INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Embrace the enchantment of the winter season in Incline Village and Crystal Bay, Nevada. The beloved Northern Lights Festival is back for the entire month of December, bringing festive cheer, family fun, and a vibrant lineup of holiday events that light up our mountain town from now through New Year’s Eve.
Northern Lights is our community’s signature winter celebration, featuring a full calendar of heartwarming, family-friendly, and arts-focused events for all ages. This year’s festivities begin with an unforgettable Opening Weekend, kicking off the first week of December with traditions old and new.
Opening Weekend Highlights (Dec. 4–7)
The 2025 season officially begins with a packed slate of events that showcase the best of winter in Tahoe:
Diamond Peak Opening Day & Kickoff Party (Dec. 4 & 5) – Weather permitting, the mountain opens for the 2025–26 ski season with first-chair festivities, followed by the Season Kickoff Party at Alibi Ale Works on the 5th.
North Tahoe Community Choir Holiday Concert (Dec. 4 & 6) – Under the direction of Donna Axton, this beloved community choir performs its annual holiday show at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, a treasured tradition for locals and visitors alike.
Tahoe Film Fest (Dec. 4–7) – Hosted across Incline Village Cinema, Village Cinemas at Northstar, and the Crystal Bay Casino Crown Room, this four-day event celebrates independent films and environmental storytelling.
Lake Tahoe School Christmas Market (Dec. 5) – Shop local artisans and seasonal treats during this annual indoor market, 5–8 PM at Lake Tahoe School.
Tahoe Family Solutions Brunch with Santa (Dec. 6) – A local favorite at The Chateau featuring breakfast, holiday activities, and photos with Santa.
IVCBA Northern Lights Community Celebration at UNR at Lake Tahoe Prim Library (Dec. 6) – The beloved tradition once known as Candy Cane Lane + Village has evolved into the Northern Lights Community Celebration & Giving Tree Event, hosted by IVCBA, UNR at Lake Tahoe, and IVGID.
This festive gathering brings the community together in the spirit of giving, featuring the new Giving Tree Forest—a beautiful display of decorated trees from local nonprofits and service clubs highlighting ways to give back. Families will enjoy Santa and Mrs. Claus’ fire-engine arrival, crafts, and a scavenger hunt, while teens and adults explore interactive tables and “Cocoa with the Captain.” The event concludes with a joyful tree lighting and Giving Tree contest awards.
Reno Jazz Orchestra presents Home for the Holidays (Dec. 7) – Enjoy an uplifting holiday performance by the Reno Jazz Orchestra. Swing into the sounds of the season as the Reno Jazz Orchestra shares the stage with some of the most talented hometown stars in Reno.
The Celebration Continues All Month
Following Opening Weekend, the holiday magic keeps going with:
IVCBA Jingle & Mingle Holiday Shopping Day – Saturday, December 13
Cornerstone: A Night in Bethlehem – Friday, December 12
Tahoe Philharmonic’s “Messiah” – Friday, December 19
Light Shows, live music & Santa Events – All through December
Holiday services from all our local churches – December 24 & 25
New Year’s Eve gatherings throughout the Basin – December 31
From twinkling lights to live music, community giving, artisan shopping, and winter traditions, Northern Lights offers something special for every resident and visitor. December in Incline Village and Crystal Bay is simply magical. Come experience the season with us.
Explore all Northern Lights events at: https://ivcba.org/northern-lights-tahoe
