Tahoe got its first taste of snowfall late last month, augmenting the manmade snow that ski resorts have furiously been making to either get open or stay open. So, while we are out there making snowmen or swooshing down the slopes that are (hopefully) against a blanket of flocked wintery pines, here are some other things to do around town to 
help usher in the holiday spirit:
December 6: Holiday Tree Lighting at North Tahoe Event Center
Right in the middle of Kings Beach on the main street next to Big Blue, the North Tahoe PUD has a gigantic pine tree that serves as the community Christmas Tree right around the time that December rolls around. On December 6 from 5pm-7pm, watch the tree light up at the North Tahoe Event Center and bring the family to sip on some hot cocoa, soup, participate in free holiday crafts, and listen to live music brought on by Great Futures Productions. Santa will also be making an appearance to take photos for $3.
December 6: Alibi Incline’s First Pray for Snow Party
It’s nice to see that the new owners in the former Hacienda del Lago restaurant that now hosts one of Tahoe Sierra’s top breweries is continuing the tradition of the decades old “Pray for Snow Party” to be held on December 6 at the Alibi Ale Works Incline Public House on 931 Tahoe Boulevard. Replacing tequila shots with delicious beers, join your fellow snow aficionados to help conjure up the snow gods with live music by Under the Radar. The party starts at 8:30pm and goes all night long. http://www.alibialeworks.com/
December 13: Diamond Peak Opening Day and Ski Season Kickoff Party
Making snow as often as temperatures allow, Diamond Peak Ski Resort plans on opening its slopes for the 2019-20 ski season on Thursday, December 12 at 9am. After getting your first turns in, come back the following day on Friday the 13th to partake in the Ski Season Kickoff Party in the Diamond Peak Base Lodge with live music, food, prizes, and more. www.diamondpeak.com
December 14: Have Brunch with Santa at the Chateau at Incline Village
If your kids are looking to spill all their secrets to Santa weeks before the big day, then head over to the Chateau at Incline Village by the Championship Golf Course to have brunch with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves on December 14. Along with enjoying a meal and time with Santa, families will be treated to a magic show, arts and crafts, and more. Brunch seatings are at 8am, 10:30am, and 1pm; tickets are on sale now, but this event is likely to sell out so visit the Recreation Center at 980 Incline Way, Tahoe Family Solutions in the Village Center, or The Potlatch in the Raley’s Shopping Center to buy yours today. Or visit https://www.yourtahoeplace.com/events/brunch-with-santa-claus for more information.
December 20-22- Watch the Tahoe Nutcracker Presented by the Lake Tahoe Dance Collective
If you are a fan of live holiday performances and happen to be in North Lake Tahoe during Christmas, then be sure to check out the classic Nutcracker performance- Tahoe style. Held at the North Tahoe High School Theater in Tahoe City, talented local dancers, community members, and professional performers share a live storytelling version of the classic play with a background of the iconic Tahoe Tavern circa 1919. Tickets are $25 adults, $20 students/seniors, and $10 for children 11 and under. https://www.laketahoedancecollective.org/tahoenutcracker
December 24- Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade at Granlibakken
To enjoy a truly memorable holiday experience on Tahoe’s West Shore, head over to Granlibakken to watch skiers gracefully glide down the slopes in a torchlight parade, followed by hot chocolate, s’mores, mulled cider, and more photos with Santa on Christmas Eve. For details on how to participate, visit https://granlibakken.com/event/christmas-torchlight-parade
All Month Long: Get Mimosas at Rosie’s Cafe and Shop at Tahoe City Trunk Show
While you’re out doing your holiday shopping, be sure to stop by the Trunk Show in Cobblestone Center in Tahoe City to get some unique gifts made by talented local artisans. If you work up a hunger or get thirsty while out on the town, stop by Rosie’s Café on the main street to get a loaf of scrumptious housemade zucchini bread or a $5 mimosa on Mondays.
Happy Holidays and We’ll See You Next Year!
— Kayla Anderson
