treats provided. No cost.
Various Times. Tahoe Film Festival. North Lake Tahoe.
Tahoe Film Festival continues with a showing of Free Solo at Truckee Community Arts Center and Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable at Northstar Cinema among others.
Sunday, December 9
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Elves’ Workshop. Community Arts Center (Truckee).
Children 4 and up can join the elves to make gifts for their friends and family, listen to stories, and play. Each child can complete up to six individual crafts, while the adults shop for unique holiday gifts in the gift shop, bid on items from ski passes to wine baskets at the silent auction, and enjoy drinks, food, coffee, and treats. No cost.
3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Art of Mixology. Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe (Truckee).
Learn how to make three unique cocktails paired with appetizers using freshly cut herbs and classic ingredients such as bitters and infused liquors. Age 21+. Call 530-562-3000 ext. 3051 for a reservation. $60 per person.
Various Times. Tahoe Film Festival. North Lake Tahoe.
Tahoe Film Festival continues with a showing of The Other Side of the Wind at Incline Village Cinema and This Changes Everything at Northstar Cinema among others.
Thursday, December 13
3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Art of Mixology. Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe (Truckee).
Learn how to make three unique cocktails paired with appetizers using freshly cut herbs and classic ingredients such as bitters and infused liquors. Age 21+. Call 530-562-3000 ext. 3051 for a reservation. $40 per person.
5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Northstar Silent Nights. Northstar Village Skating Rink.
Grab some skates and a headset and tune into the movie being shown on the Village stage, or switch channels to holiday tunes as you ice skate under the stars. No cost.
Friday, December 14
6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Twisted Nutcracker & The Tale of the Rat King. Olympic Village Lodge.
Truckee Dance Factory puts on an upbeat twist on the classic production with bar service and appetizers. The pre-show reception, starting at 6, includes wine, beer, appetizers, a preview performance, and upgraded seat selection. $15-$40.
5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Noel Nights. Northstar Village.
Celebrate the holidays with horse-drawn sleigh rides, outdoor ice skating, pictures with Santa and s’mores and hot cocoa by the fire pits. No cost.
4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Festive Fridays. Downtown Truckee.
Stroll around beautifully-lit downtown and finish your holiday shopping with special promotions and discounts. Participating merchants will hold a Scavenger Hunt, a fun way for the family to explore shops and earn prizes and discounts. Sip and shop, as business throughout downtown offer warm drinks and holiday specials. No cost.
Saturday, December 15
12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Donner Memorial State Park Open House. Donner Memorial State Park (Truckee).
Enjoy live music, crafts, storytelling, and guided history and nature walks at this family-friendly holiday open house. No cost.
4 p.m. to 7p.m. Great Basin Carolers in the Village. The Village at Squaw Valley.
Live carolers in traditional dress. No cost.
7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Twisted Nutcracker & The Tale of the Rat King. Olympic Village Lodge.
Truckee Dance Factory puts on an upbeat twist on the classic production with bar service and appetizers. The pre-show reception, starting at 6, includes wine, beer, appetizers, a preview performance, and upgraded seat selection. $15-$40.
Sunday, December 16
3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Art of Mixology. Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe (Truckee).
Learn how to make three unique cocktails paired with appetizers using freshly cut herbs and classic ingredients such as bitters and infused liquors. Age 21+. Call 530-562-3000 ext. 3051 for a reservation. $60 per person.
4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Great Basin Carolers in the Village. The Village at Squaw Valley.
Live carolers in traditional dress. No cost.
7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Twisted Nutcracker & The Tale of the Rat King. Olympic Village Lodge.
Truckee Dance Factory puts on an upbeat twist on the classic production with bar service and appetizers. The pre-show reception, starting at 6, includes wine, beer, appetizers, a preview performance, and upgraded seat selection. $15-$40.
Tuesday, December 18
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Truckee Community Theatre Presents “Christmas Chaos” and “It's a Wonderful Life.” Olympic Village Lodge.
Enjoy a two-act production, with one act based on the classic holiday movie and the other act based loosely (very loosely) on “A Christmas Carol.” The pre-show reception, starting at 6, includes wine, beer, appetizers, a preview performance, and upgraded seat selection. $15-$40.
Wednesday, December 19
2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides. Olympic Village Lodge.
Borges Sleigh Rides provides complimentary 7-minute sleigh rides on a special Holiday path between Merry Wonderland and The Village. 2 to 6 riders per a sleigh. No cost (gratuity encouraged). To reserve a private sleigh ride at some other time (for example, through Sand Harbor State Park), contact Borges Sleigh Rides at sleighride.com or 775-588-2953.
2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Train Rides Through the Ice Garden. Olympic Village.
Truckee Donner Rail Society is offering free rides on a mini-rail Polar Express that runs through the Ice Garden. All ages welcome. No cost.
Thursday, December 20
2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Train Rides Through the Ice Garden. Olympic Village.
Truckee Donner Rail Society is offering free rides on a mini-rail Polar Express that runs through the Ice Garden. All ages welcome.
4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Great Basin Carolers in the Village. The Village at Squaw Valley.
Live carolers in traditional dress. No cost.
5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Northstar Silent Nights. Northstar Village Skating Rink.
Grab some skates and a headset and tune into the movie being shown on the Village stage, or switch channels to holiday tunes as you ice skate under the stars. No cost.
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Reno Jazz Orchestra Holiday Show. Olympic Valley Lodge.
Celebrate the spirit of Christmas and Hanukkah in big band tradition, as the 18-piece Reno Jazz Orchestra plays holiday music from the U.S., Brazil, Puerto Rico, Israel, Russia, and Austria. The pre-show reception, starting at 6, includes wine, beer, appetizers, a preview performance, and upgraded seat selection. $45-$70 per person.
Friday, December 21
11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tubing with Santa. Snoventures (Squaw Valley).
Tubing with a special guest appearance by Santa. $39 per person for 55 minutes of tubing.
5 p.m. / 6 p.m. / 7 p.m. Disco Tubing. SnoVentures (Squaw Valley).
Tubing with colorful LED lights, lasers and live DJs. $55 per person for 55 minutes of tubing.
2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides. Olympic Village Lodge.
Borges Sleigh Rides provides complimentary 7-minute sleigh rides on a special Holiday path between Merry Wonderland and The Village. 2 to 6 riders per a sleigh. No cost (gratuity encouraged). To reserve a private sleigh ride at some other time (for example, through Sand Harbor State Park), contact Borges Sleigh Rides at sleighride.com or 775-588-2953.
2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Train Rides Through the Ice Garden. Olympic Village.
Truckee Donner Rail Society is offering free rides on a mini-rail Polar Express that runs through the Ice Garden. All ages welcome. No cost.
4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Festive Fridays. Downtown Truckee.
Stroll around beautifully-lit downtown and finish your holiday shopping with special promotions and discounts.
4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Great Basin Carolers in the Village. The Village at Squaw Valley.
Live carolers in traditional dress. No cost.
5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Noel Nights. Northstar Village.
Celebrate the holidays with horse-drawn sleigh rides, outdoor ice skating, pictures with Santa and s’mores and hot cocoa by the fire pits. No cost.
7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Stars and S’mores. The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe (Truckee).
Meet at the resort’s Fireside Terrace for a fireside astronomy session hosted by Tahoe Star Tours with telescopic viewing (weather permitting) followed by s’mores around the outdoor fire pit. $45 per person (parking not included).
7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Squaw Valley Institute (SVI) Second Annual Community Concert. Olympic Village Lodge.
This family-friendly, blues-enthused celebration includes performances by the SVI Children’s Choir, the Blues Monsters, and guest vocalists performing holiday classics by BB King, Leonard Cohen, the Eagles, John Lennon, Bing Crosby, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen, Kelly Clarkson, Ella Fitzgerald and more. Bar service and appetizers available. $20 to $40 per person.
Saturday, December 22
2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides. Olympic Village Lodge.
Borges Sleigh Rides provides complimentary 7-minute sleigh rides on the special Holiday path between Merry Wonderland and The Village. 2 to 6 riders per a sleigh. No cost (gratuity encouraged). To reserve a private sleigh ride at some other time (for example, through Sand Harbor State Park), contact Borges Sleigh Rides at sleighride.com or 775-588-2953.
2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Train Rides Through the Ice Garden. Olympic Village.
Truckee Donner Rail Society is offering free rides on a mini-rail Polar Express that runs through the Ice Garden. All ages welcome. No cost.
Snowshoe by the light of the full moon with Tahoe Adventure Company
Tahoe Adventure Company leads a moonlit trek through the forest on the Full Cold Moon. Guides will discuss natural history and astronomy along the way with stops to take in the view and enjoy snacks and drinks. Instruction and gear included. All ages and abilities welcome. $75 per person.
5 p.m. / 6 p.m. / 7 p.m. Disco Tubing. SnoVentures (Squaw Valley).
Tubing with colorful LED lights, lasers and live DJs. $55 per person for 55 minutes of tubing.
4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Great Basin Carolers in the Village. The Village at Squaw Valley.
Live carolers in traditional dress. No cost.
6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Toccata Symphony Orchestra Presents Handel's Messiah. Olympic Village Lodge.
Maestro James Rawie conducts a grand performance of George Frederick Handel's Messiah, featuring renowned vocalists as a total of 22 musicians and 40 voices bring this 1742 classic to life. Hors d'ouvres & bar service available. The pre-show reception, starting at 6, includes wine, beer, appetizers, and upgraded seat selection. $60-$85 per person.
Sunday, December 23
8:30 a.m. / 11 a.m. Santa's Brunch. Olympic Valley Lodge.
Enjoy a buffet feast of locally-sourced holiday favorites with a chance to meet Santa. $18.95-$28.95 per person.
2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides. Olympic Village Lodge.
Borges Sleigh Rides provides complimentary 7-minute sleigh rides on a special Holiday path between Merry Wonderland and The Village. 2 to 6 riders per a sleigh. No cost (gratuity encouraged). To reserve a private sleigh ride at some other time (for example, through Sand Harbor State Park), contact Borges Sleigh Rides at sleighride.com or 775-588-2953.
2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Train Rides Through the Ice Garden. Olympic Village.
Truckee Donner Rail Society is offering free rides on a mini-rail Polar Express that runs through the Ice Garden. All ages welcome. No cost.
3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Art of Mixology. Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe (Truckee).
Learn how to make three unique cocktails paired with appetizers using freshly cut herbs and classic ingredients such as bitters and infused liquors. Age 21+. Call 530-562-3000 ext. 3051 for a reservation. $60 per person.
4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Great Basin Carolers in the Village. The Village at Squaw Valley.
Live carolers in traditional dress. No cost.
5 p.m. / 6 p.m. / 7 p.m. Disco Tubing. SnoVentures (Squaw Valley).
Tubing with colorful LED lights, lasers and live DJs. $55 per person for 55 minutes of tubing.
Monday, December 24
4 p.m to 8 p.m. Christmas Torchight Parade. Granlibakken Tahoe.
Celebrate North Tahoe’s rich Olympic history with a Christmas Torchlight Parade down Granlibakken’s Ski Hill, followed by hot chocolate, s’mores and pictures with Santa. No cost.
4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Service. The Village at Squaw Valley.
A non-denominational candle-lighting ceremony with hymns and a telling of the Christmas Story put on by Tahoe Resort Ministries. No cost.
4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Great Basin Carolers in the Village. The Village at Squaw Valley.
Live carolers in traditional dress. No cost.
5 p.m. Christmas Eve Dinner. Terrace Room at High Camp (Squaw Valley).
Two-hour lavish buffet with trimmings. $29-$65 per person.
tuesday, december 25
4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Traditional Dinner. Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe (Truckee).
Celebrate with a traditional holiday dinner, featuring a buffet of seasonal dishes. All ages welcome. Call 530-562-6000, ext. 3051 for reservations. $55-135 per person.
Wednesday, December 26
5 p.m. / 6 p.m. / 7 p.m. Disco Tubing. SnoVentures (Squaw Valley).
Tubing with colorful LED lights, lasers and live DJs. $55 per person for 55 minutes of tubing.
Thursday, December 27
5 p.m. / 6 p.m. / 7 p.m. Disco Tubing. SnoVentures (Squaw Valley).
Tubing with colorful LED lights, lasers and live DJs. $55 per person for 55 minutes of tubing.
Thursday, December 28
5 p.m. / 6 p.m. / 7 p.m. Disco Tubing. SnoVentures (Squaw Valley).
Tubing with colorful LED lights, lasers and live DJs. $55 per person for 55 minutes of tubing.
7 p.m to 8:30 p.m. Stars and S’mores. The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe (Truckee).
Meet at the resort’s Fireside Terrace for a fireside astronomy session hosted by Tahoe Star Tours with telescopic viewing (weather permitting) followed by s’mores around the outdoor fire pit. $45 per person (parking not included).
Friday, December 29
5 p.m. / 6 p.m. / 7 p.m. Disco Tubing. SnoVentures (Squaw Valley).
Tubing with colorful LED lights, lasers and live DJs. $55 per person for 55 minutes of tubing.
Saturday, December 30
5 p.m. / 6 p.m. / 7 p.m. Disco Tubing. SnoVentures (Squaw Valley).
Tubing with colorful LED lights, lasers and live DJs. $55 per person for 55 minutes of tubing.
Sunday, December 31
2 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. New Year's Eve Family Celebration. Olympic House Squaw Valley.
A family celebration with an early East Coast ball drop, glow stick carnival, torchlight parade, fireworks, live music, and drinks for all.
5 p.m. / 6 p.m. / 7 p.m. Disco Tubing. SnoVentures (Squaw Valley).
Tubing with colorful LED lights, lasers and live DJs. $55 per person for 55 minutes of tubing.
5:15 p.m. World's Largest Torchlight Parade. Funitel (Squaw Valley).
On New Year's Eve, revelers will attempt the world's largest torchlight parade. Skiers and riders will light up the night sky with colorful LED torches as they thread down the 3.2-mile Mountain Run in an attempt to best 3,000 participants and break the record. The parade will take place weather and conditions permitting, starting at 5:45 p.m. at the top of the Gold Coast Funitel.
To visit Happy Cabin during your trip to North Lake Tahoe / Tahoe Vista / Kings Beach, click here.
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