Lake Tahoe truly transforms into a winter fairytale during the holidays. Seasonal magic and adventure greet you at every turn – visits from Santa, ice skating, sleigh rides, world-renowned skiing, and more. Snow-capped mountains, twinkling lights, towering evergreens, crackling fireplaces, and memorable holiday moments abound…
Read on for our roundup of top recommended Christmas activities happening throughout the 2025 holidays in Lake Tahoe.
Family Fun Activities
Northern Lights Festival – Thurs, Dec. 4 – Weds Dec. 31, 2025
The charming mountain town of Incline Village is lighting up the community with holiday spirit from now until the year’s end with festive light displays, casting a warm glow on Tahoe Boulevard and at homes and businesses all around town.
Holiday Tree Lighting – Fri, Dec. 5, 2025
Santa is coming to town for a holiday tree lighting at North Tahoe Event Center. Take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy live holiday music performances, free holiday crafts, cookie decorating, hot beverages, and more.
Holiday Maker’s Market – Sat, Dec. 6, 2025
Join the 4th annual Holiday Maker’s Market at Tahoe Backyard and enjoy shopping from local artisans, Mexican food at Lumbre food truck, cold beer at Bear Belly Brewing Co., and free hot chocolate at Chickadee Art Collective, plus mulled wine, face painting, and holiday cheer.
Santa Ski Day – Sat, Dec. 13, 2025
Deck yourself out in full holiday wear and get a discounted lift ticket at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe. Just a Santa hat won’t do; you’ll need to go full-on festive at this event! Starts at 10:30am with a Mass Santa Ski Down at Lakeview Load and ends with an Ugly Sweater Contest at The Timbers restaurant.
Northstar Winter Wonders – Fri, Dec 19, 2025 – Sun, Jan 4, 2026
Discover a festive holiday celebration featuring ice skating, live music, s’mores by fire pits, and other family activities. Winter Wonders is part of Northstar’s overall winter experience, which includes skiing, dining, and shopping, all set within a picturesque alpine village.
Tahoe Nutcracker – Fri, Dec. 19 to Sun, Dec. 21, 2025
Lake Tahoe Dance Collective’s 2025 production of Tahoe Nutcracker features Indiana Woodward, principal dancer with New York City Ballet, as the Sugar Plum Fairy, joined by Lawrence Rines Munro, soloist with Boston Ballet as her Cavalier.
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Festive Program – Fri, Dec. 19, 2025 to Sun, Jan. 4, 2026
This lakeside Lake Tahoe resort will be transformed for the season and alive with activities for all ages. Families can enjoy story time with Mrs. Claus, snowshoe hiking, pajama movie nights, and more.
Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade – Weds, Dec. 24, 2025
Spend Christmas Eve under the stars at Granlibakken Tahoe’s historic ski hill as skiers and snowboarders illuminate the hill with torches, followed by Santa and his elves. Holiday gifts will be handed out to children and complimentary cookies and winter beverages will be served.
Live Holiday Music
Tahoe Live 2025 – Fri, Dec. 12 – Sun, Dec. 14, 2025
Tahoe Live returns to Palisades Tahoe to welcome the 2025–26 winter season with a lineup of world-class artists. Featuring headliners like Zeds Dead, Alison Wonderland, DJ Diesel, and more, this event promises an unforgettable weekend of music, snow, and mountain energy.
Great Basin Carolers – Sat, Dec. 20 to Wed, Dec. 24, 2025
The Great Basin Carolers spread holiday cheer with live caroling from 4:00-7:00pm daily, between December 20-24 in The Village at Palisades Tahoe.
Homestyle Christmas Dinners
Holiday Banquet and Buffet at the Everline Resort & Spa – Wed, Dec. 24 & Thur, Dec. 25, 2025
Enjoy a holiday banquet and buffet at Cascades Restaurant and Six Peaks Grille, located at the Everline Resort & Spa. To make reservations at either call 530-412-7034.
Christmas Dinner at Granlibakken – Thur, Dec. 25, 2025
Indulge in a Christmas Day feast with this handcrafted buffet showcasing favorite holiday recipes at Granlibakken Tahoe. Reserve your seat by calling 530-583-4242.
Holiday Entertainment for a Cause
Tahoe Film Fest – Thur, Dec. 4 through Sun, Dec. 7, 2025
All ticket proceeds from the Tahoe Film Fest benefit the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC), providing science-based information about the Lake Tahoe region to strengthen responsible action and stewardship throughout our community. Enjoy a wide array of features including environmental films, American Independent films, new films from Latin America, and award-winning music documentaries.
Alpenglow Winter Speaker Series – Sat, Dec. 5 through Fri, Mar. 6, 2026
The 20th Annual Alpenglow Sports Winter Speaker Series, presented by North Tahoe Chamber, kicks off in early December with Emily Harrington. Each show is free, features world-class mountain athletes, and benefits local nonprofits such as Truckee Dirt Union and Tahoe Waterman Association.
Stay in Lake Tahoe This Christmas
Looking for a place to stay in Lake Tahoe for the holidays? Visit our lodging page. Many hotels and resorts have even more holiday activities to offer, as well as restaurants serving up Christmas Eve and Day meals.If you’re seeking other wintery things to do, from sledding to ice skating or skiing and beyond, check out our full guide to Lake Tahoe winter activities.
Winter Safety in Lake Tahoe
Be sure to check the weather as well as road conditions if you’re planning an outdoor adventure. Live webcams are a good resource to get a bird’s eye view of a location. To learn more about safety and sustainability in Lake Tahoe, visit our resources here.
Want to join us for New Year’s Eve celebrations, too? Check out our top recommendations for New Year’s in Lake Tahoe.
