Spontaneous Getaways Await at South Lake Tahoe – Recent Storms, Snowmaking, Spectacular Beauty,
Entertainment & Easy Access Translate to Memorable Holiday

Dec. 22, 2025 (SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev.) – The greatest holiday gift arrived just in time for Christmas at South Shore with seven inches and counting of new snow to guarantee skiers, riders and winter travelers a memorable Lake Tahoe seasonal celebration. “Wait Until Dec 25 to Open” will not apply to visitors and locals anxious to hit the slopes, shred or catch some air at South Lake Tahoe as Heavenly and Kirkwood open with Sierra-at-Tahoe ready as soon as conditions allow. www.visitlaketahoe.com
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Dec. 23-26 with snow accumulations between 1 to 2 feet at lake level with 2 to 4 feet above 7,000 feet.
The snowmaking teams at South Shore ski resorts have jump-started the season and continue to expand terrain with the fresh snowfall. For current lift and mountain operations visit: Heavenly Mountain Resort, Kirkwood Mountain Resort and Sierra-at-Tahoe. Unwrap the holiday magic with endless events, shopping, dining, entertainment, nightlife and outdoor activities with a selection of lodging options for every budget. Holiday bookings are available for convenient access from the Bay Area and Northern California.
“Winter white is the dress code for Christmas and this storm has delivered,” said Carol Chaplin, president and CEO of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. “Holiday skiing and riding are finally set, with expectations for our snowiest months in the new year, typically January through March.”
To prep for upcoming travel via car, Tahoe tourism officials recommend visitors stay prepared by monitoring road conditions and to check winter driving tips and key travel information at “Know Before You Go.”
Activities to complement the snow abound as Heavenly Holidays continue to bring merriment to the Heavenly Village the remainder of 2025 with Meet Your Favorite Disney Characters, Dec. 26-30; Village Ice Sculpture, Dec. 26; Visit Lake Tahoe Ferris Wheel, Dec. 27-31; Visit Lake Tahoe Build-A-Bear, Dec. 27-31. For all Heavenly Holidays events, days and times visit: visitlaketahoe.com.
Bally’s Lake Tahoe showroom acts include Who’s Bad – A Michael Jackson Tribute, Dec. 27, and the Tahoe Adventure Film Festival, Jan. 10.
NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS
The closing ceremony for Heavenly Holidays is New Year’s Eve with a gondola drop at 9 p.m. PT, coordinated with the midnight ball drop in New York City’s Time Square, accompanied by a fireworks show. Live music starts at 4 p.m. and concludes with Eric Paslay, platinum selling, Grammy-nominated country star, joined by national touring acts Jared James Nichols, CJ Solar and Mark Mackay.
Meet Me in La La Land: New Year’s Eve at Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe rings the golden age of glamour back to life with Sinatra-inspired cocktails, live jazz with award-winning singer Sacha Boutros and her vintage quartet featuring Patrick Hogan from Las Vegas, dancing, balloon drop, and a midnight champagne toast.
Edgewood Tahoe combines the elegance of the Roaring Twenties with the breathtaking alpine charm of Lake Tahoe for a glitz and glamour New Year’s Eve soirée in the Clubhouse. Celebrate the arrival of 2026 in lavish style with an unforgettable evening that includes live music and dancing beginning at 9 p.m., countdown ball drop celebration, complimentary beer, wine and passed bubbles, late-night passed appetizers and dessert station and with Gatsby-inspired attire encouraged.
Caesars Republic and Harrah’s Lake Tahoe ring in 2026 at multiple locations with DJ Angie Vee at Peek Nightclub; Wolf by Vanderpump features extended hours and a live DJ; there’s Dueling Pianos on the Caesars Republic casino floor, and Arty the Party, Tahoe icon who spins and sings popular dance hits at Harrah’s.
The Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino is hosting a New Year’s Eve Party on the Plaza at Saltgrass restaurant patio under the heated lamps featuring DJs and a fireworks show at midnight to welcome 2026.
New Year’s Eve Party at the Idle Hour Wine & Bubbly Bar offers a sparkling start to 2026 prior to the late-night rush with live entertainment, light snacks and house wine Dec. 31 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. (Reservations required.)
Guests can board the M.S. Dixie II for a night of fine dining and live entertainment in unforgettable fashion with a three-course gourmet dinner, live music and dancing and champagne toast from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
At the Heavenly Village, The Loft Tahoe will be transformed into a New Year’s Eve dance party with an open bar from 10-11 p.m., DJ, and a midnight champagne toast.
Riva Grill, a longtime lakefront favorite, featuring continental cuisine located two miles from the state line, will host a New Year’s Eve party with dinner specials starting at 4 p.m. (reservations recommended), live music and dancing beginning at 9 p.m., and complimentary champagne toast at midnight.
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CONTACT:
Contact: Jenn Boyd Lemming or Phil Weidinger, Weidinger Public Relations, 775-588-2412 or jennifer@weidingerpr.com.
About the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority
Designated the “America’s Favorite Ski Destination” by USA TODAY readers, Visit Lake Tahoe combines the distinctive appeal of two worlds: unparalleled natural beauty and an array of world-class outdoor recreation, entertainment, nightlife and gaming. As a responsible tourism destination, it offers a balanced approach regarding social and environmental impacts to preserve its appeal for generations. For information about lodging, recreation, events, and mindful travel at Visit Lake Tahoe www.VisitLakeTahoe.com.