Record crowd at New Year's Eve celebration at Heavenly Village

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Heavenly Village's New Year's Eve celebration was big, with organizers estimating several thousand people took in the music and fireworks as they welcomed in 2024 to South Lake Tahoe.

The event featured an array of performances by bands Decades from Chico and from NBC’s The Voice, Kristen Brown.

As the clock hit 9 p.m. (midnight in New York), the fireworks display with the gondola coming down the mountain thrilled those watching.

"Thank you to our visitors and locals!," exclaimed Gary Casteel, president and CEO of Heavenly Village. "Tonight's extraordinary attendance is a testament to the spirit of Heavenly Village. We've seen crowds that Tahoe hasn't experienced in a long time. This clearly indicates we need more space to accommodate our growing village audience."

Decades captivated the audience with their eclectic mix of music, leading the crowd to sing along to timeless classics and current hits. Their dynamic performance created an electric atmosphere, with attendees describing it as an experience that 'melted the crowd' with its powerful and engaging music.

Kristen Brown's performance was a highlight of the evening, entertaining the audience with her powerful vocals and dynamic presence. Fans of "The Voice" and new listeners alike enjoyed Kristen and her band, with many attendees staying until the very last second to soak in her performance and stuck around for hours after to catch a photo with the talented singer.

"There's been some bad press suggesting not to come to Lake Tahoe, especially from city council members who are against tourism," said organizer Dreu Murin. "Let me be clear. The Heavenly Village is always open and welcoming to all visitors at any time. We appreciate you all more than you know! We thrive on the energy and support of our visitors. And to the locals who are here tonight, thank you! You are the heartbeat of our community,"

In addition to the entertainment, the event also had a positive impact on local businesses, with most Heavenly Village businesses reporting record sales, said Murin.

"A big difference from multiple business closures and an extremely slow shoulder season across town," added Murin.

A portion of the revenue from the Heavenly Holidays supported different South Lake Tahoe charities.

Murin said Heavenly Village is already planning several events including next year's New Year's Eve event, promising to bring more excitement and larger-scale celebrations. He'd also like to thank this year's sponsors, Visit Lake Tahoe, Heavenly Mountain Resort, and Heavenly Village.