November is the “secret season” in the Tahoe/Truckee region. Leaves change colors, the weather is mild and crowds thin, making way for a more quiet, picturesque time in the mountains. Everyone is praying for snow soon, while community events help hype everyone up for ski season and the holidays. You won’t want to miss a tasting event, an upscale chocolate and wine festival or a Warren Miller movie premiere on the North Shore, an annual holiday faire or tree lighting at South Shore, or a ski and snowboard swap and an avalanche education course in Truckee. Take it slow this month before the holiday rush, and wind down in Tahoe/Truckee.
Featured photo courtesy of Palisades Tahoe.
North Lake Tahoe
Passport to Dining
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This local favorite tasting event features unlimited samplings from 30 stations, including restaurants, caterers, breweries and wineries. Raffle tickets and silent auction items available for purchase. The event takes place at the North Tahoe Events Center in Kings Beach and benefits the North Tahoe Business Association. Tickets are $60 and include unlimited tastings and a commemorative wine glass. 21+ only.
More info: eventbrite.com
Chocolate and Wine Festival
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Is there anything better than chocolate and wine? Don’t miss the 33rd annual Tahoe Chocolate & Wine Festival, taking place in the elegant Lakeside Ballroom at the Hyatt in Incline Village. Taste artisan chocolate from local Tahoe purveyors, and sample boutique wine from acclaimed California vintners. There will also be a live auction, with all proceeds supporting local charitable programs.
More info: tahoechocolatefestival.org
Film Premiere: Warren Miller's “ALL TIME”
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Celebrate the birth of ski towns like Sun Valley and Aspen, icons and innovators like the original hotdoggers, and the most outlandish locations ever skied. Then, catch up with Maine’s finest athlete of today, Donny Pelletier, and meet the next generation at Woodward Park City. Through it all, Jonny Moseley and special guests will share their own stories.
More info: palisadestahoe.com
South Lake Tahoe
28th Annual Valhalla Holiday Faire
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Enjoy a favorite South Shore holiday tradition the weekend before Thanksgiving with the annual Valhalla Holiday Faire at the Heller Estate. Get a glimpse of Tahoe’s past while shopping for hand-made crafts, taking photos with Mr. and Mrs Claus, and enjoying local entertainment and holiday libations. Tahoe’s Children’s Choirs sing holiday songs throughout the day.
More info: valhallatahoe.com
Holiday Tree Lighting at Heavenly
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Kick off this season’s celebrations when Santa lights a 65-foot tall Christmas tree in Heavenly Village. There will be music by Kristen Brown and warm drinks available. The Shops at Heavenly Village, Congressman Kevin Kiley and Sheriff Jeff Leikauf host this festive event.
More info: visitlaketahoe.com
Truckee
40th Annual Truckee Ski Swap
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Check out the Annual Truckee Ski & Snowboard Swap for new and used winter gear to stoke out your season. Local reps from ski shops and resorts will be on hand to answer questions. There will be season passes, lift tickets, local gift cards and more available in a silent auction, with proceeds supporting Truckee Youth Sports Programs.
More info: tdrpd.org
Avalanche Education Workshop
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If you like to backcountry ski, splitboard, snowmobile, snowshoe or just explore snow-covered mountains, this free workshop is for you. Held at Alibi Ale Works in Truckee, hear from regional guidebook and map authors in a panel style discussion. Then, representatives from Tahoe Backcountry Alliance will discuss etiquette for getting to a trailhead, how to park, what to do when there, skin track etiquette and advocacy for making the experience better for all. There will be a raffle featuring swag from Ortovox, Black Diamond, Flylow Gear, Blizzard Skis, Stio, Smith and more.
More info: tahoemountainsports.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.
Music Venues
Theaters
Looking for more things to do in the area?
Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!
