Mountain Town Magic - Winter Wonderland
New Year's and Christmas in Truckee are magical. We expect to see white snow and sparkling holiday lights from downtown to quaint neighborhoods bring the spirit of the holidays to life. Its historic buildings are adorned with sparkling Christmas lights. There's a palpable sense of excitement in the air. If you're planning a visit this December through the New Year, here are some helpful tips and insights to make the most of your trip.
What To Expect During Peak Periods in Truckee-Tahoe
It's no secret that the holidays are a peak season for visitors. Be sure to allow for extra travel time, practice patience, and embrace the holiday spirit. A simple smile and a friendly "Merry Christmas" can make the day enjoyable for everyone. Keep in mind that everyone on the slopes and in town is here for the same reason and that’s to have a good time, and those who are working are doing their utmost to meet your needs as efficiently as possible.
Plan Ahead - Make Ski Area Parking Reservations for selected holidays, Christmas & New Year’s Day
Although this is a popular time of year to visit, with some planning you can have MORE time on the slopes and less in traffic and lines. Plan ahead and make your parking reservations for ski areas WELL IN ADVANCE. While you’re at it, it’s a good idea to book lodging, ski rentals, lift tickets, and make dinner reservations too.
Palisades Tahoe and Northstar California have implemented reservations-based parking plans for weekends and holiday peak periods for the 2024/25 winter season.
Know Before You Go - Check Weather, Traffic, Cams
Check the daily Truckee-Tahoe Travel Alert and use our Guide to Winter Weekend Traffic to help plan ahead, avoid crowds, and have a great time while you're here.
Where to Get Groceries - Shop Local to Fully Stock Your Cabin
Get a jump on Truckee grocery shopping, where big brands such as Raleys ONE and Safeway do curbside pickup and carry all of the holiday foods you are looking for.
Want to support locally grown farmers and small grocers? Order locally-grown fruits, vegetables, meats, and more ahead of time via Tahoe Food Hub’s online option “Harvest to Order.” The farmers pick the produce when you order it ensuring you get peak freshness.
If you prefer someone to do it ALL for you, have groceries, prescriptions, cakes, balloons, and more delivered to your hotel room or vacation home by Just Better Delivery. And, you can always treat yourself by hiring a chef to cook for your family and friends.
Christmas Day & New Year’s Eve Dining Options
Truckee chefs embrace the festive spirit, serving up their unique take on the traditional holiday meal. Delight in scrumptious sides, decadent desserts, and breathtaking mountain views to ensure you and your loved ones create unforgettable holiday memories. Here are some of our top recommendations for the finest Christmas and New Year's Eve dinners in Truckee, just for you and your guests.
Spread Holiday Cheer with Truckee Community Cares Giving Campaign
This all-volunteer nonprofit brings the community together to support families and individuals in need during the holidays.
From now through mid-December, you can help make a difference:
- Food Drive: Donate grocery gift cards to help recipients choose their holiday meals.
- Toy & Coat Drive: Drop off gently used coats and new, unwrapped toys at bins stationed around town.
In 2023, TCC supported over 200 families, provided grocery gift cards for local seniors, and delivered gifts to unhoused and newly housed community members. This year, your generosity can help them do even more. Learn more and donate at Truckee Community Cares.
Shop Local in Truckee for Last Minute Christmas Gifts
For those who may not be keen on shopping or are short on time, we have the perfect solution – The Sustainable Truckee Gift Card! It's redeemable at 60+ locations and counting. Use it to grab new skis for the kids from one of the finest outdoor gear shops around. Treat Rufus to an envy-inducing collar and leash, tested by avalanche dogs from Wild and Ruff. Pamper Mom with a well-deserved massage at one of our spas. And for the hard-to-shop-for Dad, offer them a unique experience. To spark your creativity, here are 20 fantastic ways to use the gift card. Check out unique shops and boutiques in Truckee.
Winter Activities & Things To Do During the Holidays
You may come for skiing and snowboarding, but you'll find plenty more winter activities to keep you in Truckee when the snow is good! Enjoy a bit of solitude by cross country skiing or snowshoeing in Donner Memorial State Park. Lace up a pair of ice skates at the rinks at Northstar Mountain Resort or at the Truckee River Regional Park near downtown. Scream in delight with your kiddos as you sled down a hill at Donner Snowplay. Take in the snow-filled wonderland on Truckee’s plowed, paved trails such as the Truckee River Legacy Trail. Or just enjoy a hot cocoa or cup of coffee at one of our many coffee shops. There's something for everyone to enjoy in Truckee this winter!
Where to See Santa in Truckee
Even though this is Santa’s busiest season getting ready for his big day, he still makes time to meet with every child and ensure they get their holiday wishes granted. While there are countless Santa visits, here are a few of our holiday favorites:
- Christmas Day Ski with Santa! Holly jolly fun on the slopes! Ski with Santa at Tahoe Donner Downhill Resort when the lifts open at 11:30am on Christmas Day.
- Festive Fridays: Dec 6th, 13th, & 20th. Enjoy a special Sip ‘n’ Shop, a Snowflake Scavenger Hunt, holiday carolers, visits with Santa, and a festive selfie station to capture the holiday spirit in Downtown Truckee.
- Santa's Schedule at Palisades Tahoe: Dec 21-24, Santa will be spreading holiday cheer! Enjoy holiday story time and singalongs, and take photos as a family.
- Photos with Santa at Vous at Northstar California: Dec 20-21, Capture memories with complimentary photos with Santa on his red chairlift at Vous.
- Winter Wonders at Northstar California: Dec 22-24, Visits and letters to Santa, face painting, and hot chocolate.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Historic Downtown Truckee or at Truckee-Tahoe Ski Areas
If you plan to head out on New Year's Eve, we highly recommend taking TART Connect (free, on-demand shuttle in Truckee). Historic Downtown Truckee boasts numerous restaurants and pubs that host exciting New Year's Eve celebrations.
Palisades Tahoe:
In Truckee, skiing is a way of life, so it's no surprise that we kick off the New Year on skis. Everyone aged 5 and older can join the torchlight parade down the slopes of Palisades Tahoe in Olympic Valley, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. Then, head to a NYE disco after party for a night of music and dancing.
Northstar California:
Ring in the New Year at Northstar California's celebration. Northstar will be hosting a key headliner band and bringing in all the experiential lighting with a DRONE show to bring the festivities to life!
Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center:
Enjoy an evening under the stars this New Year’s Eve with a guided snowshoe tour of the cross country trails at night! Check out this NYE guided snowshoe tour here.
In Truckee:
Alternatively, stay in Truckee where you can head over to Tahoe Donner to ring in the new year with live music from local group Bias and Dunn at Alder Creek Adventure Center’s all-ages, family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration! Enjoy a festive tapas-style menu, a great selection of beer and wine and s’mores kits for the kids. The Times Square countdown will be streamed live on the big screen, with the big countdown taking place at 9PM (midnight EST).
