Best Things to Do in Tahoe and Truckee This December

Its finally winter in Tahoe/Truckee, and everyones ready to celebrate. From the grand opening of the Base to Base gondola connecting The Alpine Lodge and The Village at Palisades Tahoe to a local film fest honoring the environment to holiday celebrations like Breakfast with Santa, the Festival of Winter Lights, a holiday show at Truckee Community Theater and Noel Nights and New Years Eve celebrations at Northstar, theres lots happening this month that you wont want to miss. So grab your warm jacket and head out for some fun!

Feature photo: Courtesy of Katey Hamill

North Lake Tahoe

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Tahoe Film Fest

December 1-4

This 8th annual film festival showcases new and important environmental films to educate audiences and celebrate the efforts of everyone who helps to maintain the beauty of Lake Tahoe and its surroundings. The Tahoe Film Fest also celebrates American Independent Films, new films from Latin America and award winning music documentaries. All proceeds from Tahoe Film Fest benefit UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center.

More info: tahoefilmfest.com

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Base to Base Gondola Grand Opening Celebration

December 17

Celebrate the historic opening of the Base to Base Gondola at Palisades Tahoe. The Alpine Lodge and The Village at Palisades Tahoe will now be connected by a 16-minute ride across stunning views of the Sierras and Lake Tahoe. Don’t miss free mountain tours, free swag, live music and fireworks.

More info: palisadestahoe.com

South Lake Tahoe

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Breakfast with Santa at Heavenly

December 3, 10, 17, 24

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

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Festival of Winter Lights

December 9-10

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

A Christmas Chaos

December 2-11

This holiday comedy at Truckee Community Theater is fun for the whole family. When The Royal Shakespeare Company doesn’t show up to perform their stirring rendition of A Christmas Carol, it’s up to this intrepid band of hapless actors and technicians to pull together their own production in less than seven hours.

More info: truckeecommunitytheater.com

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Holiday celebrations at Northstar

Noel Nights: December 9-10, 16-17, 23
NYE: December 31

Join Santa in The Village for Noel Nights, including complimentary face painting and photos. Grab some ice skates and head out on the rink while a live DJ performs. On New Year’s Eve, welcome in the new year with Northstar’s 50th anniversary celebration. Music begins at 5pm for apres ski with a headliner performing from 7pm to 10pm. Then, check out Northstar’s first drone show at 9pm.

More info: northstarcalifornia.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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