SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – For over a decade, Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe has been becoming a top family-friendly New Year’s Eve destination celebration. Organizers said thousands of revelers enjoyed the outdoor festivities that included performances by Grammy-nominated hitmaker Eric Paslay and blues-rock titan Jared James Nichols, and Nashville recording artists Mark Mackay and CJ Solar.
“What we’re building here is bigger than a party, it’s a tradition, a moment, and a destination that the world is starting to take notice of,” said Dreu Murin, event organizer and spokesperson for Heavenly Village. Murin said planning for the 2026 celebration has already started, and they will consider two celebrations for 2026 – both an East Coast at 9 p.m. and a West Coast celebration at midnight.
The unique countdown at Heavenly Village includes a “gondola drop” instead of a New York ball drop, as fireworks are set off from the roof of the garage.
The crowd enjoying the energy from the live performances and fireworks included all ages, locals and visitors alike.
The success of Heavenly Holidays has been built through community partnerships, strategic entertainment investments, and a commitment to create something uniquely Tahoe — authentic, welcoming, and unforgettable.
“Every year we raise the bar, and every year, the community shows up even bigger. Heavenly Village isn’t just reacting to the moment; we’re leading it. We’re proving that a mountain town can throw a world-class celebration without losing its heart, its identity, or its soul,” said Murin.
The South Shore New Year’s Eve celebrations once entailed shutting down the casino corridor as people filled the streets with street-party chaos. That was then replaced with the multi-day music festival, SnowGlobe.
Murin said the crowds were orderly, and they had no arrests during the evening.
