Attractions
Festival of Winter Lights
Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum
3058 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150December 12
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
December 4 @ 4:56 am
Festival of Winter Lights & Holiday in History, Friday & Saturday, December 12 & 13, 2025
Join the City of South Lake Tahoe for an enchanting outdoor holiday market perfect for the whole family. Shop local vendors, take a photo with Santa, embark on a winter carriage ride, and bask in the festive lights. Admission is free!
This outdoor holiday market-style event will be held in the parking lot of the Lake Tahoe Historical Museum at 3058 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe.
Attendees can look forward to a full array of free holiday festivities including Borges Winter Carriage Rides, kid’s activities with the Tahoe Art League, photos next to the Christmas Fire Engine, take a tour of the decorated 1930s cabin, Trail of Lights, and visits to Santa’s House. There will also be plenty of entertainment.
Need to start your holiday shopping? Support our local vendors and pick up some unique and creative gifts for friends and family. While you shop you can also enjoy hot beverages or a bite to eat from the various food vendors. In the spirit of holiday giving, please consider bringing an unwrapped toy to support Toys for Tots.
Parking is available at the City’s Recreation Complex or the Boys and Girls Club. Due to limited parking, please carpool, or take public transportation to and from the event. Lake Link will also be providing free rides during the event. To book a ride with Lake Link, visit their website: https://ss-tma.org/lake-link/ and download the app on your smartphone.
Gingerbread House Village
Guests are invited to explore the Gingerbread House Village, showcasing stunning creations as part of the Lake Tahoe Gingerbread Competition, sponsored by Visit Lake Tahoe. From cozy cottages to whimsical masterpieces, each gingerbread house is a true work of art. Attendees can cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award and help celebrate the creativity of local creators.
To enter the competition, register on CivicRec beginning October 1.
Holidays in History
For over 20 years the Lake Tahoe Historical Society has held “Holidays in History” at the museum complex, and that tradition continues again this year. Tour the 1930’s decorated cabin, step into the museum, also with its decorations, and enjoy free tours. The bookstore will be open during the event, a perfect place for local holiday treats! Santa will be sitting at the 1860 Toll House – what a great photo opp! Museum hours during Holidays in History will be the same as the festival, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Click here for the Holiday in History event
This year’s event featuring:
- A bustling Holiday Market, featuring a lineup of local makers and artisans offering handcrafted gifts, holiday treats, and seasonal treasures.
- The return of the beloved Gingerbread House Village, showcasing creative entries from this year’s gingerbread competition. Guests are encouraged to vote for their favorite creation as part of the People’s Choice Award.
- Cozy lighted Winter Carriage Rides with Tahoe Sleigh Ride
- Holiday fun at the local museum with “Holiday in History” tours and historic cabin visits
- Kids’ crafts and activities brought to you by the Tahoe Art League
- Photos with the Christmas Fire Engine
- Stroll along the Trail of Lights
- Visits with Santa at Santa’s House
- Seasonal food and drinks from local vendors, plus a free hot chocolate courtesy of The Lake Tahoe Historical Society.
- Live entertainment featuring local musicians, dance performances by Lake Tahoe Shining Stars, the High School Jazz Combo Band, and Lake Tahoe Unified School District Choirs, all adding to the warm and festive atmosphere.
- Limited-edition Festival of Winter Lights commemorative mugs with a brand-new 2025 design: perfect for sipping cocoa or glühwein and supporting the community. Available in limited quantities.
For event details, entertainment schedule, vendor list, and parking information, go to: https://cityofslt.us/1260/Festival-of-Winter-Lights
In the spirit of holiday giving, please bring a new unwrapped toy and drop it off at the Toys for Tots booth.
This FREE outdoor holiday market-style event will be hosted in the Lake Tahoe Museum parking lot at 3058 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
Lodging in Lake Tahoe
