LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The holidays are arriving with winter momentum at Palisades Tahoe. A strong storm cycle is on the horizon, setting the stage for fresh snowfall and a seasonably white Christmas in the Sierra. Beginning December 20, Palisades Tahoe celebrates the magic of the holidays with festive Village events, iconic après-ski experiences, and alpine traditions that make this time of year unforgettable.

Holiday Magic in The Village

From December 20 through 24, the Great Basin Carolers will perform live in The Village from 4 to 7 p.m., filling the air with classic holiday songs and festive harmonies. Performances are free and open to the public.

Santa Claus returns to Palisades Tahoe from December 21 through 24, spreading holiday cheer with story time, sing-alongs, and photos for families at both Palisades and Alpine base areas. All Santa appearances are free and open to guests.

Legendary Après at the KT Base

From December 26–31 and January 2–3, Palisades Tahoe hosts the KT Base Bar Music Series presented by Coca-Cola, running daily from 1 to 5 p.m. With extended holiday dates, this free outdoor concert series brings live music, refreshing drinks, and one of the most vibrant après-ski scenes in Lake Tahoe. The event is open to all ages and welcomes friends, families, and good vibes after a day on the slopes.

Christmas Eve Dinner

On December 24, guests are invited to gather with loved ones for a Christmas Eve Dinner at the Olympic Village Event Center from 6:30 to 9 p.m., featuring a chef-crafted holiday buffet, decadent desserts, and a champagne toast.

Ski With an Olympian: Jonny Moseley

Guests can ski and ride alongside Olympic gold medalist Jonny Moseley during special on-mountain appearances from 1:45 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 27, and Tuesday, December 30. Jonny will visit both Palisades and Alpine throughout the week, offering guests a rare chance to experience the mountain with one of its most iconic athletes.

Jonny Moseley Après & Events

  • Jonny Moseley Après Ski Party
    Monday, December 30 | 4–6 p.m. – KT Base Bar DeckTravel back in time and celebrate the upcoming New Year in your best retro gear. Hosted by Jonny Moseley, this throwback après party features drink specials, funky beats, and giveaways for best dressed. Free entry.
  • Trivia With Jonny Moseley
    Tuesday, December 30 | 4–6 p.m.Bar – OneTest your knowledge of Palisades Tahoe history and iconic moments during a lively trivia night hosted by Jonny Moseley, with prizes and plenty of local flair.

New Year’s Eve in the Heart of the Sierra

Palisades Tahoe rings in the New Year with a full evening of fan-favorite festivities on December 31. The celebration begins with the Torchlight Parade at 5 p.m., where skiers and snowboarders descend the slopes carrying torches after riding the Exhibition Chairlift.

Fireworks light up the sky over the KT Deck at 7 p.m., followed by disco tubing, live music, kids’ games, and the popular East Coast balloon drop at 9 p.m. Festivities continue through midnight, offering a family-friendly way to welcome 2026 surrounded by iconic Sierra scenery.

Later in the evening, guests 18+ can continue the celebration at the New Year’s Eve “Rave for the River” Fundraiser, hosted at the Olympic Village Event Center from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. The event features DJ Alex T and supports Team USA Rafting, raising funds for elite athletes while ringing in the New Year for a great cause.

Winter Speaker Series: Chris Benchetler

The holiday celebration continues into the New Year with the Winter Speaker Series featuring Chris Benchetler on Friday, January 2, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Olympic Village Event Center.

In this inspiring talk, Benchetler shares his journey through skiing, art, healing, and creative expression. From ski design and film to collaborations with legendary artists like the Grateful Dead, Chris explores the invisible threads that connect nature, music, and creativity. Proceeds benefit The Truckee Roundhouse, a nonprofit makerspace supporting arts, crafts, and technology education in the Tahoe region.

Plan Your Visit

Guests planning a holiday visit are encouraged to review Ikon Pass benefits, including retail discounts and lodging deals, and to download the Ikon Pass App for real-time lift status, trail maps, and mountain updates. Parking reservations are required on weekends and peak holiday periods throughout the winter season.

For lift access, Palisades Tahoe offers a 4-Day Unrestricted Lift Pack starting at $135 per day, with no blackout dates or restrictions.

For a full schedule of holiday events, visit palisadestahoe.com.