Signature Winter Events

Santa skiing down a snowy slope under a clear blue sky.
Child in colorful winter gear holding a dessert on a snowy day.

Winter Wonders

When snow blankets the Sierra and the days are filled with alpine sparkle, Truckee transforms into a winter wonderland of celebration. Whether you’re chasing powder, enjoying festive markets, or gathering around fire pits with hot cocoa in hand, winter events in Truckee highlight the joy and community spirit that define the season.

Truckee Winter Carnival group in vintage clothing with a dog in front.

Truckee Winter Carnival

Rooted in 1895 and revived with 21st-century flair, the Truckee Winter Carnival is a weekend of free family fun celebrating the town’s snowy spirit and quirky history. Enjoy sled dog demos, snow sculpting, rail jams, old-timey photo opportunities, a silent film screening, and a Hot Doggin’ party you won’t forget.

Snowy street with lit Christmas tree and festive storefronts at night.

Festive Fridays in Downtown Truckee

Celebrate the season with holiday carolers, Santa visits, and a cozy Sip ‘n’ Shop through the twinkling storefronts of Historic Downtown Truckee. Happening on Fridays in December, this family-friendly event includes a Snowflake Scavenger Hunt, festive selfie spots, and all the small-town winter charm you can handle.

Four women clink wine glasses at a cozy restaurant table, smiling and enjoying themselves.

Snowshoe Tour + Chalet Dinner at Alpine

Take a guided moonlit snowshoe hike to the Chalet at Alpine for a four-course Bavarian-inspired dinner with mulled wine, mountain views, and seriously cozy vibes. This 21+ dining adventure includes snowshoes, champagne on arrival, and a menu worth the trek—just bundle up and bring your appetite.

Person tubing on snow, colorful lights in motion blur.

Disco Tubing at Palisades Tahoe

Bounce, slide, and boogie under the lights during this nighttime tubing experience featuring lasers, music, and glow-in-the-snow energy. Tickets are limited for each 55-minute session, so grab your spot, bundle up, and get ready to groove your way downhill.

Snow-covered mountain under a clear blue sky with clouds. Sugar Bowl Ski Resort, Truckee, Tahoe

Sugar Bowl Poker Run

Ski, snap, and shuffle your way across the mountain in this family-friendly on-snow adventure where your poker hand is earned, not dealt. Visit at least five Poker Chip Stations, show off your selfies, then head back to Judah Lodge for your hand, live music, and an après-ski party with prizes.

Festive crowd around a lit Christmas tree in a snowy forest at night.

Holidays in Truckee-Tahoe

Celebrate the season with festive tree lightings, holiday markets, Santa sightings, torchlight parades, and cozy winter traditions throughout the region. From skiing with Santa to candlelit caroling and New Year’s Eve fireworks, Truckee-Tahoe turns up the holiday magic all season long.

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