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
Nov. 7
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: Passporttodining
Handcrafted Holiday Faire
Nov. 2
Over 35+ artists, crafters and small businesses offering gifts for the holidays. Buy local and support local artists while checking off your gift lists. The Chateau, Incline Village, Nev.
More info: GoTahoeNorth
75th Annual Warren Miller Film Tour
Nov. 1
Warren Miller’s 75 will bring fans to powder stashes and chutes around the world, from Canada, Colorado, California, and Utah to Finland, Japan, Austria, and New Jersey. Catch a diverse lineup of snowsports legends, Olympic hopefuls, world champions, X Games stars, and emerging talents on the big screen this fall, including snowboarders Shaun White, Jeremy Jones, Danny Davis, and Toby Miller, plus skiers Max Hitzig, Lexi duPont, Caite Zeliff, Mark Abma, and Aaron Blunck.
More info: palisadestahoe.com
South Lake Tahoe
28th Annual Valhalla Holiday Faire
Nov. 15-17
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
Nov. 29
Kick off this season’s celebrations when Santa lights a 65-foot tall cut Christmas tree in Heavenly Village. Tree lightings are daily at 5:30 pm with Santa after November 29th. This daily ceremony is part of the Heavenly Holidays Family Festival.
More info: visitlaketahoe.com
Truckee
41st Annual Truckee Ski Swap
Nov. 2
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
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!