Last Minute Family Holidays Getaways Available at South Lake Tahoe

Escape From Reality for a Memorable Winter Celebration

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Dec. 15, 2023 (SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev.) – It’s that most magical time of the year at South Lake Tahoe with inclusive Christmas week packages available for the spontaneous traveler. A winter adventure awaits, combining the iconic beauty of Tahoe with its refreshing mountain air, the scent of pines, and the restorative powers of Mother Nature combined with family holiday events, a plethora of lodging options, dining, entertainment, nightlife and outdoor activities. Travel is also convenient, with easy access from the Bay Area and Northern California.

The 2023-2024 ski and ride season is underway and ready to assume its position as the area’s No. 1 attraction through the holidays and into the New Year, www.visitlaketahoe.com. The snowmaking teams at South Shore ski resorts have jumpstarted the season and are expanding terrain with more opening as conditions allow. For current lift and mountain operations visit: Heavenly Mountain Resort, Kirkwood Mountain Resort and Sierra-at-Tahoe.

“This is a rare opportunity now for guests looking to make a break and take advantage of Christmas and New Year’s at Tahoe,” said Carol Chaplin, president and CEO of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. “Now’s the chance for families who’ve always wanted to celebrate the holidays together in this special setting to make it a reality. Whether it’s gathering with family and friends before a cozy, warm fireplace, staring at the stars in a clear night sky, or out and about the town, Tahoe will deliver the smiles and memories.”

For information on packages, events, promotions, and conditions, visit Visit Lake Tahoe: https://visitlaketahoe.com.

SANTA, ICE SKATING AND MAGIC

The Heavenly Holidays will celebrate the town’s central gathering place with a month-long series of good tidings and cheer for kids young and old in the Heavenly Village, including traditional favorites: Breakfast with Santa, at Fire & Ice Dec. 16, 23; Heavenly Winter Early Movie Premiers, Illumination’s new movie Migration, Dec. 21; Santa Claus is Skiing to Town at Heavenly Mountain Resort, Dec. 16; Heavenly Village Holiday Sip & Shop near Basecamp Pizza with free wine tasting, Dec. 17; Village Ice Sculpture Contest with local ice sculptors creating their designs, Dec. 26; Meet Your Favorite Characters, from Disney and kids shows, Dec. 26-30; Visit Lake Tahoe Ferris Wheel, Dec. 27-31; Holiday Face Painting, Dec. 27-31; Dec. 29-30; Visit Lake Tahoe Build-A-Bear, Dec. 27- 31; Holiday Paint & Sip, Saturdays in December at Ski Run Marina. New this year with Heavenly Holidays includes Champagne & Chocolate Sleigh Ride Tasting Experience a 45-minute horse-drawn or carriage tour through the picturesque streets of South Lake Tahoe paired with complimentary champagne from Champagne & Chocolate Co. Fridays through Mondays in December. For all Heavenly Holidays details, times, and costs visit: https://visitlaketahoe.com/.

Edgewood On Ice features an outdoor ice rink surrounded by pristine views of the resort and snow-capped mountains and is open for Lodge guests and the public. Skate under the stars and then enjoy outdoor firepits at the Bistro with a warm beverage. The magic continues throughout the winter, with the rink open daily from 4:30 – 10 p.m. as conditions allow. Additional South Shore ice rinks include the outdoor venue in the Heavenly Village and indoors at the South Tahoe Ice Arena.

Bally’s Lake Tahoe hosts the classic Nutcracker ballet presented by the Reno Dance Company on Dec. 22 and Dec. 23.

For more holiday magic, there’s the “Mystifying” and “Mind-Bending”Alex Ramon – Real Magic at Harveys Lake Tahoe, Tuesdays – Saturdays through March. 2, 2024. Magic Fusion performances are also available nightly at the Loft Theater in the Heavenly Village.

NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS

Live music will take place on Heavenly Village’s Main Stage with multiple DJs and bands, Dec. 31 from 2 p.m. until 9:30 with headliner The Kristen Brown Band from NBC’s The Voice. Heavenly Holidays reaches its zenith on 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 fireworks show.

Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Peek Nightclub hosts an explosive pre-New Year’s party with the Ying Yang Twins, an American hip hop duo, for and evening of music, lights, and champagne, Dec. 30.

To celebrate midnight Pacific Time, the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino (formerly Hard Rock Lake Tahoe) introduces “Light Up The Night”, free to the public, with two DJs on the Alpine Union Balcony and a fireworks show to welcome 2024. Premium heated seating and a champagne toast are available for purchase.

Ring in 2024 under the stars with the scenic views of Lake Tahoe on board the M.S. Dixie II at Zephyr Cove. Embark on the New Year’s Eve cruise starting at 6:30 p.m., including a plated meal, countdown (eastern-time) with a champagne toast.

The Tahoe Blue Event Center will also ring in the New Year with two-nights of Excision, Dec. 30-31. Originally from British Columbia, Excision has spent his career dedicated to the Bass Music scene – leading and innovating in the creation of a massive, passionate Dubstep community, this genre of electronic dance music originated in South London in the early 2000s.

Dining options run the gamut from spectacular steak houses and formal gourmet to casual and family style offerings – including the new restaurants LandShark Bar & Grill and JWB Prime that just opened at the new Margaritaville Lake Tahoe. For clubbers making the rounds, Tahoe breweries boast serious variety and quality with dozens of establishments. (Make sure you take public transportation, free Lake Link, Uber, taxi or anoint a designated driver.) 

If traveling to Tahoe via car, tourism officials recommend being prepared by continually monitoring road conditions. For winter driving tips visit https://visitlaketahoe.com/destination-update/. Visit Lake Tahoe offers timely updates and key travel information at “Know Before You Go” and Responsible Recreation.

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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 travelat Visit Lake Tahoe, call 1-800-288-2463 or log onto www.VisitLakeTahoe.com

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