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Festival of Winter Lights
Get ready for the 5th Annual Festival of Winter Lights in South Lake Tahoe! This magical two-day event in December promises festive lights, local vendors, live entertainment, and visits with Santa. Explore a charming Gingerbread House Village, enjoy a winter carriage ride, and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.
What to Expect
Annual winter festival with lights, Santa, and a Gingerbread House Village.
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: FREE
- Parking: Parking is limited. Please carpool, and consider taking public transportation, or a free Lake Link shuttle to and from the event. ADA parking is available at the Recreation Complex.
- Accessibility: ADA parking is available at the Recreation Complex.
- Pets: No pets allowed
Other Christmas Events Near South Lake Tahoe
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and individuals seeking holiday cheer
Vibe
Festive, magical, community-oriented
Energy Level
Low to medium
Budget
FREE
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Medium (outdoor event, some activities may be weather-dependent)
Special Events & Promotions
- 5th Annual Festival of Winter Lights
- Gingerbread House Competition
- Exclusive souvenir Glühwein mugs
- Vendor registration open
Location
Event Details
Duration
Two evenings
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
South Lake Tahoe
Timed Entry
No
Featured Performers
- Lake Tahoe Unified School District Choir
- Lake Tahoe Shining Stars
- Wesley Orsolic
Organizer
City of South Lake Tahoe
Food & Drink
Food and drinks available from vendors including Bubbly Waffle Hub, Pop, Crunch & Munch, Sombreros, and Trouts Portable Pub. Glühwein mugs available.
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early, especially on Friday evening, as parking is limited and carpooling or using the free Lake Link shuttle is highly recommended.
- Dress in warm layers, as December evenings in South Lake Tahoe can be quite cold, even with festive activities.
- Check the entertainment schedule upon arrival to plan your evening around specific performances and the Gingerbread House Award Ceremony.
- Bring cash for vendors, as not all may accept cards, and consider purchasing a Glühwein mug to support the South Tahoe Parks Foundation.
- Allow ample time to explore the holiday market vendors and the Gingerbread House Village before or after enjoying the live entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates and times for the Festival of Winter Lights?
The 2025 Festival of Winter Lights is scheduled for December 12 and 13. Specific event times will be announced closer to the date, but typically run from late afternoon into the evening.
Is there an admission fee for the festival?
No, the Festival of Winter Lights offers free admission for all activities and entertainment.
What kind of food and drinks will be available?
A variety of food and beverage vendors will be present, including options like waffles, snacks, and warm drinks such as Glühwein.
Can I bring my pet to the event?
The event policy states that pets are not allowed, though service animals are typically welcome.
Where is the best place to park?
Parking is limited at the event location. Recommended parking is at the South Lake Tahoe Recreation Complex or the Boys & Girls Club. Carpooling or using the free Lake Link shuttle is strongly advised.
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.