The holiday season is a magical time around Lake Tahoe and the valley, with stunning scenery, tons of festive activities, and holiday light displays that are second to none. You'll find great activities for all ages this time of year, from the Festival of Winter Lights at the Lake Tahoe Historical Museum to community-wide celebrations like Northern Lights in Incline Village. Our real estate agents have the latest on Lake Tahoe light displays and holiday activities for 2025.

Festive Activities and Light Displays Around Lake Tahoe

Festival of Winter Lights – South Lake Tahoe, CA

Address: 3058 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

For a full day of holiday family fun, it's tough to top the annual Festival of Winter Lights, hosted at the Lake Tahoe Historical Museum. The event has free admission with tons of great festive activities, including a holiday market, carriage rides, visits with Santa, and activities for kids from the Tahoe Arts League. For holiday lights, visit the Trail of Lights for a scenic stroll and the historic 1930s cabin, which is fully decked out for the season. You can enjoy this event on December 12-13, 2025.

Northern Lights – Incline Village & Crystal Bay, NV

Address: Incline Village & Crystal Bay, NV

The Northern Lights holiday celebration in Incline Village and Crystal Bay is another great choice for a family outing, with festivities starting the first week of December and lasting throughout the holiday season. Both towns will be lit up for the holidays, especially along Tahoe Boulevard. Additional events that are part of Northern Lights include concerts from the North Tahoe Community Choir, brunch with Santa, holiday markets, and the Northern Lights Community Celebration. Opening weekend for this year's Northern Lights will take place December 5-7, 2025.

Holiday Tree Lighting at the Heavenly Village – South Lake Tahoe, CA

Address: 4080 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

The Shops at Heavenly Village will be hosting a month-long holiday celebration with the Holiday Tree Lighting at the Heavenly Village. Stop by at 5:30 PM on any date during that time to see Santa light the spectacular, 65-foot-tall Christmas Tree, then stick around for shopping and festive fun. Throughout the month, this event features free holiday concerts, ice sculpting, breakfast with Santa, and plenty of holiday shopping.

Hidden Valley Parade of Lights – Reno, NV

Address: Hidden Valley Neighborhood, Reno, NV 89502

The Hidden Valley Parade of Lights is a neighborhood-wide holiday light display and contest, with prizes for the best houses and best street. Visit the neighborhood from Thanksgiving Weekend through the holidays to see local homes and streets fully adorned with holiday lights. This is the 43rd year for the Hidden Valley Parade of Lights, making it one of the longest-running holiday light displays in the region.

Tahoe City Downtown Winter Lights – Tahoe City, CA

Address: Downtown Tahoe City, CA 96145

Tahoe City Downtown Winter Lights is another celebration and light display that takes place across the entire community, lasting for the whole holiday season. Many local homes and businesses participate by decorating with lights and trees, which you can enjoy while exploring all that the community has to offer. Enjoy a day of shopping, dining, and entertainment in Tahoe City, with holiday lights everywhere you go.

Silver & Snowflake Festival of Lights & Capitol Tree Lighting – Carson City, NV

Address: 101 N. Carson Street, Carson City, NV 89701

The annual Silver & Snowflake Festival of Lights brings the entire Carson City community together for a charming small-town celebration right in front of the Nevada State Capitol. Enjoy the official Capitol Tree Lighting, live musical performances from local school choirs, and festive appearances from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The surrounding downtown area glows with sparkling lights, creating a picture-perfect holiday atmosphere for families. This beloved celebration takes place on December 5.

Carson Valley Parade of Lights – Minden, NV

Address: 1610 Esmeralda Avenue, Minden, NV 89423

The Carson Valley Parade of Lights is a community tradition that lights up the night with illuminated floats, glowing vehicles, holiday music, and spirited local groups making their way down Highway 395. Thousands gather to watch this colorful procession as it winds through Gardnerville and Minden, bringing holiday cheer to residents of all ages. Expect festive costumes, creative displays, and plenty of seasonal excitement when the parade returns on December 6.

Searching for a Lake Tahoe home where you can create your own holiday light display? Our local team is here to help you achieve your real estate goals. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the Lake Tahoe area.