Northern Lights Holiday Events in Tahoe Shine On for Another Festive Week of Fun

(Content provided by IVCBA and co-authors)

Decades ago, folks at Village Ski Loft and Diamond Peak teamed up to kick off the ski season and create the first Northern Lights Festival.

At the time, the biggest event was free skiing at our local community to get everyone in the spirit of the season and to boost early-winter visitation to our charming mountain community. It was a huge success and has grown into one of the West's most festive events, spanning two weeks!

Now spearheaded by the Incline Village Crystal Bay Business Association (IVCBA), the festival hosts the "Northern Lights Community Celebration" on December 5, which is one of two signature events for the community and business association. Held in Prim Library on the University of Nevada’s Tahoe campus, the event brings the entire community together to kick off the holidays in Incline Village. 

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in style by a North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District fire engine.  Kids and families follow him into Prim Library for a chance to take a photo and share their biggest Christmas-present wishes.  Nonprofits and service clubs offer games and crafts. Entertainment features the Incline Middle School Jazz Band and the Great Futures Holiday Show by Boys and Girls Club North Lake Tahoe.

A Forest of Giving Trees in Prim Library decorates the venue, linking the “reason for the season” to this community gathering. Over 30 nonprofits invite you to support them by visiting their tree and donating through a QR code on their ornaments. Attendees vote on the most original, most decorated, and best-themed tree. 

The grand finale of the Northern Lights Community Celebration is officially lighting the 18 ft tree provided by the fire district. The community will decorate it with donated lights and ornaments made by students at Incline Elementary School. 

Jingle Mingle on December 12 brings forth another holiday tradition. What used to be a mixer in one locale is now a community-wide shopping day in the major shopping centers. Locals mingle and enjoy holiday cheer at participating merchants, supporting them by purchasing holiday gifts. 

For more details on the Northern Lights holiday festival and things to do at Lake Tahoe during the holidays, and bookmark IVCBA's Calendar of Events.