Best Things to Do in Tahoe and Truckee This December

Picture of Christina Proctor

Christina Proctor

Bitten by the travel bug at an early age after college, Christina lived in the South and East Coast before moving West and settling in Lake Tahoe.

Winter is here in Tahoe/Truckee, and everyone’s ready to celebrate. From a local film fest to holiday celebrations like Breakfast with Santa, the Festival of Winter Lights, a holiday show at Truckee Community Theater and festive celebrations, there’s lots happening this month that you won’t want to miss. So grab your warm winter wear and head out for some fun!

Feature photo courtesy of Katey Hamill.

North Lake Tahoe

A bustling ice skating rink in a scenic village setting surrounded by wooden lodges and buildings. Numerous people are skating, with spectators and visitors standing and sitting nearby. The sky is clear, enhancing the vibrant and lively atmosphere—one of the best things to do in Tahoe and Truckee this December.
Photo courtesy of Katey Hamill.

Northstar Village Ice Skating Rink

Dates tbd

Located in the heart of the Village at Northstar, the 9,000 square foot skating rink is the perfect ending to your day on the mountains. Enjoy a refreshing cocktail or two by the outdoor fire pits surrounding the rink or take a few laps to burn off any left-over energy. The skating rink is free for all, and for those who do not have skates, rentals are available.

More info: gotahoenorth.com

Tahoe Film Fest

Dates tbd

This 9th annual film festival showcases a diverse range of new films celebrating art, nature and human potential. This year’s entries include black comedy “May December” featuring Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore, psychological thriller “Eileen” with Anne Hathaway, plus many international features and social, environmental and music documentaries. The festival includes films that have been submitted as entries for Best International Feature Film including “The Taste of Things” from France and “The Shadows of the Sun” from Venezuela. As a bonus, on Dec. 9 and 10, director Scott Z. Burns will present “Extrapolations”, a futuristic drama exploring the chaotic effects of climate change starring a host of A-list actors including Meryl Streep, Sienna Miller, Forest Whitaker and Edward Norton. All proceeds from Tahoe Film Fest benefit UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center.

More info: tahoefilmfest.com

A group of people wearing winter clothing and snowshoes stands on a snowy slope surrounded by tall pine trees. They appear to be observing the sunset over a distant mountainous landscape. Experiencing this picturesque moment is one of the best things to do in Tahoe and Truckee this December.
Photo courtesy of Sierra State Parks Foundation.

Snowshoe Tour + Chalet Dinner

Date tbd

Join a guided snowshoe tour to the mid-mountain Chalet at Alpine Meadows where you’ll enjoy a four-course Bavarian inspired meal. In addition, guests will also receive a complimentary drink at last chair bar before heading up, a glass of champagne upon arrival to the Chalet, and there will be beer and wine available for purchase. Snowshoes are provided free of charge; just bring warm clothes and your appetite. Guests must be 21+ years of age to attend. Make your reservations at least one week in advance to confirm a spot on this exclusive dining experience.

More info: palisadestahoe.com

South Lake Tahoe

Illustration of Santa Claus giving a thumbs up, next to the text "Breakfast with Santa" in festive fonts. Santa is wearing his classic red suit, white beard, and hat, smiling warmly. The text is in red and green holiday colors—one of the Best Things to Do in Tahoe and Truckee This December.
Photo courtesy of City of South Lake Tahoe.

Breakfast with Santa at Heavenly

Dates tbd

Start your day by getting into the holiday spirit over breakfast with Santa himself! Share what’s on your wish list and pose for pics with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Fire and Ice Restaurant in Heavenly Village. Grab your tickets in advance, as they’re expected to sell out.

More info: eventbrite.com

A large group of people, many wearing festive hats, gather outdoors under colorful string lights and snowflake decorations. They appear to be singing or cheering. Heaters and a fire extinguisher are visible, suggesting it's a cold, festive event—one of the best things to do in Tahoe and Truckee this December.
Photo courtesy of @TallacHistoricSite

Festival of Winter Lights

Dates tbd

The City of South Lake Tahoe, in partnership with the Lake Tahoe Historical Society, hosts this  free, two-night, outdoor holiday market-style event, featuring live music, singing, dancing, sleigh rides, a Christmas fire truck, light displays, local vendors, food and drink, tours of the museum and cabin, and of course, Santa!

More info: cityofslt.us

Truckee

Promotional poster for "A Christmas Story: The Musical," featuring a leg-shaped lamp on the left and white and red text on a green background. Discover one of the Best Things to Do in Tahoe and Truckee This December! The dates "December 1-10, 2023" are displayed at the bottom.
Photo courtesy of @truckeewinewalk

A Christmas Story the Musical

Dates tbd

Set in the 1940s, this musical follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker and his quest for the Holy Grail of Christmas gifts — an official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. Rebuffed at every turn, Ralphie plots numerous schemes to achieve his desperate desire for the coveted BB gun. All the iconic scenes from the movie are here, including Ralphie’s friend, Flick, getting his tongue stuck to the flagpole; his brother, Randy, getting dressed in his snowsuit; the bullies, Farkus and Dill; the leg lamp award; the bunny suit; Christmas dinner; and more. 

More info: app.arts-people.com

A snowy town at dusk with light trails from passing vehicles on winding roads, warmly lit buildings contrasted against dense, dark evergreen trees and a cloudy sky. The atmosphere is serene and picturesque—perfect for exploring the best things to do in Tahoe and Truckee this December.
Photo courtesy of @tahoedonner

Festive Fridays

Dates tbd

Get in the holiday spirit with this festive event under the twinkling holiday lights in downtown Truckee. Don’t miss the polar express pajama party, date night sip and shop and more. 

More info: historictruckee.com

Event Venues

Looking to see what’s happening right now in Tahoe? Our comprehensive list of venues across the city below will help you find what you need to know what’s going on.

Looking for more things to do in the area?

Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!

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