Christmas is just around the corner, and there’s no better place to celebrate the season than North Lake Tahoe and Truckee, nestled in the heart of the Northern Sierra Mountains. This region transforms into a snowy holiday wonderland filled with festive activities — from Skiing with Santa and charming holiday markets to special Christmas dinners and family-friendly winter events.
Planning a seasonal getaway? Now is the perfect time to book your Tahoe or Truckee vacation home and experience the magic of the holidays with cozy fireplaces, mountain-town charm, and easy access to all the best winter festivities.
We’ve rounded up the top North Lake Tahoe and Truckee holiday events so you can make the most of your Christmas getaway!
Saturday, November 29, 2025 | Light Up the Night- Tree Lighting at Tahoe Donner
Welcome to winter with the magic and merriment of Light Up the Night. Join your neighbors and friends for Tahoe Donner’s annual tree lighting ceremony, featuring a kids craft station, hot cocoa, s’mores, beer and wine, holiday-inspired cocktails, a very special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus and more!
Friday December 12, 2025 | Kings Beach Merry & Bright Holiday Stroll
Join us for a magical evening in downtown Kings Beach with twinkling lights, joyful carolers, and festive local shopping and dining!
Stroll the streets, enjoy holiday treats and warm drinks, and check out beautifully decorated storefronts. Local businesses will stay open late with seasonal specials and surprises—don’t forget to vote for the most festive display! Bring friends and family, kick off your holiday shopping, and celebrate the season while supporting our amazing local shops. Enjoy a night filled with joy, laughter, and holiday cheer as Kings Beach shines bright.
A night to remember—holiday magic awaits!
Friday December 19th - Sunday December 21st, 2025 | Tahoe Nutcracker Ballet in Tahoe City
Enjoy a holiday classic event. The Tahoe Nutcracker performed by the Tahoe Dance Collective. This performance premiered in 2019 and is set in the ballroom of the Tahoe Tavern on Chirstmas Eve one hundred years ago. This year’s production will see some new costumes and setpieces, thanks to a generous grant from the Parasol Community Foundation, which also sponsors the fees of guest artists. Performances feature guest dancers from the New York City Ballet.
December 22nd - December 31st | Winter Wonders at Northstar California
During the Hoidays Northstar California transforms into a Winter Wonderland! On Dec. 20th-21st from 5:00-9:00pm you can visit with Santa at Vous and get your photo taken on Santa's red charilift! Enjoy all of the holiday fun like face painting, candy cane giveaway & hot chocolate. There will also be live music to enjoy. Check out our nearby vacation rentals and make it a reason to getaway for the holiday fun! Make the most of your stay through New Years Eve and on Dec. 31st the festivities kick off at 3:00pm and goes on until after 9:00pm, with a live DJ, 360 photo booth, face painting, Big Crush perfroming on the main stage and a pyrotecnic drone show!! If your staying even longer you can enjoy Live music performances through Jan. 5th 2025!
Saturday December 20th - Wednesday December 24th | Great Basin Carolers at Palisades Tahoe
There is so much going on at Palisades Tahoe this holiday season. One of our favorite is The Great Basin Carolers performing in The Village at Palisades Tahoe from December 20th-24th from 4:00-7:00pm. Enjoy more holiday fun at Palisades like Disco Tubing, an epic way to enjoy the snow once the sun goes down with great music and experience you won't forget. With all the holiday fun at Palisades why not book one of our nearby vacation rentals in Olympic Valley or Alpine Meadows and make your stay absolutely filled with holiday cheer.
December 31st | New Years Eve Events
There is no better way to celebrate the New Year than in Tahoe! Surrounded by nature and getting away from it all allows you to set your intentions for 2025!! Head on over to Palisades Tahoe for their New Year's Eve Disco Party! A night filled with music and non stop dancing. Come dressed in your best disco attire and enjoy rininging in the New Year with DJ Alex T! Looking for something for the whole family? The Alder Creek Adventure Center is celebrating the New Year early from 6-9pm with thier Rock & Roll New Years Eve Party!. Perfect for those who need those little ones to make it to bed on time!! With a tapas style menu, a great selection of beer and wine and smores kits for the kids. Are you wanting a good active activity to celebrate your New Year? Indulge in the New Year's Eve Guided Snowshoe Tour of the Cross Country Trails at the Alder Creek Adventure Center, under the starry skies!!
Don't miss out on all of this Holiday Fun in Tahoe! Book one of our vacation rentals and use our Be Merry Special or our Extended Stay Deal to save on your Tahoe Getaway!