• Santa Claus arrives!
    Santa Claus arrives!
  • Story, almost 2, and sister Ever, 5, of South Lake Tahoe enjoy the festivites.
    Story, almost 2, and sister Ever, 5, of South Lake Tahoe enjoy the festivites.
  • Elf Roberta Backeviciute at the gingerbread and cookie station.
    Elf Roberta Backeviciute at the gingerbread and cookie station.
  • A look to the outside from the hotel lobby.
    A look to the outside from the hotel lobby.
  • Isla, 5, and Cooper, 6, Darke enjoy decorating their gingerbread men.
    Isla, 5, and Cooper, 6, Darke enjoy decorating their gingerbread men.
  • Hugo and Joaquin Espina from Walnut Creek
    Hugo and Joaquin Espina from Walnut Creek
  • And the tree is lit!
    And the tree is lit!
  • The view of the hotel lobby at Edgewood
    The view of the hotel lobby at Edgewood
  • Students from the South Tahoe Choral Association
    Students from the South Tahoe Choral Association
  • Hannah Houston, 5, from Sacramento
    Hannah Houston, 5, from Sacramento
  • Kalirae and Brandi Brown of South Lake Tahoe
    Kalirae and Brandi Brown of South Lake Tahoe

The inaugural Tree Lighting Celebration at Edgewood Tahoe took place on Saturday night with a packed house welcoming in the season with jolly ole’ Santa Claus.

As Santa descended the grand stairs in the Lodge at Edgewood with Mrs. Santa, members of the South Tahoe Choral Association sang Christmas songs to the gathered crowd.

“For Edgewood it’s about creating memories,” the resort’s GM Corinna Osborne said as she flipped the switch to light the tree.

Elves helped around the event, keeping an eye on the hot cocoa bar and keeping it stocked, working in the game room and also in the cookie and gingerbread men room set up for decorating.

Locals and hotel guests were invited.

For the rest of the season, hotel guests will be treated to the 12 Days of Christmas:

• Dec. 21 – Celebrate at the Manager’s Reception with specialty seasonal cocktails and family beverages.

• Dec. 22 – Enjoy a magical story read by Mrs. Claus.

• Dec. 23 – Indulge in the season at the Edgewood Holiday Tea.

• Dec. 24 – Finish your holiday preparation at the Edgewood Holiday Gift Wrapping and Gift Card Station, then get cozy with evening Christmas caroling and a special story time reading.

• Dec. 25 – Relax with your loved ones with “A Christmas Story” all-day viewing. The Bistro, Edgewood Restaurant and Brooks’ Bar & Deck will be open with regular hours for Christmas dining and a special holiday menu.

• Dec. 26 – Work off the holiday indulgences at our snow volleyball tournament.

• Dec. 27 – Explore the property with our special scavenger hunt around the property.

• Dec. 28 – Create something new at the Snow Sculpture Contest, with festive beverages available.

• Dec. 29 – Learn from the pros with an ice carving demonstration and a special storytelling session by Mark Twain

• Dec. 30 – Get red carpet glam for New Year’s Eve with the Spa at Edgewood’s team.

• Dec. 31 – Ring in 2019 with Champagne Tasting and special celebrations for adults and families alike.

• Jan. 1 – Welcome the new year with lakeside Chakra clearing and SnowGa.

– South Tahoe Now staff report