Northern Lights Festival returns; Opening weekend launches month of holiday magic in Incline Village, Crystal Bay
November 26, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 11/26/2025, Staff Report
Embrace the enchantment of the winter season in Incline Village and Crystal Bay, Nevada. The beloved Northern Lights Festival is back for the entire month of December, bringing festive cheer, family fun, and a vibrant lineup of holiday events that light up our mountain town from now through New Year’s Eve.
Northern Lights is our community’s signature winter celebration, featuring a full calendar of heartwarming, family-friendly, and arts-focused events for all ages. This year’s festivities begin with an unforgettable Opening Weekend, kicking off the first week of December with traditions old and new.
Get Ready to Sparkle: The Northern Lights Community Celebration is Coming!
November 26, 2025 | Julie Malkin-Manning
The holidays are officially upon us, and there is no better way to kick off the season than by gathering with friends and neighbors for an afternoon of pure festive fun.
On Saturday, December 6, we are turning UNR’s Prim Library into a winter wonderland for the annual Northern Lights Community Celebration. From 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM, get ready for a merry day of music, laughter, and that special kind of magic that only happens when our community comes together.
If you’ve been looking for the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit, this is it. We are serving up wholesome holiday chaos in the best possible way, and you are invited to come play!
This year, we are pulling out all the stops with entertainment that highlights the incredible talent right here in our community.
We have the Incline Elementary Choir bringing the cute factor to an all-time high, followed by the Middle School Jazz Band delivering smooth holiday tunes. And you don’t want to miss the High School Cheer Team dialing up the energy with the very same performance they are taking to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!
Before show, keep your eyes peeled for Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will be making their entrance on a North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District Fire Truck. Need a warm-up? The Washoe County Sheriff Department and Cpt. Cola will be on deck serving hot cocoa to keep everyone toasty. UNR will be providing hot cider and cookies, and Raley’s has donated snack size sandwiches, perfect for elves.
One of the most heartwarming parts of the celebration is our Giving Tree Forest. This year, we are featuring close to 30 holiday trees, each one decorated by a local organization to represent their mission and impact.
This isn’t just about pretty lights (though there will be plenty of those!). Each tree features opportunities for you to give back; whether through time, treasure, or talent. It is a beautiful reminder of the generosity that fuels our town.
Plus, we need your help! Community members will vote for their favorite tree (People’s Choice) and a committee will select two additional winners:
Most Creative & Crafty Tree (Best use of handmade/recycled materials)
Most On-Theme Tree (Best reflects the organization’s mission)
Make sure to cast your vote and help your favorite organization earn bragging rights for the year!
It wouldn’t be a celebration without games and crafts. Organizations from all over the region are hosting tables with interactive activities for kids and adults alike, including an elf scavenger hunt and holiday card making stations.
Here is a sneak peek at who you can meet:
AAUW
Pet Network
Rotary Tahoe Incline
Sierra Community House
Toys for Tots
BGCNLT
IVGID Parks & Rec
The Pet Network
Rotary InterACT
Incline Elementary Foundation
IVCBA
Travel North Tahoe Nevada
The Follies
Daisy Trails
Sustainable Tahoe, and more!
There will be plenty of photo spots to capture your holiday card memories, games to play, and crafts to make and take home.
We will wrap up the festivities with a spectacular solar-powered community tree lighting. This year’s tree was donated by the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District and will shine bright as a symbol of our shared holiday spirit.
This event is proudly brought to you by IVCBA, IVGID, UNR Lake Tahoe, NLTFPD, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, and Raley’s.
So, mark your calendars, grab your mittens, and join us for an afternoon that promises to be the highlight of the season. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
For more information about the Community Celebration and all the events happening during the Northern Lights Holiday Festival, visit ivcba.org.
Embrace the enchantment of the winter season in our charming mountain community of Incline Village and Crystal Bay, Nevada. The beloved Northern Lights Festival is back for the entire month of December—bringing festive cheer, family fun, and a vibrant lineup of holiday events that light up our mountain town from now through New Year’s Eve.
Northern Lights is our community’s signature winter celebration, featuring a full calendar of heartwarming, family-friendly, and arts-focused events for all ages. This year’s festivities begin with an unforgettable Opening Weekend, kicking off the first week of December with traditions old and new.
Opening Weekend Highlights (Dec. 4–7)
The 2025 season officially begins with a packed slate of events that showcase the best of winter in Tahoe:
Diamond Peak Opening Day & Kickoff Party (Dec. 4 & 5) Weather permitting, the mountain opens for the 2025–26 ski season with first-chair festivities, followed by the Season Kickoff Party at Alibi Ale Works on the 5th.
North Tahoe Community Choir Holiday Concert (Dec. 4 & 6) Under the direction of Donna Axton, this beloved community choir performs its annual holiday show at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, a treasured tradition for locals and visitors alike.
Tahoe Film Fest (Dec. 4–7) Hosted across Incline Village Cinema, Village Cinemas at Northstar, and the Crystal Bay Casino Crown Room, this four-day event celebrates independent films and environmental storytelling.
Lake Tahoe School Christmas Market (Dec. 5) Shop local artisans and seasonal treats during this annual indoor market, 5–8 PM at Lake Tahoe School.
Tahoe Family Solutions Brunch with Santa (Dec. 6) A local favorite at The Chateau featuring breakfast, holiday activities, and photos with Santa.
IVCBA Northern Lights Community Celebration at UNR at Lake Tahoe Prim Library (Dec. 6) The beloved tradition once known as Candy Cane Lane + Village has evolved into the Northern Lights Community Celebration & Giving Tree Event, hosted by IVCBA, UNR at Lake Tahoe, and IVGID. This festive gathering brings the community together in the spirit of giving, featuring the new Giving Tree Forest—a beautiful display of decorated trees from local nonprofits and service clubs highlighting ways to give back. Families will enjoy Santa and Mrs. Claus’ fire-engine arrival, crafts, and a scavenger hunt, while teens and adults explore interactive tables and “Cocoa with the Captain.” The event concludes with a joyful tree lighting and Giving Tree contest awards.
Reno Jazz Orchestra presents Home for the Holidays (Dec. 7) Enjoy an uplifting holiday performance by the Reno Jazz Orchestra. Swing into the sounds of the season as the Reno Jazz Orchestra shares the stage with some of the most talented hometown stars in Reno.
The Celebration Continues All Month
Following Opening Weekend, the holiday magic keeps going with:
IVCBA Jingle & Mingle Holiday Shopping Day – Saturday, December 13th
Cornerstone: A Night in Bethlehem – Friday, December 12th
Tahoe Philharmonic’s “Messiah” – Friday, December 19th
Light Shows, live music & Santa Events – All through December
Holiday services from all our local churches – December 24th & 25th
New Year’s Eve gatherings throughout the Basin – December 31st
From twinkling lights to live music, community giving, artisan shopping, and winter traditions, Northern Lights offers something special for every resident and visitor. December in Incline Village and Crystal Bay is simply magical. Come experience the season with us.
The Local Lens – Help kick-off Northern Lights the first weekend of December!
November 19, 2025 | Linda Offerdahl
IVCBA is bringing the “reason for the season” to its annual event that has most recently been named Candy Cane Village. This year’s Northern Lights Community Celebration on December 6 brings a “forest of giving trees” to the Prim Library on the UNR at Lake Tahoe campus. Over 25 nonprofits will bring a decorated (under 4 feet) tree complete with their wish list on ornaments and tags. There WILL be a community tree lighting outside, thanks to the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, who will also be delivering Nevada Santa and Mrs. Claus. Nonprofits and schools will provide activities for all ages and entertainment, including the traditional concert by Incline Elementary School students led by their teacher, Shauna Righellis. As usual, Cocoa with Captain Cola from the Incline Substation.
Northern Lights Tahoe is a month-long celebration of holiday events by our businesses and nonprofits. IVCBA.org Northern Lights Calendar covers EVERYTHING, including faith-based services and New Year’s Eve events.
IVCBA is the Community and Business Association that promotes our local businesses and nonprofits, organizes community events, and produces the Weekly SnapShot! If you are a subscriber and regular reader, please join as a Community Supporter for $50. If you are not a subscriber, do for free! Go to IVCBA.org. We are financially supported by our local agency “investors”, and our business community and residents. Please help!JOIN HERE
Reno Jazz Orchestra Presents, “Home for the Holidays”
November 13, 2025 | Member Submitted
~Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra, Featured Reno Vocalists, to Perform with the RJO ~
The Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) will present its Home for the Holidays concert on December 7, 2025, at 2:00 pm at the University of Nevada, Reno, Nightingale Concert Hall.
“This year’s performance will feature classic selections such as ‘Home for the Holidays’ and ‘Silent Night,’ among other rearranged favorites, all performed in a Big Band style,” said Dr. Greg Johnson, Reno Jazz Orchestra’s Music Director.
“In addition, the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra will open the event, and three of the region’s distinguished vocalists—Whitney Myer, Kyle Rea and Cami Thompson—will perform. All combined, the Reno Jazz Orchestra promises an idyllic family outing that will leave everyone feeling merry and bright,” said Johnson.
The Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra will kick off their 20th season with their annual holiday show, continuing their tradition of showcasing young talent.
Whitney Myer is a singer, songwriter, and real estate professional from Reno, known for her strong vocal abilities and engaging live performances. She has performed on national platforms such as The Voice and throughout Reno, consistently earning recognition for her musical talent and presence.
Kyle Rea is a local vocalist who seamlessly bridges classic and contemporary pieces with his exceptional talent. Whether he’s performing solo or with an orchestra, he’s a vocal powerhouse who promises a truly special evening, joining the Orchestra to add to the holiday magic.
Cami Thompson is a singer, actor, band leader, music director, arranger, songwriter and teacher who has gained a worldwide reputation for wowing audiences around the world with her 4-octave voice of great beauty, control, and passion, as well as her zany wit.
Tickets with pre-reserved seating are available for $30, $40 and $50. Student tickets are $10 with a valid ID. To purchase, visit RenoJazzOrchestra.org or call (775) 372-6160.
Giving More Reason for the Season: Northern Lights Holiday Community Celebration
November 12, 2025 | Julie Malkin-Manning
The beloved holiday tradition once known as Candy Cane Lane + Village has blossomed into the Northern Lights Holiday Community Celebration, offering a richer experience for the entire community. Set for Saturday, December 6th, from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM at the UNR Lake Tahoe Prim Library, this year’s celebration expands its focus to embrace the spirit of giving and provide engaging activities for teens and adults, alongside the classic fun for kids.
The event’s centerpiece is the new “Giving Tree Forest.” Local nonprofits and service clubs will showcase beautifully decorated trees, each highlighting opportunities to contribute time, treasure, or talent. This offers a meaningful way for attendees to connect with and support vital community organizations.
While younger children will delight in Santa and Mrs. Claus’ arrival on a fire engine (2:15PM), craft stations, Santa Letter writing stations, and a scavenger hunt, there’s plenty for others to enjoy. Explore interactive nonprofit tables, enjoy youth and community musical performances, Cocoa with the Captain, and plenty of photo opportunities. The day concludes with an outdoor tree lighting ceremony where the winners of the Giving Tree contest will be announced.
Join your neighbors for this festive gathering that celebrates community, supports local causes like Toys for Tots, and offers holiday fun for every member of the family. It’s a perfect way to kick off the season with joy and purpose.
2025 Northern Lights Community Event is presented by:
IVCBA – Incline Village Crystal Bay Community Association
Maestro James Rawie proudly announces the 21st annual production of HANDEL’s MESSIAH now presented by Tahoe Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus. The series includes performances in five distinct locations. The Reno-Tahoe-Gardnerville and South Lake Tahoe communities continue enjoying this wonderful holiday MESSIAH tradition.
Messiah was first performed in Dublin, Ireland on March 23, 1742 and was conducted by its composer, George Frederic Handel. It continues to be a masterpiece that has left audiences in awe for 279 years. Tahoe Philharmonic’s production is a celebration of the holidays and includes not only favorite selections from Messiah Parts One and Three, but also seasonal carols that the audience will be most welcome to join in singing.
Joining the Tahoe Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus for this production are Anne Davidson, Anna Helwing and Debbie Sessions, sopranos; Lorelei vanPeborgh and Michele Izor, mezzo; Michael Lloyd, tenor; and Stuart Duke, baritone. TahoePhil Chamber Orchestra features Cliff Richardson as concertmaster; Katie Cardoza and Nick Haines as continuo; with Joshua Dunlap and Cortez Montalbo on Baroque trumpets. All performances will be conducted by Maestro James Rawie, TahoePhil’s Founder and Executive Artistic Director.
Tickets are available online at www.tickettailor.com/events/tahoephilharmonic or at the door 30 minutes prior to each concert. General admission is $30 adults; preferred seating is $40 and $15 for youth/students and Premium seating is $50 adults/$25 youth. Seniors enjoy a $5 discount in all seating areas. All students under 23 (with ID) are free.
WHERE and WHEN
Sunday. Dec. 7…. 3:00pm GARDNERVILLE: St Gall Church- 1343 Centerville Lane
Saturday. Dec. 13.. 6:30pm RENO: St Luke’s Lutheran Church • 3835 Lakeside Dr
Sunday. Dec. 14.. 3:00pm RENO: St Rose of Lima Church •100 Bishop Manogue Dr
Friday. Dec. 19.. 6:30pm INCLINE: St. Francis Catholic Church- 701 Mt. Rose Hwy
Here’s Where to Spend New Year’s Eve in Incline Village/Crystal Bay—and Happy New Year!
Catch an Early Torchlight Parade and Fireworks Show at Mt. Rose End 2024 in style and get a jumpstart on 2025 with a day of skiing or snowboarding at Mt. Rose, followed by a snowcat parade, torchlight ski parade, and fireworks display on the main side of the mountain. The snowcat parade begins at 4:45 PM after skiers clear the slopes, followed by the torchlight ski parade at 5:00 PM and fireworks at 5:45 PM. It’s a family-friendly event you won’t want to miss—and you’ll still have time to catch the next party! More info:www.skirose.com
The Bowl Incline New Year’s Eve Party Bowl Incline will close to the public on December 31 at 6:00 PM for a one-of-a-kind New Year’s Eve celebration. Ticketholders get an all-access pass to an evening packed with activities and indulgence.
Upscale Buffet: Open from 6:00–8:00 PM. A late-night snack buffet will be available from 9:00–11:00 PM.
Entertainment: A DJ, dancing in the upstairs lounge, party favors, and a midnight champagne toast. Tickets: $250/adults, $100/kids (ages 2–13). Purchase online at www.bowlincline.com.
The Funk Hunters at Crystal Bay Casino Ring in the New Year with The Funk Hunters and special guests Marvel Years and TWOGOOD for an unforgettable party. Known for blending forward-thinking electronic music with old-school funk, soul, and hip-hop, The Funk Hunters promise an electrifying performance.
Free After Party: Red Room After Party with The Rhino.
Have Some Bubbly at Glasses Wine Bar Celebrate New Year’s Eve—and Glasses Wine Bar’s 8th anniversary—with their 8th Annual East Coast Party!
When: Doors open at 6:30 PM; festivities begin at 7:00 PM.
What’s Included: Live music, party hats, noisemakers, appetizers, and sparkling wine as you toast at East Coast midnight (9:00 PM local time). Tickets: $40/person ($34 for Wine Club members). Advance purchase required—no walk-ins. More info: www.glasseswinebar.com
Ring in 2025 at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Hyatt Regency with:
A festive party at Cutthroat’s Saloon.
A special dinner soiree at Lone Eagle Grille. Welcome 2025 on January 1 with:
No matter how you choose to celebrate, Incline Village and Crystal Bay offer something for everyone this New Year’s Eve. From family-friendly festivities and dazzling fireworks to lively parties and gourmet dining, there’s no shortage of ways to ring in 2025. Start the new year surrounded by the beauty of Lake Tahoe and the vibrant energy of these unforgettable events. Cheers to a happy, healthy, and exciting year ahead!
Happy New Year from Incline Village and Crystal Bay!
The Local Lens – Celebrating the Season with Jingle & Mingle
December 11, 2024 | Julie Malkin-Manning
I am so grateful to work with an organization likeIVCBA, whose mission is to “build community and grow cohesiveness for the sustainability of Incline Village and Crystal Bay.” Through our work, we design, produce, and promote events that truly bring people together.
One of our most beloved annual traditions is the Northern Lights Holiday Festival, which has grown to include cherished community favorites like last weekend’s Candy Cane Lane and Village Celebration at UNR Lake Tahoe—where Santa himself made a special appearance! This year, we’re thrilled to introduce a brand-new village-wide experience: Jingle & Mingle.
What is Jingle & Mingle?
Join us this Saturday, December 14, from 11 AM to 3 PM, as Incline Village transforms into a festive holiday hub. Wander through charming streets illuminated with twinkling lights and seasonal décor, shop for unique treasures from local vendors, and fuel up with warm drinks and holiday treats along the way.
With over 25 local merchants, restaurants, and businesses participating, this event is your perfect opportunity to shop local, eat local, and play local—all while spreading holiday cheer and supporting our community.
Shop Local
Discover one-of-a-kind gifts and incredible deals from local favorites:
You’ll enjoy sips and snacks at many of these stops.
As snowflakes fall on our beautifully lit Tahoe Boulevard, take advantage of this festive celebration to shop local, share smiles, and connect with neighbors.
We do this for our community, and we want to hear from you! Share your Jingle & Mingle experience—send us photos, tag us on social media, and let us know your favorite moments.
Santa and Mrs. Claus are Coming to Town this Saturday!
December 4, 2024 | Julie Malkin-Manning
Experience the Magic of Candy Cane Lane and Village!
Get ready for a festive family extravaganza as Candy Cane Village takes center stage at the Patterson Hall and Patio at UNR in the heart of Lake Tahoe. This annual community event, held as part of the Northern Lights Festival, promises a day of joy, laughter, and holiday cheer for the entire community.
Special Guests: Nevada Santa and Mrs. Mrs. Lollie Claus!
Watch in awe as Nevada Santa and Mrs. Lollie Claus make a grand entrance, arriving in style aboard the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District’s fire engine. The excitement kicks off with the “Santa Stroll,” guiding families from the whimsical Candy Cane Lane at the IVGID Recreation Center to the magical Candy Cane Village on the UNR campus. Be sure to capture the moment with photos as Santa and Mrs. Lollie Claus spread holiday cheer throughout the village.
Candy Cane Lane Extravaganza!
Embark on a holiday adventure starting at the IVGID Rec Center, where Candy Cane Lane, sponsored by IVGID Parks and Recreation, begins. Families can visit the Rec Center first, where they can send their letters to Santa.
Then, follow the festive path adorned with holiday decorations, to greet Santa and Mrs. Mrs. Lollie Claus delivered in style by North Tahoe Fire Protection District Fire Engine at 2:30 PM. During the “Santa Stroll” they will guide people from Candy Cane Lane to the Candy Cane Village. They will entertain and pose for photos in the Candy Cane Village created on the campus.
Candy Cane Village is the community’s premiere family event for Northern Lights. Held in Patterson Hall and on the Patio at UNR at Lake Tahoe, it features Nevada Santa and Mrs. Lollie Claus.
The WCSO Incline Substation is sponsoring “Cocoa with the Captain.” UNR will provide refreshments. Local service clubs, agencies, and nonprofits will sponsor additional activities. These organizations include The Pet Network, Rotary Tahoe Incline, Rotary of Incline Tahoe, IVBCA, UNR, AAUW, IVGID, Incline Education Foundation, Travel North Tahoe Nevada, Daisy Daycare, and the IVCB Veteran’s Club.
Live Performances and Singalongs
Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with live performances by the Incline Elementary School Choir at Candy Cane Village. Join the community singalong at 3:00 PM and let the joyful tunes fill the air.
Free event parking is available at the IVGID Rec Center and UNR, Lake Tahoe’s main parking lot off Country Club Drive.
