Even though 2025 is almost behind us, there is still time to slow down and take it all in here in the Sierra Nevada mountains. With rockin’ concerts, scenic trails, and local ski areas open, there’s no better place to enjoy the holidays than December at Lake Tahoe.
1. Light Up Some Smiles in the Heavenly Village
Christmas Tree in Heavenly Village
The 65-foot tall Christmas tree in the Heavenly Village will light up Tahoe’s south shore every day at 5:30 pm. With a smorgasbord of restaurants and shops nearby, you and your family will surely find something special to bring home, or something delicious for supper.
A skier at Heavenly Mountain Resort | Photo: @polevaulterchar.
Heavenly Mountain Resort is scheduled to open on Friday, November 21, 2025. Kirkwood Mountain Resort is scheduled to open Friday, December 5, 2025, and Sierra-at-Tahoe, recently added to the Ikon pass, is scheduled to open Friday, November 28, 2025. Storms permitting, December will be a lovely time to come for snow!
The Loft, located next to the ice rink in Heavenly Village
Magic Fusion is a perfect blend of intimate magic and comedy that the whole family can enjoy. Eat dinner, watch a show, and enjoy world-class magicians from around the world. Visiting on a budget? Buy one adult ticket and get one children’s ticket for free on Sundays at 4:30 pm.
Looking for an unforgettable magic experience? Magic After Dark is an irresistible window into the edgy, sophisticated, and sometimes sick mind of award-winning magician-comedian, Robert Hall. This 75-85 minute journey of unique magic, hilarious comedy, and adult mind games is reserved for everyone 18 and up.
5. Meet Your Favorite Characters
Heavenly Holidays; meet your favorite characters in the Village
Take photos with your favorite characters from Mario & Luigi, Mini & Mickey, and more! You might catch a few characters on skates at the ice rink, with more roaming the Heavenly Village to meet you. This event runs from 2:00 to 5:00 pm every Saturday in December and runs daily from December 26 through 30.
6. Take a Ride Around the Ferris Wheel in the Heavenly Village
Ferris Wheel in Heavenly Village
Enjoy spectacular views of the most wonderful time of the year high up in the mountains on the Giant Ferris wheel at the base of the Heavenly Gondola from December 26 through 31. The photo opportunities can only be matched by the memories. Admission is only $5 per person.
7. Find Yourself on Santa’s “Nice List” Over Breakfast
Breakfast with Santa
If you’re worried that all you are getting for Christmas this year is a lump of coal, there is still time to smooth things over with the big guy in red over a hearty breakfast at Fire and Ice Restaurant.
Fireworks and Gondola Drop at the Heavenly Holidays event | Photo: Considine Media
Enjoy a rockin’ New Year’s Eve lineup from 2:00 pm – 9:30 pm at Heavenly Resort, with a range of acts to be announced. Don’t miss the gondola ball drop and fireworks!
This December 12 & 13, enjoy this free market-style event with live music, light displays, hot drinks and food, Santa’s house, winter carriage rides, local vendors, and more at the Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum. Come from 4:00 to 8:00, and in the spirit of holiday giving, bring a new unwrapped toy to drop at the Toys for Tots booth. This free event will be held at the museum parking lot at 3050 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
10. Peek Nightclub inside Harrah’s Lake Tahoe
If you’re looking for a late night, loud music, and a lovely club atmosphere, you should head to Peek Nightclub inside Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. Open on Friday and Saturday nights, this is the place to go when it’s late, and you simply need to dance it all out. VIP tables are available for whichever special event you have in mind.
Bonus: Lovely Weather for a Sleigh Ride
Sleigh Ride in South Lake Tahoe – Jamie Kingham / Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority
Embark on a nostalgic sleigh ride in the snow as the jingling of bells fills the air. Sleigh rides through the alpine scenery are truly unforgettable, with powerful draft horses pulling ornately decorated sleighs through snow-covered fields and past pine-filled forests near Lake Tahoe.
So your friends all ski and snowboard, but you haven’t had the chance? It’s not too late! Sometimes, we let fear block our way to trying something new. Something bigger. Something marvelous. Get out of your comfort zone and try skiing or snowboarding this season. You’ll meet new friends, get outside, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Below are our tips for snowboarding & skiing for beginners in Tahoe.
Family Skiing Heavenly Mountain Resort Lake Tahoe
Rent, Don’t Buy For Your First Time
A new snowboard or pair of skis can cost anywhere from $500 to $1000. We have a number of businesses in town ready to rent you everything you need to set you up for success. For a full run-down of all the shops in Tahoe and what they offer, head over to our Tahoe Ski Rentals section.
Hot Tip: Borrow Clothing Where Possible
We get it. You want to look good on the slopes, but out of all things for snowboarding & skiing for beginners in Tahoe, this is where you can afford to be frugal. Borrow a friend’s jacket, an uncle’s pair of goggles, or ski pants from an older sibling. All my first ski clothing was from my Uncle, and you know what? It worked just fine!
What To Buy
The rule of what to buy versus borrow is simple: If it touches your skin, it might be a good idea to buy. That means the base layer, which includes thermals and ski socks. If you want to learn more about a base layer and what to look for in clothing, head over to the Local Freshies article: Helmets, Mitts, Boots & Ski Suits – Equipment For Skiing & Snowboarding. You may consider purchasing knee pads and wrist guards for extra protection and maximum comfort.
Say ‘NO!’ To Your Friends & Get Lessons
Skiers at Heavenly Mountain Resort
Out of anything on this list, I would spend money on its lessons. While your best friend says they can teach you, they’ll probably give you a few words of encouragement and leave you flailing about like a dead fish on a beginner slope. This is why most people give up on the sport. Skip the hassle and reduce the strain on your relationships. Sign yourself up for ski school. If you’re up here for a few days, think about doing a multi-day package. You’ll save yourself from pain and learn faster!
Beginner Areas At Lake Tahoe Resorts
Now that we know the basics of what you need to do, where should you go skiing or snowboarding if you’re a beginner in Tahoe? Everywhere! All the ski resorts have dedicated areas specifically for beginners.
Heavenly Mountain Resort – Great Views While Learning
Groomed run at Heavenly Mountain Resort
At over 4,800 skiable acres, there’s A LOT of terrain within Heavenly Mountain Resort. For beginners, depending on where you’re staying, each access point has some terrain specifically geared towards you. If staying within the casino corridor, you can hop on the gondola and gain access to the Big Easy Chair and Tamarack Lodge. You’ll be rewarded with great views of Lake Tahoe as you learn how to ski/snowboard. Another great beginner area is near California Lodge. In a similar concept, you take the Gun Barrel Express or scenic Tramway to the higher-elevation green zone called Patsy’s. You’ll still get the incredible views of the lake and a gentle slope to get some turns in.
Kirkwood – Take In The Sierra
Groomed run at Kirkwood Mountain Resort
It is true that Kirkwood is a powder hound’s dream. Big snows and steep slopes, but it’s also home to some incredible beginner skiing terrain. The mountain’s topography naturally divides the area by skill level. Beginners will want to keep towards the bottom of the mountain and head to the Timber Creek Area. The chairlift provides access to wide open groomed runs to learn on. To spice it up, there’s even a gentle gully called Squirrel Ridge that snakes its way down all the way to the bottom.
Sierra-at-Tahoe – Great Deals & Fun Vibe
Broadway Run at Sierra at Tahoe Resort
Tucked away just west of Echo Summit, this mountain, compared to the other two Lake Tahoe resorts, has the most relaxed vibe. In addition, Sierra-at-Tahoe really goes all out to cater to beginners with their insane package deals like the Adult Learn To Ski/Ride 3-Pak. You can enjoy three days of mountain access, group lessons, and rental equipment! Similar to Kirkwood, the beginner area has its own lift, which provides access to the wide-open groomer called Broadway. The best part? Once you’re ready to test your mettle, you can ride the big chair to the top and try out the easy cruisin’ run known as Sugar n’ Spice.
Tip: If you do take Sugar n’ Spice, be aware that as a snowbank appears to the left, stay to the middle or right. Hot shots like to bomb this section and may shoot out of the trees.
As Dr. Seuss proclaimed, “Oh the places you’ll go! There is fun to be done!” In summary, you might be sore after it all, but you’ll come home with stories to tell and memories that will last a lifetime. There are so many good places to learn snowboarding & skiing for beginners in Tahoe, so what are you waiting for? Get after it!
Snow Lingo
Après-ski: French term that means “after skiing.” This is the time when you take off your boots and kick back with friends to talk about the great day you just had.
Bunny hill: Old-timey nickname for a ski resort’s learning area.
Carving: The process of digging in the edge of your skis to make a smooth turn.
Powder: Extremely light, fluffy snow that falls during periods of cold temperatures and low humidity. Powder is a joy to ski in and the opposite of “Sierra cement,” which is very wet, heavy snow.
Corduroy: Freshly groomed snow that’s machine-packed into a ribbed texture that resembles corduroy.
Terrain park: A designated area at a resort dotted with jumps, rails, and other manmade features that allow advanced skiers and snowboarders to perform awesome tricks.
Halfpipe: A U-shaped channel carved out of the snow that’s a popular terrain-park feature.
First tracks: Getting up super early to catch the first chairlift up the mountain and be the first skier on the freshly groomed runs.
