Holiday Handbook
Truckee Optimist Christmas Tree Sale
Through Dec. 23
All proceeds benefit youth activity scholarships and grants for Truckee youth. Located at the Crossroads shopping center at Highway 89 and Deerfield Drive. Info: (530) 559-1466, truckeeoptimist.com
Historic Downtown Truckee Shop Hop
Every Friday through Christmas
Selected downtown shops have extended hours for holiday shopping along with Santa, elves, carolers, seasonal beverages, and special discounts. Get a Downtown Holiday Shop Hop Passport at participating businesses for a chance to win prizes. Info: (530) 587-3789
Santa’s Annual Fly-In
Saturday Dec. 11
Bring your kids to the Truckee Tahoe Airport at 11 a.m. to watch Santa fly in on a special plane. Gifts for the kids will be handed out. Info: (530) 582-2583, rhall@ttusd.org
Brunch with Santa
Saturday Dec. 11
A fun-filled brunch with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the, elves at the Chateau featuring a magic show, arts and crafts, raffle prizes, a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more. Presented by Tahoe Family Solutions in collaboration with Incline Village General Improvement District. At the Chateau in Incline Village. Two seatings: 9 to 11 a.m. and 12 to 2 p.m. Info: (775) 298-0004
Truckee Tahoe Community Chorus Presents ‘Sounds of the Season’
Dec. 11 and 12
This year’s program will include light holiday selections, choral classics, and holiday music from around the world. Resort at Squaw Creek, Saturday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. Tickets $12/general admission, $20/preferred seating. Info: singttcc.org
Incline Christmas Tree Charity Stroll
Dec. 11 to 22
This first annual celebration at the Village Center in Incline Village features 16 businesses offering holiday specials and 16 trees dedicated to local charities. Commencing ceremonies on Dec. 11, from 3 to 5 p.m., include ‘Tintabulations HandBell Choir’ concert and Santa. Closing ceremonies on Dec. 22, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., include Christmas carol sing-along and Santa. Info: (877) 207-3791
Cross-Country Ski for Free
Sunday Dec. 12
Project MANA can drive at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Center. Bring cans and receive one free trail pass. Info: (530) 587-9484
Santa Kids Day
Sunday Dec. 12
Santa Parade and North Tahoe Jazz Band performance, 12 to 3 p.m., Granlibakken Resort, Tahoe City. Info: (877) 552-6301, granlibakken.com
North Tahoe Music Program Holiday Concert
Wednesday Dec. 15
Annual winter concert featuring the North Tahoe Middle School concert bands, seventh- and eighth-grade jazz bands, as well as the North Tahoe High School concert bands, the Jazz Ensemble, and the Jazz Band. Info: North Tahoe High School, 2945 Polaris Road, Tahoe City, (530) 581-7000, nths.ttusd.org
Noel Nights
Thursday Dec. 16
Enjoy s’mores by the fire, free ice skating, hot cocoa, shopping specials, holiday carolers, photos with Santa, and more. At the Village at Northstar, 5 to 8 p.m. Info: (800) 466-6784, northstarattahoe.com
Tahoe Youth Ballet
Thursday Dec. 16
This free performance at 7 p.m. at Northstar’s outdoor Village Stage will feature excerpts from ‘The Nutcracker.’ After the performance, Baxter’s Bistro and Lounge will host a special three-course dinner to benefit Tahoe Youth Ballet. Info: (530) 613-4363, tahoeyouthballet.com
Truckee Community Christmas
Dec. 16 and 17
Volunteer to help sort, pack, and wrap gifts donated throughout the month for our less fortunate residents at the Sierra Mountain Community Education Center. Info: Truckee Donner Chamber, (530) 587-2757, or TCC on Facebook
Holiday Food Faire
Friday Dec. 17
The Pour House hosts a Holiday Food Faire with a sampling of cheeses, meats, and holiday treats. Wine pours includes a selection of celebratory wines to complement the season and the samples. Info: 10075 Jibboom Street, Truckee, (530) 550-9664
Snow Gods Ball
Saturday Dec. 18
A fundraiser for the Squaw Valley Ski Patrol, this year’s event features music from Truckee Tribe. Doors at 8 p.m., music starts at 9 p.m., tickets $15/adv, $20/door, 21 and older, at Bar One, Squaw Valley. Info: (530) 583-6985, squaw.com
Santa Photos and Gingerbread House Contest
Saturday Dec. 18
Santa Claus hosts a day of complimentary photos with Santa, spectacular holiday treats, and the ultimate gingerbread house contest open to all ages with spectacular prizes. Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe. Info: (775) 886-6740, laketahoe.hyatt.com
Holiday Celebrations
Dec. 18 to 24
Northstar-at-Tahoe celebrates the holidays with live music daily from 2 to 5 p.m. and visits with Santa from noon to 2:30 p.m. Info: northstarattahoe.com
Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus
Dec. 18 to 26
Maestro James Rawie will conduct the sixth annual production of Handel’s Messiah. Performances in the North Lake Tahoe and Truckee area will be held on Saturday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. at the St. Francis of Assisi Church in Incline Village; Sunday, Dec. 19 at 3 p.m. at the Resort at Squaw Creek; and Sunday, Dec. 26 at 3 p.m. at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Tahoe City. $20/general admission. Info: (775) 313-9697, toccatatahoe.com
Holidays at Squaw
Dec. 19 to Jan. 2
Listen to carolers sing holiday classics and find Santa Claus on the mountain and in the Village at Squaw Valley. Santa will be available from noon to 4 p.m., and carolers will send good tidings in the Village at 2 p.m. on most days. Info: (530) 583-6985, squaw.com
Full Moon & Winter Solstice Snowshoe Adventure
Tuesday Dec. 21
Come out for a special full- moon trek through a wintry forest with the Tahoe Adventure Company at the Regional Park in Tahoe Vista. Professional and knowledgeable guides will discuss natural history and astronomy topics. $65 per person includes gear, snacks, and permits. Info: Tahoe Adventure Company, (530) 913-9212, tahoeadventurecompany.com
Moonlight Snowshoe Tour
Dec. 20 and 21
At the Northstar-at-Tahoe Cross-Country Center, 5 p.m. $40. Ski tour followed by live music, s’mores, and hot chocolate. Info: (530) 562-1010, northstarattahoe.com
Holiday Wine Tasting at Uncorked
Thursday Dec. 23
Taste great wines at a party from 5 to 7 p.m. at Uncorked in the Village at Squaw Valley. Half of the proceeds from the tasting will benefit the Squaw Valley Institute. Info: squawvalleyinstitute.org
Holiday Torchlight Parade
Friday Dec. 24
Squaw Valley Ski School instructors will descend the lower mountain carrying torches in a procession of lights. The parade begins at dusk or approximately 6 p.m. and is viewable from the base area and village. Please note, no night skiing/riding on this evening. Info: (530) 583-6985, squaw.com
Ski or Ride with Santa
Saturday Dec. 25
At the Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area, 12 p.m. Join Santa for a half-day of skiing and riding fun. Info: (530) 587-9444, skitahoedonner.com
Kwanzaa Story Time and Party
Wednesday Dec. 29
Learn about Kwanzaa and how it’s celebrated using stories and activities, followed by a holiday treat. All ages. 4 to 5 p.m. Incline Village Library, 845 Alder Way. Info: (775) 832-4130
Sierra Nevada Classical Guitar Holiday Concert
Wednesday Dec. 29
Classical guitar solos, duos, and quartets will be featured in this year’s holiday performance, 7 p.m., $15 to $20 donation strongly suggested, at the Squaw Valley Chapel, 444 Squaw Peak Road, Olympic Valley. Info: sierraguitar@yahoo.com, sierraguitar.org
Extreme Star Gazing
Thursday Dec. 30
View winter skies while snowshoeing with Tony Berendsen. Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, and the first quarter moon will be high in the southern skies, at Northstar-at-Tahoe. Info: (530) 562-1010, northstarattahoe.com
New Year’s Eve
Happy New Year!! Check out the New Year’s Eve roundup, p. 46.
Pancake Breakfast
Sunday Jan. 2
Fundraiser for Senior Meals on Wheels. 8 to 11:30 a.m. at Truckee Donner Senior Apartments. $7/adults, $4/seniors, $3/children. Info: (530) 550-7600
