Anticipating holiday magic in South Lake Tahoe? Our guide has you covered for all the festive activities! From South Lake Tahoe aficionados to first-time explorers, our guide is your gateway to seasonal celebrations.
One highlight of the season is the Heavenly Village Market, where you can explore delightful vendors offering unique gifts and seasonal treats. Ice Skating at Heavenly Village features a picturesque outdoor rink surrounded by twinkling lights, perfect for families and friends. And the Breakfast with Santa at Heavenly Village is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a chance for little ones to enjoy a meal with Santa himself. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around South Lake Tahoe
- Heavenly Village Market
- Ice Skating at Heavenly Village
- Breakfast with Santa at Heavenly Village
- Snowshoeing at Beach Retreat and Lodge
- Tahoe Live w/ Lil Wayne and Diplo (Olympic Valley)
- Santa Ski Day at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe (Reno)
- Magic Fusion
- Build a Bear at Heavenly Village
- Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade at Granlibakken Tahoe (Tahoe City)
- Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum Holiday Market
See these and even more events listed below!
South Lake Tahoe Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Tree Lighting at North Tahoe Event Center
What to Expect:
Live music and holiday crafts with Santa.
Description:
The Holiday Tree Lighting at North Tahoe Event Center features live music, holiday crafts, homemade soup, and hot cocoa, with Santa lighting the tree.
Where: Kings Beach | More Info: Holiday Tree Lighting at North Tahoe Event Center
South Lake Tahoe Holiday Markets and Shopping
Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Unique holiday market with historical museum activities and local entertainment.
Description:
The Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum Holiday Market is an outdoor holiday event featuring a variety of free festivities, including Borges Winter Carriage Rides, Holiday in History at the Museum, kids' activities with the Tahoe Art League, and visits to Santa's House. Attendees can also enjoy local vendors, food trucks, and entertainment by the Lake Tahoe Unified School District Choir and Tahoe Shining Star Dancers.
Where: South Lake Tahoe | More Info: Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum Holiday Market
South Lake Tahoe Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Breakfast with Santa at Heavenly Village
What to Expect:
Intimate breakfast with Santa in a charming village setting.
Description:
Join Santa for a delightful breakfast at Heavenly Village, featuring a cozy atmosphere and delightful treats.
Where: South Lake Tahoe | More Info: Breakfast with Santa at Heavenly Village
Magic Fusion
What to Expect:
Intimate, interactive magic show with professional magicians.
Description:
Magic Fusion is a high-energy, family-friendly show featuring award-winning magicians from around the world. The 75-minute performance includes comedy and special variety acts, making it suitable for all ages. Robert Hall, a professional magician with over 20 years of experience, brings his unique style of close-up magic and sleight of hand to the stage, having performed at the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood.
Where: South Lake Tahoe | More Info: Magic Fusion
Magic After Dark
What to Expect:
High-energy adult magic and comedy show with award-winning magicians.
Description:
Magic After Dark is a high-energy, adult magic and comedy show featuring award-winning magicians. The 75-minute performance includes puzzling illusions and side-splitting comedy, making it perfect for friends-night-out, date-night, or bringing the entire family. Enjoy award-winning American Tapas and Small Plates at The Loft's restaurant and lounge before or after the show.
Where: South Lake Tahoe | More Info: Magic After Dark
Tahoe Film Fest
What to Expect:
Showcase of critically acclaimed films with diverse storytelling.
Description:
The Tahoe Film Fest is a celebration of documentary and feature films, showcasing a diverse range of stories and cinematic experiences. The festival features a lineup of critically acclaimed films, including intimate portraits of legendary figures, sharp romantic dramas, and poignant explorations of human relationships and the environment.
Where: Reno | More Info: Tahoe Film Fest
Handel’s Messiah and Holiday Favorites
What to Expect:
World-class performance of Handel’s Messiah with a stellar cast and the University of Maryland Concert Choir.
Description:
Handel’s Messiah is a timeless oratorio featuring a stellar cast of soloists and the University of Maryland Concert Choir, conducted by Masaaki Suzuki. This beloved classic has been a Washington, D.C. holiday tradition for nearly three centuries, celebrating the ultimate holiday joy with its larger-than-life splendor.
Where: Various | More Info: Handel’s Messiah and Holiday Favorites
Tahoe Live w/ Lil Wayne and Diplo
What to Expect:
World-class music event combining skiing and stunning mountain scenery.
Description:
Join us at Palisades Tahoe for an electrifying performance featuring Lil Wayne and Diplo, blending music, snow, and adventure in a legendary winter setting.
Where: Olympic Valley | More Info: Tahoe Live w/ Lil Wayne and Diplo
Great Basin Carolers
What to Expect:
Free live holiday caroling performances.
Description:
Live caroling by the Great Basin Carolers will fill the Village at Palisades Tahoe with holiday cheer, performing from 4-7pm daily from December 20th to 24th, 2024.
Where: Olympic Valley | More Info: Great Basin Carolers
South Lake Tahoe Other Holiday Activities
Heavenly Village Market
What to Expect:
Family-friendly activities and entertainment in a quaint, cobblestone setting.
Description:
Heavenly Village Market offers a diverse array of activities, including an 8-plex movie theater, live theatre, ice-skating, miniature golf, and various dining options. The village is a pedestrian and family-friendly hub with unique shops, art, and fashion for the whole family to enjoy.
Where: South Lake Tahoe | More Info: Heavenly Village Market
Ice Skating at Heavenly Village
What to Expect:
Skating under lights amidst falling snow.
Description:
Ice skating under the lights amidst falling snow creates a memorable experience at Heavenly Village.
Where: South Lake Tahoe | More Info: Ice Skating at Heavenly Village
Snowshoeing at Beach Retreat and Lodge
What to Expect:
Unique winter activity amidst stunning natural scenery.
Description:
Snowshoeing at Beach Retreat and Lodge offers a serene winter experience amidst breathtaking Lake Tahoe landscapes, perfect for exploring the serene beauty of the area.
Where: South Lake Tahoe | More Info: Snowshoeing at Beach Retreat and Lodge
Build a Bear at Heavenly Village
What to Expect:
Personalized teddy bear creation in a holiday setting.
Description:
Create your own teddy bear at Heavenly Village, a festive holiday activity perfect for kids and families.
Where: South Lake Tahoe | More Info: Build a Bear at Heavenly Village
Santa Ski Day at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe
What to Expect:
Holiday skiing event with festive activities.
Description:
Santa Ski Day at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe features festive activities and skiing amidst stunning mountain views, perfect for families and holiday enthusiasts.
Where: Reno | More Info: Santa Ski Day at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe
Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade at Granlibakken Tahoe
What to Expect:
Torchlight parade with Santa and his elves on historic ski hill.
Description:
Join Granlibakken Tahoe for a Christmas Eve tradition where skiers illuminate the historic ski hill with torches, followed by Santa and his elves arriving in a vintage Tucker Sno Cat. Holiday gifts will be handed out to children, and complimentary cookies and winter beverages will be served. Dress warmly to enjoy treats by the fireplace at the Ski Hut.