Winter travel in the Reno-Tahoe region requires checking road status before departure. High-elevation passes frequently implement chain controls during December storms.
Cameras along primary routes to Reno and Tahoe.
Christmas Events in North Lake Tahoe
Holiday events in the region are concentrated in the resort areas and mountain towns.
- Northern Lights Festival: Incline Village displays lights along Tahoe Boulevard from December 4 through December 31, 2025.
- Holiday Tree Lighting: Held at the North Tahoe Event Center on December 5, 2025, featuring photos with Santa, crafts, and music.
- Holiday Maker’s Market: Located at Tahoe Backyard on December 6, 2025.
- Santa Ski Day: Occurs December 13, 2025, at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe. Participants in full holiday costumes receive a discounted lift ticket. The event begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Lakeview Load and concludes with an ugly sweater contest at The Timbers.
- Northstar Winter Wonders: Runs from December 19, 2025, to January 4, 2026, featuring ice skating and fire pits.
- Tahoe Nutcracker: Performances by the Lake Tahoe Dance Collective take place December 19–21, 2025.
- Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade: Held at Granlibakken Tahoe on December 24, 2025.
- Christmas Day Ski with Santa: The Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort hosts this event on December 25, 2024, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at 11509 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee.
For those traveling to the mountains, monitor SR-431 Mt Rose road conditions and SR-267 road conditions as these routes frequently experience closures during winter weather.
Holiday Dining and Services
- Palisades Tahoe Christmas Eve: The Olympic Village Events Center hosts a dinner buffet on December 24 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Pricing is $99 for adults and $34 for children (5-12); children 4 and under are free but require a booked seat. Reservations must be made by 12:00 p.m. on December 24.
- Olympic Valley Chapel: A Christmas Eve service featuring a children’s nativity pageant begins at 5:30 p.m. on December 24.
- Everline Resort & Spa: A holiday banquet is available December 24 and 25. Call 530-412-7034 for reservations.
- Granlibakken Tahoe: A Christmas Day feast is offered on December 25. Call 530-583-4242 for reservations.
Drivers should check I-80 road conditions before heading toward these venues, as winter storms often impact the Donner Summit area.
Christmas Tree Recycling
Local jurisdictions provide specific drop-off locations and curbside pickup guidelines for Christmas trees. Do not burn trees in fireplaces or wood stoves.
- El Dorado County (West Slope): Trees can be dropped off for free at the Waste Connections Material Recovery Facility (MRF) at 4100 Throwita Way, Placerville, from January 2 through January 16. Limit two trees per vehicle. Residents with El Dorado Disposal service may place trees at the curb on regular collection days; trees must be cut into pieces less than 3 feet long and bundled with twine.
- South Lake Tahoe: Residents can drop trees at the Resource Recovery Facility at 2140 Ruth Avenue. South Tahoe Refuse and Recycling offers free curbside pickup; check the STR Waste Wizard for specific availability. Remove all lights, tinsel, nails, and stands. Flocked trees are not accepted.
- Cameron Park: Trees can be dropped off between December 26 and January 31 at the Cameron Park Lake lower gravel parking lot (2989 Cambridge Road).
- El Dorado Hills: A free tree recycling event is held at the Community Park in January. Contact the El Dorado Hills Community Services District at 916-933-6624 for specific dates.
Before heading to any recycling site, check US-50 road conditions if your route involves crossing Echo Summit.