In The News – Director, Incline High graduate will have two films at 11th Tahoe Film Fest
December 2, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally published in The Tahoe Daily Tribune, 11/25/2025, Written by Eli Ramos
Jennifer Tiexiera, a graduate from Incline High, is showing “SPEAK.” and “Rebbeca”, two documentaries at the 11th Tahoe Film Fest this year. Both films explore culture, underrepresented voices and a sense of belonging—all themes that are close to Tiexiera’s heart.
Tiexiera was born in Oakland, but moved to Tahoe when she was eight years old. “My dad had a dream of raising us here, and to this day, it’s still one of the most beautiful places in the world to me,” she said. Tiexiera attended Incline High and said she felt so much love and support from her community her. In fact, she and her partner still own businesses here, including the cocktail bar Gaviota, which she says they made as a place for locals.
Still, Tiexiera said she was conflicted. Leaving the Bay Area and coming to Tahoe did raise questions for her, especially around her identity. “I left and didn’t look back for a really long time.” As a filmmaker, her work has typically been in films that follow themes of cultural identity and social justice. She is one of the co-founders of Lady & Bird, a female-led documentary production company focused on telling stories from underrepresented voices.
Welcome to the Lake Tahoe School Winter Market, a festive and vibrant event designed to delight every member of the family! While parents explore the local small business booths and festive raffle, our older students take center stage by hosting their own small shops within the market, gaining real-world experience in entrepreneurship. Younger children are also cared for and entertained: our dedicated Student Council will be offering a supervised babysitting service for children in Kindergarten through 4th grade, and the evening will be filled with beautiful music, including a special performance by our talented LTS student choir.
STUDENT MARKETS
The Lake Tahoe School Student Market is a foundational experience in entrepreneurship, offering all registered LTS students a real-world platform to create, market, and sell their own homemade crafts and goods. This hands-on opportunity allows students to take full responsibility for their business, including all signage, pricing, and collecting payments. To ensure a successful and well-managed experience, while any LTS student can sign up for a booth, all elementary school students are required to have an adult helper with them at their booth for the entire duration of the market. This unique feature of the Winter Market fosters creativity, business acumen, and self-confidence in our young entrepreneurs.
BABYSITTING
Looking for a chance to shop, socialize, and enjoy the market hands-free? Drop your little ones off at the Student Council’s Holiday Kid-Zone! Our dedicated Student Council members are hosting a super fun babysitting service for children in Kindergarten through 4th grade as a fundraiser for their spring dance. For a suggested minimum donation of $25 per child, your kids will be treated to a cozy evening featuring a festive holiday movie, fun activities, and, best of all, a very special visit from Santa Claus himself! It’s a night of holiday fun for them, and a stress-free shopping spree for you!
The Local Lens – Community Holiday Tree Lights Up on Saturday!
December 2, 2025 | Linda Offerdahl
This year’s dilemma of finding a tree to designate as the official Incline Village Holiday Tree was solved by the fire district’s fuels crew! While reducing hazardous fuels in the First Creek drainage area, they found a beautiful 12-foot White Fir. They cut and installed it in front of the Prim Library on the UNR at Lake Tahoe campus. Thanks to Sheila and Ken Leijon, the tree is decorated with solar lights. The lights will be officially turned on this Saturday, December 6, at the Northern Lights Community Celebration.
The (free) festive event on Saturday starts at 2 pm when Prim Library opens its doors to the community to view the 30+ nonprofit “giving trees”. There are multiple contests; locals are encouraged to vote for their favorite tree, along with enjoying a multitude of entertainment and activities sponsored by service clubs and nonprofits.
Whittier Trust is the premier sponsor of Northern Lights. Raleys is donating sandwiches. IVCBA, UNR, IVGID, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office are all active participants in organizing the event.
Think of it as a giant open house in Incline Village. You will want to stop in every center. The Do Not Miss places are The Potlatch in Raley’s Incline Center and Tahoe Gifting Company at the Christmas Tree Village.
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Are you ready to experience the magic of cinema at Lake Tahoe? Great films are meant to be seen on the big screen — with a crowd that laughs, gasps, and applauds together. The 11th Tahoe Film Fest returns December 4-7, 2025, with screenings at Incline Village Cinema, Village Cinemas at Northstar, and the Crystal Bay Casino Crown Room.
This year’s lineup is nothing short of spectacular. The festival opens with JAY KELLY, which earned an eight-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival and stars George Clooney and Adam Sandler. The festival closes with DEAD MEN WALKING, the third installment in the Knives Out series, featuring Daniel Craig, Glenn Close, and Jeremy Renner. Other major highlights include: IS THIS THING ON?, directed by and starring Bradley Cooper, alongside Will Arnett and Laura Dern. SONG SUNG BLUE, a musical drama starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson and WICKED: FOR GOOD, another dazzling journey through the Land of Oz.
International cinema also takes center stage with several submissions for the 2026 AcademyAwards Best Foreign Language Film with SENTIMENTAL VALUE (Norway), IT WAS JUST ANACCIDENT (France), SIRAT(Spain) and THE SECRET AGENT (Brazil).
Of course, no Tahoe festival would be complete without a world-class ski film! This year, TetonGravity Research presents its 30th annual film, PRESSURE DROP. The lineup also features NOBU, a new documentary about chef Nobu Matsuhisa, inspired by the buzz around a possible Nobu restaurant at Lake Tahoe. Incline High School graduate Jennifer Tiexiera returns home with two acclaimed new documentaries — REBBECA and SPEAK. Also screening are Jimmy Chin’s LOVE + WAR (National Geographic) and Tasha Van Zandt’s A LIFE ILLUMINATED, both festival favorites. Rounding out the program, the festival honors Indigenous voices with four powerful films: REMAINING NATIVE, FREE LEONARD PELTIER, COURAGE, and YANUNI (produced by Leonardo DiCaprio and the closing film of the Tribeca Film Festival).
The Tahoe Film Fest proudly thanks its founding partners: Travel North Tahoe Nevada, North Tahoe Community Alliance, UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center, Film PlacerCounty, Crystal Bay Casino, and the Sierra Sun.
Individual tickets and festival passes are available online at tahoefilmfest.com, or at theater box offices on the day of each screening.
A Village-Wide Celebration: Jingle & Mingle Returns to Incline Village
December 1, 2025 | Kristin Derrin
At IVCBA, our mission is to build community and grow cohesiveness for the sustainability of Incline Village and Crystal Bay. Through this work, we design, promote, and support events that bring people together during the most spirited time of year, our Northern Lights Holiday Festival.
One of the highlights of Northern Lights is the return of Jingle & Mingle, a festive community celebration happening Saturday, December 13, from 11 AM to 3 PM. This year’s event anchors itself in Christmas Tree Village, transforming the area into a lively holiday hub filled with shopping, tastings, craftsmanship, and cheer.
A Holiday Hub at Christmas Tree Village
This year’s Jingle & Mingle shines a special spotlight on Christmas Tree Village—Incline Village’s nostalgic, winter-ready gathering place where local shops, eateries, and creative spaces come alive for the season. Tahoe Gifting Co., located at The Cut, anchors the celebration with beautifully curated Tahoe-inspired gifts, artisan-made goods, and special holiday promotions. Throughout the Village, businesses will offer seasonal treats, shopping specials, and festive experiences, making it the perfect place to stroll, sip, shop, and soak in the holiday spirit.
Village-Wide Festivities
Beyond Christmas Tree Village, merchants and restaurants throughout Incline Village will offer their own specials, snacks, and holiday experiences. With dozens of local businesses joining the celebration, Jingle & Mingle is the perfect opportunity to shop local, eat local, and support the community while enjoying a relaxed, joyful afternoon around town.
What to Expect
While this year’s event is centered at Christmas Tree Village, you’ll find holiday cheer all across Incline Village. Enjoy:
Unique gifts, discounts, and holiday promotions from participating merchants
Seasonal bites, drinks, and tastings from local restaurants, cafés, and bars
Hands-on holiday activities and festive pop-ups for all ages
Community gathering spaces filled with twinkling lights, décor, and holiday music
At Christmas Tree Village, Tahoe Gifting Co. and Inside Incline will host an elevated holiday experience featuring:
Music by DJ Hardy
Special tasting menu from Paxton’s Lake Tahoe
Ornament-making station by Good Livin’ Ceramics
Spirits tasting with Minden Mill Distilling
Holiday laser-engraving specials and gift ideas
This is your chance to discover new businesses, revisit long-time local favorites, and enjoy the festive spirit that Northern Lights brings to our community.
Celebrate Together
As Tahoe Boulevard glows with lights and the holiday season settles in, we invite you to wander, explore, and connect. Jingle & Mingle is a celebration of everything that makes Incline Village special, our small businesses, our creative community, and the neighbors who bring it all to life.
We want to hear from you! Share your Jingle & Mingle adventures, tag us on social media, and let us know your favorite stops and experiences.
See You There
Bundle up, bring a friend, and join us for a festive Saturday supporting the heart of our community.
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.
