Last updated:
Last Updated: October 2026 | Region: Lake Tahoe (CA & NV)
Holiday events at Northstar California include the village tree lighting, ice skating at the village rink and seasonal family activities. Northstar is on the Epic Pass and its village sits at about 6,330 ft.
- Best For: Families spending the holidays at Northstar
- Shore & Base Elevation: Lake surface is about 6,225 ft, so expect snow and freezing nights from December onward.
- Season & Operating Window: The holiday period runs from Thanksgiving week through New Year's Day, the busiest stretch of the Tahoe winter.
- Pricing & Pass Access: Holiday lodging, events and dinners carry peak pricing; tickets and reservations booked early usually cost less.
- Parking & Reservations: Northstar uses paid parking on busy days; village lodging and shuttles avoid the lot.
- Where to Stay Nearby: Compare Truckee and Northstar lodging on Booking.com
\If you are heading to Lake Tahoe in December, Northstar California is a beautiful place to enjoy a mix of skiing, ice skating, village lights, and festive winter activities.
The resort’s holiday atmosphere is especially easy to enjoy in the Village, where you can warm up by the fire pits, listen to live music, shop for gifts, or meet Santa.
Some Northstar activities are recurring winter experiences, while others are posted only when the season gets closer. For that reason, check the official Northstar events calendar before you travel. Event times, dates, locations, and availability can change with weather and resort operations.
What Are the Best Northstar Holiday Events in 2026?
The best Northstar holiday activities to watch for in 2026 include the Winter Wonders tree lighting, weekend après music, S’mores O’Clock, Photos with Santa at Vous, Tōst with a View, and guided Twilight Snowshoe Tours. As of October 27, 2026, Northstar has confirmed the December 18 Winter Wonders tree lighting and the November 20, 2026 through April 11, 2027 après music series, while several other holiday dates remain unlisted or to be announced.
| Activity | 2026 status | Location or timing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Wonders: Holiday Tree Lighting | Confirmed for December 18, 2026 | Village Ice Rink | Families and anyone looking for a classic holiday evening |
| Après Music Series | Confirmed for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 20, 2026 through April 11, 2027 | Village stage | Visitors who want live music after skiing or skating |
| S’mores O’Clock | Recurring Northstar winter activity, but check the current seasonal status | Northstar Village, around 4 p.m., near the golden umbrella | Families, children, and anyone who enjoys a fireside treat |
| Photos with Santa at Vous | Event page is posted, but a 2026 date is not currently shown | Vous in Northstar Village, listed time 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Families with young children |
| Tōst with a View | Recurring Northstar experience, with 2026 holiday dates to be confirmed | On-mountain location, subject to operating conditions | Skiers and snowboarders looking for a celebratory break |
| Twilight Snowshoe Tours | Winter activity page is available, but 2026–27 dates are not posted on the reviewed event page | Northstar Nordic Center | Couples and families who want a guided evening outing |
Last checked October 27, 2026. Northstar can update event details, operating dates, and availability after this article is published.
What Happens at Northstar’s Winter Wonders Tree Lighting?
Northstar’s Winter Wonders tree lighting is scheduled for December 18, 2026, at the Village Ice Rink. It is a simple way to add a holiday moment to a ski day or a village evening, especially if you are traveling with children.
The event listing says visitors will gather around the rink for a festive tree-lighting celebration. Arrive with warm layers and shoes that can handle snow or ice, and check the official listing close to your visit for the final time and program.
Can You Hear Live Music in Northstar Village?
Yes. Northstar’s Après Music Series is scheduled for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 20, 2026 through April 11, 2027, with live music on the Village stage.
This is an easy activity to enjoy without planning a separate ticketed event. After skiing, take a walk through the Village, grab a warm drink or an après beverage, and settle near the stage for a little music before dinner.
The schedule may feature a band or DJ, and the exact performance details can vary. Check the Northstar events calendar for the lineup and daily timing.
Where Can You Get S’mores at Northstar?
Northstar’s S’mores O’Clock is a recurring Village activity that is typically offered around 4 p.m. near the fire pits. The resort says complimentary s’mores are first come, first served while supplies last, and kits are available for purchase if you want to make your own.
Look for the golden umbrella in the Village, then give yourself a little extra time if you are visiting during a busy holiday weekend. The current official page still displays the previous winter’s closed-season notice, so confirm that the activity has reopened for the 2026–27 season before promising the kids a s’mores stop.
Are Photos with Santa Available at Northstar?
Northstar has an official event page for Photos with Santa at Vous in Northstar Village. The listing describes complimentary photos with Santa, a festive red chairlift backdrop, and a face painter near Wild Pine.
The current page lists a time of 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., but it does not show a 2026 event date. Check the listing before your trip, especially if meeting Santa is the main reason for visiting the Village that evening.
What Is Tōst with a View at Northstar?
Tōst with a View is Northstar’s on-mountain bubbly experience. The resort describes it as a chance to pause during the ski day, enjoy a celebratory drink, and take in the Sierra Nevada scenery from the mountain.
The draft event information mentions champagne and a non-alcoholic sparkling option, but a 2026–27 date and final operating details were not posted on the official page reviewed for this update. Treat Tōst as an activity to watch for rather than a confirmed event on a particular December day.
If you plan to drink alcohol, arrange a safe way to return to your lodging and remember that alcohol can affect people more quickly at high elevation. Non-skiers should also confirm whether the activity is accessible without a ski or snowboard ticket.
Can You Go on a Twilight Snowshoe Tour?
Northstar offers guided evening snowshoe tours through the Nordic Center when the program is operating. The tour description says the experience lasts about two to two and a half hours and includes a forest walk, a fire-pit break, s’mores, and hot chocolate.
The official event page reviewed for this article still shows the 2025–26 season dates, so do not use those dates to plan a 2026–27 visit. Check Northstar’s Nordic and cross-country activities page for the new schedule, age requirements, booking link, and snow conditions.
More snowshoe tours in Lake Tahoe to check out:
What Else Can You Do in Northstar Village?
Even when a special event is not scheduled, Northstar Village gives you plenty of ways to enjoy a winter evening. You can skate at the Village Ice Rink when it is open, browse the shops, have dinner, or sit near the fire pits with a warm drink.
Northstar’s is a place for après activities, hot cocoa, live music, and skating. The hours and operations page currently shows that some summer activities are closed and winter operations are transitioning, so check the rink and restaurant status before driving over.
Where Should You Stay for Northstar Holiday Events?
Staying in or near Northstar Village makes it easier to enjoy evening events without driving after dark on snowy mountain roads. Northstar’s lodging page includes properties with different levels of access, from village stays and short walks to ski-in/ski-out residences.
To compare accommodations, prices, and availability for your travel dates, browse Northstar and nearby lodging options here.
For the most convenient stay, look first at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe. It is at Northstar in Truckee and offers direct access to the resort, along with a spa, dining, and a cozy setting that works well for a special holiday trip.
If you want to compare more Northstar lodging choices, our guide to ski-in/ski-out lodging at Lake Tahoe covers slopeside residences, Village accommodations, and properties that use a short walk or shuttle. It also explains the difference between true ski-in/ski-out access and staying close to the lifts.
For a more town-centered option, consider staying in Truckee and driving to Northstar for your planned events. River Street Inn in Old Town Truckee puts you near local restaurants, shops, and the Truckee River, although it is not a walk-to-Northstar property. Our broader guide to where to stay in Lake Tahoe can help you compare Northstar, Truckee, and other North Lake Tahoe bases.
Whichever option you choose, use the resort’s Northstar lodging search to compare locations, then confirm the walking distance, shuttle arrangements, parking rules, and winter access for the specific property you are considering.
How Should You Plan a December Visit to Northstar?
- Check the official Northstar events calendar a few days before your visit because several holiday activities are posted seasonally.
- Dress for an evening outdoors, including waterproof shoes, warm layers, gloves, and a hat.
- Arrive early for first-come, first-served activities such as complimentary s’mores.
- Confirm whether the Village Ice Rink, restaurants, and Nordic Center are operating on your exact date.
- Check parking and road conditions before driving, especially after a storm or during a holiday weekend.
- If you plan to ski, snowboard, or drink alcohol, arrange transportation and make a conservative plan for getting back to your lodging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the confirmed Northstar holiday events for December 2026?
The Winter Wonders tree lighting is scheduled for December 18, 2026, and the Après Music Series is scheduled for Fridays through Sundays from November 20, 2026 through April 11, 2027. Other activities have official event pages but do not yet show complete 2026–27 dates.
Is Northstar’s S’mores O’Clock free?
Northstar says complimentary s’mores are available first come, first served while supplies last. Make-your-own kits may also be available for purchase, and the activity’s seasonal status should be confirmed before your visit.
When can I take photos with Santa at Northstar?
Northstar has posted a Photos with Santa event at Vous with a listed time of 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The reviewed page does not currently show a 2026 date, so check the event listing before making plans.
Do I need a ski pass for Tōst with a View?
Tōst with a View is described as an on-mountain experience, but the 2026–27 access details were not posted on the official page reviewed. Confirm ticket, lift-access, age, and beverage requirements directly with Northstar before you go.
Are the Twilight Snowshoe Tours running in winter 2026–27?
Northstar offers Twilight Snowshoe Tours when conditions and seasonal operations allow, but the reviewed event page still displayed the previous winter’s dates. Check the Nordic Center page for the new schedule, booking information, and current snow conditions.
Is Northstar Village open if I do not ski?
Yes, visitors can enjoy Village dining, shopping, skating, fire pits, and seasonal entertainment without skiing, although individual businesses and activities have their own schedules. Check Northstar’s operations page before visiting because hours can change between seasons and around holidays.
Local Winter Planning Tips
Holiday weeks at Northstar are busy, so reserve rink time and dinners ahead. Caltrans chain controls (R1, R2) are common on I-80, US-50 and Highway 88 during storms, so carry chains or drive a 4WD/AWD vehicle with snow tires and check road conditions before you leave.
About the author: Sherry Boyer
Sherry Boyer has lived in the Reno/Tahoe region for seven years, and she and her husband spent decades visiting Lake Tahoe several times a year before they moved here. With extended family around the lake, they spend their free time hiking the trails, boating on Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake, and fishing all over the area. Sherry writes Lake Tahoe Travel Tips to share the places they love with visitors.
