Best Things to Do During the Holidays

Truckee and Lake Tahoe

Spending time in Truckee or Lake Tahoe this holiday season? There are so many great activities and events to check out during your trip. Here’s our list of the best things to do this holiday season.

1. Go Skiing

Truckee is home to world class skiing and riding! And we are off to a great start this winter with early season storms providing great coverage. We are expecting more snow this week so make sure to check in with each resort to see what lifts are running and what terrain is open.

Squaw Valley – Alpine Meadows – An international destination, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows has over 6000 acres of terrain and many shopping and dining options for the whole family.

Northstar – Head here for the whole package – skiing, lodging, and amenities. Ski all day while taking in views of the beautiful Martis Valley then head into the village for world class Apres Ski.

Sugar Bowl – Sugar Bowl has been open since 1939, making it one of the oldest ski resorts in California. Nestled atop Donner Summit, it gets some of the best snow around.

Tahoe Donner – This family friendly resort is coined “the best place to begin.” It offers affordable lift tickets and ski lessons for the whole family.

Boreal – This smaller resort is located right off of I-80 and has the best terrain parks in the North Lake Tahoe area : 8 parks and pipes in total! It also has night skiing 7 days a week from 3 – 9 pm.

Buy your tickets ahead of time and save big! Click here to purchase discounted lift tickets.

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2. Check Out Donner Lake

This gorgeous mountain lake is a special spot in Truckee. There are many ways to enjoy it: Pick up a pair of snowshoes at Tahoe Mountain Sports and snowshoe around Donner Memorial State Park, build a snowman on the beach, throw a frisbee around at the West End Beach, or bring your Rumpl blanket and a mug of hot cocoa and cozy up on one of the public docks along the north shore of the lake.

One of my favorite spots at the lake is the Donner Kitchen. They cook up a delicious breakfast and when it snows, mimosas are 1/2 off!

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3. Watch Fireworks on New Year’s Eve

Squaw Valley has a New Year’s Eve family celebration that starts at 2 pm. Catch the torchlight parade on Mountain Run at 5:45 pm and stay to see the amazing fireworks display that starts at 7 pm, right after the parade.

Northstar will also have a fireworks show starting at 9 pm in the Northstar Village. Come early for ice skating, music, and winter festivities.

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4. Take a Full Moon Snowshoe Tour

Join the Tahoe Adventure Company for a full moon snowshoe tour!

Enjoy a walk through North Lake Tahoe’s beautiful forests and see them come to life in the moonlight.

They also offer sunset and stargazing snowshoe tours.

For more information and booking click here.

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5. Head Downtown for a Beer

Go for a walk through historic old town Truckee and stop by one our favorite spots for cold refreshment. With over 40 beers on tap, Mellow Fellow is the spot to discover new craft brews. They have a huge selection that will leave you wondering where to even begin?! You can bring the whole family to Alibi Ale Works Public House. This family friendly craft brewery is a great spot to stop after a long day of skiing or riding. They serve up delicious beer and nachos and host live music and events several nights a week.

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6. Go Disco Tubing

Tubing just got way more fun! Head down to Squaw Valley for this family friendly tubing party. They’ll be lights, lasers, and a live DJ playing music while you slide down the tubing lanes. Get there early to get your tickets. For more information click here.

When? December 26-31, from 5 pm – 8 pm

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7. See a Movie

Head to the Tahoe Art Haus in Tahoe City for a unique movie viewing experience. This quaint independent theater also has a bar that serves beer and cider on tap, wine, premium bottled beer, and kombucha. Sit back with a beer in hand on one of their comfortable couches and enjoy the show!

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8. Ski with Santa

Santa will be paying a visit to Tahoe Donner on Christmas Day!

Join him for breakfast at 10 am and then hit the slopes at 11:30 am for a half day of skiing with Santa.

For more information, click here.

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9. Go Backcountry Skiing

Tahoe Mountain School offers a variety of courses and guided adventures for backcountry enthusiasts of all levels.

Sign up for their one day Intro to Backcountry Skiing course to learn about the gear and head out with one of their guides to ski or splitboard in a beautiful, uncrowded spot.

Click here to learn more about backcountry skiing with Tahoe Mountain School.

What are your favorite holiday activities in the Truckee / Tahoe area? Let us know in the comment section below.

Make sure to stop by Tahoe Mountain Sports while you’re in Truckee and let us help you get geared up for your winter adventures!