While Lake Tahoe resonates with travelers year-round, it is exceptionally charming over the holiday season. Christmas magic prevails at every turn – from ice carving demonstrations to breakfasts with Santa and ice skating, sleigh rides and world-renowned skiing are just a few of the holiday activities for visitors and residents alike to enjoy. The scenic landscape is out of a storybook – snow-capped mountains, twinkling lights, cozy fireplaces and holiday feasts will mark family memories for years to come. Below is our roundup of not-to-miss Christmas activities happening during the holidays in Lake Tahoe. Be sure to keep checking as more events are added.

901 Tahoe Blvd
Incline Village, NV

Enjoy holiday entertainment with a purpose this season! The Tahoe Film Fest runs from Dec. 5-8, showcasing independent films while benefiting Lake Tahoe preservation and the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center. Additionally, the ongoing Alpenglow Winter Speaker Series starts on Nov. 30 and features world-renowned athletes discussing their adventures, with proceeds supporting local charities.

1960 Squaw Valley Road
Olympic Valley, CA

Celebrate the start of winter on Sat, Nov. 30, 2024, at The Village at Palisades Tahoe with a free afternoon of holiday events, culminating in a tree lighting ceremony at 4:45 PM. Then, join us on Fri, Dec. 6, 2024, at the North Tahoe Event Center for live music, free crafts, soup, and hot cocoa, ending with another festive tree lighting and a chance to take photos with Santa (registration required).

5001 Northstar Dr
Truckee, CA

Join us for a series of festive events this December! Start with the Holiday Maker’s Market at Chickadee Art Collective on Dec. 7 for local shopping and holiday treats, followed by a Kids Ornament Workshop on Dec. 9 at Bear Belly Brewing Co. On Dec. 14, dress in your holiday best for Santa Ski Day at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, and from Dec. 22 to Jan. 1, enjoy the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe's festive program with activities for all ages. Don’t miss out on the upcoming Northstar Winter Wonders, featuring ice skating and more!

885 Tahoe Blvd
Incline Village, NV

Get ready for some fantastic holiday entertainment this December! Enjoy Handel’s Messiah and other favorites performed by the TOCCATA Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus at various churches, including a show in Truckee on Dec. 20. Don’t miss Tahoe Live with Lil Wayne and Diplo on Dec. 14 and 15 at Palisades Tahoe. Plus, experience the joy of live caroling from the Great Basin Carolers daily from Dec. 20 to 24 in The Village at Palisades Tahoe!

725 Granlibakken Rd
Tahoe City, CA

Celebrate the holidays with homestyle Christmas dinners at two wonderful locations! Join us for a holiday banquet and buffet at the Everline Resort & Spa on Dec. 24 and 25 at Cascades Restaurant and Six Peaks Grille—reservations can be made by calling 530-412-7034. On Christmas Day, enjoy a handcrafted buffet with loved ones at Granlibakken Tahoe; make your reservation by calling 530-583-4242.

5001 Northstar Dr
Truckee, CA

It’s always a good idea to check the weather as well as road conditions if you’re planning on an outdoor adventure. Live webcams can also be a good resource to get a bird’s eye view of a location. If you plan on hiking or snowshoeing in the winter, please help us keep wildlife wild. Be sure to pack out what you pack in, keep your distance from wildlife and never feed them. There are plenty of great sledding spots in the mountains around Lake Tahoe. Please do practice slediquette, making sure to dispose of broken sleds properly. It’s also a good idea to rent sleds or snow tubes from local businesses to support the Lake Tahoe economy.

1003 Tahoe Blvd
Incline Village, NV

If you’re looking for a place to stay near the Christmas activities and events above, please visit our lodging page. There’s plenty of easily accessible options to choose from. Many hotels and resorts have even more holiday-themed activities to offer, as well as restaurants serving up Christmas Eve and Day meals.