Inspiration & Stories
Christmas Dinner, New Year's Eve Specials, & Holiday Dining in Truckee
Deck the halls, stash the grocery list, and let someone else do the cooking.
The holidays in Truckee are made for gathering around the table after a day outside. From cozy prix fixe dinners to festive New Year’s Eve celebrations, these local restaurants and resort dining rooms are serving up memorable meals for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve during the 2025–26 holiday season. You’ll also find grab-n-go meals that can be enjoyed from the comfort of a cozy Truckee mountain home, hotel, lodge, or inn.
By the way, if you’re looking for an easy holiday gift, Sustainable Truckee Gift Cards are a solid choice. They’re digital, community based, and redeemable at 60 plus businesses around Truckee, from restaurants to local shops.
Snowshoe Tour & Dinner at Alpine Meadows
A true Sierra winter experience. This guided snowshoe tour begins at Alpine Meadows and leads to a mountainside chalet for a multi-course Bavarian-inspired dinner. Expect a welcoming glass of champagne on arrival, thoughtfully paired wines with each course, and a cozy alpine setting that feels straight out of a storybook.
Snowshoes are provided. Warm layers encouraged.
New Year's Eve Dinner at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub
Ring in the New Year at The Lodge Restaurant and Pub, located in the heart of Tahoe Donner. They will be open Dec 31st with a 4-course prix fixe festive dinner and complementary champagne toast. Reservations required. Call (530) 587-9455 to make a reservation.
Christmas & New Year's Eve Dinner at the Manzanita
Embark on a delightful culinary adventure at the newly-renovated signature dining venue at the Ritz-Carlton, where you will enjoy a meticulously crafted prix-fixe three-course meal. Choose your preferred appetizer, entrée, and dessert while young diners feast on a delectable Ritz-Kids buffet. Offered 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Bar of America Christmas Dinner
A downtown Truckee classic for the holidays, Bar of America is offering a special Christmas dinner featuring seasonal dishes in their warm, historic setting. It’s a relaxed but celebratory way to enjoy Christmas Day in the heart of town, whether you’re visiting for the holidays or gathering with family and friends.
Reservations are recommended.
Christmas Eve Dinner at Palisades Tahoe
Celebrate Christmas Eve with a festive buffet dinner at Palisades Tahoe, hosted at the Olympic Valley Events Center. The evening features classic holiday favorites, carving stations, and seasonal desserts in a warm mountain setting. Guests receive a complimentary glass of champagne on arrival, with a full bar available for purchase.
Ikon Pass holders are eligible for a discount when booking directly.
Reservations are required.
Order ahead for a cozy night in
Staying in and cooking, or just want the easiest possible holiday morning? These local and nearby options make it simple to pre order holiday ready food, from baked goods to full spread essentials
- A favorite for holiday baked goods, Sierra Bakehouse offers a Christmas preorder menu featuring breads, pastries, cakes, cookies, and take-and-bake items. It’s an easy way to handle holiday breakfasts, desserts, or something special to bring to the table without baking from scratch. Holiday preorders typically close a few days before Christmas, with pickup on Christmas Eve.
- If you want elevated, chef driven holiday food without doing the heavy lifting, Truckee Food Shop offers a Christmas menu for preorder with pickup in Truckee. Options typically include appetizers, soups, salads, entrées, and sides, so you can build a meal that feels special but stays low effort.
- For a classic, easy hosting route, Raley's O-N-E market holiday ordering includes ready to serve mains, sides, and desserts, plus plenty of grab and go options for a vacation rental fridge. A solid choice for families, groups, and anyone who wants the convenience factor turned all the way up.
Holiday dining fills fast in Truckee Tahoe, and offerings can shift as the dates get closer. If you have your heart set on a specific spot, reserve early and confirm details directly with the restaurant before you arrive.
Looking for more ways to holiday in Truckee? Start here: