Did you know that every year, during the holidays, Santa Claus spends some time in his favorite winter wonderland-North Tahoe and Truckee? He can be found at holiday celebrations in the area, or making turns in the fresh white-Christmas powder. Here’s our list (and we’ve checked it twice) of where to find Santa this holiday season.
December 14: Holiday Dinner and Tree-Lighting Ceremony
Kick off your holiday celebrations with a special seasonal menu by the West Shore Cafe’s Executive Chef Robb. The dinner festivities include a tree-lighting ceremony on the pier, Christmas caroling, and of course, visits with Santa. Stay nearby.
Meet Santa and his elves, busy at their workshop at the Truckee Roundhouse. The kids will enjoy visiting Santa and having their own custom elf hats made by the Roundhouse elves, and there will be a marketplace featuring local makers and creators selling unique wares. Stay nearby.
Kick off the holidays with fresh snow, great views, and photo ops with Santa Claus. Mt. Rose is located just outside of Incline Village, and is a fun, laid-back resort where Santa likes to warm up for the holiday season. Santa will be skiing the slopes all day, enjoying the fresh corduroy and powder. Stay nearby.
December 15: Photos with Santa and Gingerbread House Making with Ms. Claus
Santa will be visiting Mountain Hardware & Sports on December 15 for visits, photos, and more. Ms. Claus will be running her own workshop-guests are invited to construct their own gingerbread house, with all supplies included. Stay nearby.
Fridays through December 21: Noel Nights
Each Friday, Northstar rolls out the red holiday carpet for its guests, including a very special guest, Santa Claus. Complimentary sleigh rides, face painting, and meet and greets with Santa will thrill everyone in the family! Kids have the opportunity to write their own letters to Santa, and ice-skating and après-ski s’mores will get everyone into the holiday spirit. Stay nearby.
Saturdays through December 22: Breakfast with Santa
Every Saturday from 8-10am, the Cascades Restaurant at the Resort at Squaw Creek hosts a special visitor--none other than Santa Claus himself. Enjoy delicious food and photo ops with Santa before hitting the slopes. Stay nearby.
December 18-23: Merry Days & Holly Nights
Everyone knows that Santa loves to visit Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows! You can find him on the slopes-skiing at Alpine Meadows on December 20 or tubing at Snoventures on December 21. He’ll also be making appearances around the Squaw Village throughout the week, hosting storytimes, events, and offering great photo opportunities. You won’t want to miss brunch with Santa on December 23, where the kiddos can fuel up for a day of Tahoe adventure while visiting with St. Nick. Stay nearby.
December 21-24: Ski with Santa
Santa visits Homewood Mountain Resort the weekend before Christmas for the great views, great skiing, and to check in with all of the naughty and nice boys and girls hitting the slopes this winter. Santa will be skiing all day every day, offering great photo ops with stunning Lake Tahoe backdrops. Stay nearby.
December 22: Cruise with Santa on the M.S. Dixie
The iconic paddle-wheel boat, the M.S. Dixie, departs the Zephyr Cove Marina at 12PM on December 22 with an iconic passenger, Santa Claus. The whole family will enjoy experiencing Tahoe from the water accompanied by hot drinks and treats. A professional photographer will help to capture the special day with Santa. Stay nearby.
December 24-25: Ski with Santa and Penguin Pete
Santa will be skiing with his good friend, the Diamond Peak mascot, Penguin Pete, on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. They can be found out on the slopes or in the base lodge area. With amazing views of Lake Tahoe, crisp corduroy, and affordable tickets, Diamond Peak is a great place to meet and take photos with Santa. Stay nearby.
Find Santa and Ms. Claus as they hit the slopes before a busy night of delivering gifts at Sugar Bowl Resort. A historic resort that was a favorite of Walt Disney’s, Sugar Bowl is a fun, laid-back mountain-perfect for finding some powder turns, enjoying long groomers, and taking photos with Santa and Ms. Claus. Stay nearby.
December 25: Santa’s Brunch and Ski with Santa
Of course Santa needs some breakfast after delivering gifts all night, and what better way to recuperate than to enjoy a hearty breakfast followed by some Christmas Day turns at Tahoe Donner? The breakfast starts at 10am followed by a half-day of skiing with Santa Claus at the Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort. Stay nearby.
Spending the holidays in North Lake Tahoe? Check out a roundup of our favorite holiday events here.
Will you be ringing in 2019 in North Lake Tahoe or Truckee? Check out a few of our favorite elegant affairs and family-friendly events.