Add These Events to Your Tahoe-Truckee Holiday Itinerary

By Kirsten Alexis | Monday, December 16, 2024
Ski with Santa at Tahoe Donner this Christmas Day! Photo Credit: Tahoe Donner Association

Last week we saw some incredible days of snowfall, and the Tahoe-Truckee region is finally starting to look and feel like a winter wonderland. Lights and festive decorations adorn houses, businesses and trees. The ski resorts and skating rinks are open, and you can find families sledding at the Sno-Parks. 

The region is gearing up for the holidays, and with that comes a variety of exciting events for everyone to enjoy and create memories and traditions for years to come.

Below, I have created a list of upcoming events to add some holiday cheer to your week. Happy holidays!

Great Basin Carolers

December 20 to 24

Add some holiday cheer to your day with festive songs from The Great Basin Carolers, who will be putting on free live caroling for everyone to enjoy. Catch them at Palisades Village December 20 to 24 from 4 to 7 pm.  

More Information

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, December 21

Join Santa and Mrs. Claus the Saturday before Christmas for a delicious family-friendly breakfast at Fire and Ice Restaurant at The Shops at Heavenly Village. You will get to take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Spots are limited, so make sure to reserve your spot ahead of time. Tickets are $20 for children and $30 for adults. This event happens from 8 to 10 a.m.

More Information

Tahoe City Holiday Market

Saturday, December 21

Support local businesses and artisans and find unique gifts for your loved ones at the Tahoe City Holiday Market at Boatworks Shopping Mall. You will have fun browsing local handmade crafts, fine art, photography, jewelry and apparel in this festive indoor market. Market hours are 2 to 7 p.m.

More Information

Santa and Penguin Pete Visit Diamond Peak

Tuesday, December 24

On Christmas Eve, Santa and Penguin Pete will make a special appearance at Diamond Peak Ski Resort to give kids of all ages treats, stickers and photo opportunities. Catch them riding on the slopes or hanging out around the base area. They'll be on the slopes from 10 a.m. to noon.

More Information


Meet Santa and Penguin Pete at Diamond Peak for a festive family-favorite event! Photo Credit: Diamond Peak Ski Resort.

Christmas Eve at The Grove

Tuesday, December 24

Celebrate Christmas Eve with a special holiday menu (alongside the regular menu) at The Grove at Camp Richardson Resort. Dine with loved ones and take in the gorgeous views of snow-capped peaks and the lake at this special South Lake event. Dining hours are 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

More Information

Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade

Tuesday, December 24

Join a family-favorite Christmas tradition at Granlibakken’s ski hill and watch Santa and his elves arrive on a Sno-Cat alongside skiers illuminating the path. Complimentary gifts will be given to the children, and hot cocoa and treats will be served to all guests to enjoy. The fun starts at 5 p.m.

More Information


Santa comes to town at the Granlibakken Torchlight Parade. Photo Credit: Granlibakken Tahoe.

Ski with Santa

Wednesday, December 25

On Christmas Day Santa Claus is making a special appearance at the Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort. Enjoy a festive day on the slopes with your loved ones and get photos with Santa. The lifts will be open at 11:30 am. 

More Information

Christmas Cheer All Year

Ongoing Dates

Bring joy to a family in need for the holidays with Christmas Cheer All Year, a nonprofit based in South Lake Tahoe. Bring donations, attend events and fundraisers, or sign up to volunteer to help support the community and spread the magic of the holidays. You'll find them at 1120 Third Street in South Lake Tahoe.

More Information


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.
Lake Tahoe Articles

Lake Tahoe Articles