Spending the holidays in North Lake Tahoe or Truckee is a great idea. We might be a little biased, since we live here, but there's nothing like a snowy Christmas morning or a Thanksgiving walk by the lake.
A holiday trip to the mountains does take a bit more planning than a summer weekend, though. We get a lot of the same questions from our guests every year, so we've put together the tips we'd give a friend who's coming up for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's.
1. Book Early (Seriously, Earlier Than You Think)
The holidays are the busiest time of year in North Lake Tahoe and Truckee. Vacation rentals in Truckee, Tahoe City, Kings Beach, and around the lake go quickly. The larger homes, the ones with hot tubs, and anything close to the slopes are often booked months ahead for Christmas and New Year's.
If you already know you're coming, book now. The same goes for ski lessons, equipment rentals, and dinner reservations. Christmas week lessons sell out, and so do tables at the popular restaurants.
2. Book Direct
When you book directly with a local North Lake Tahoe and Truckee company like ours, you're working with people who live here. Have a question about the driveway in a snowstorm, whether the kitchen has a roasting pan, or where to get a Christmas tree? Just call us. We know these homes, and we're here if anything comes up during your stay.
Booking direct also usually means skipping the extra fees the big booking sites add on.
3. Plan a Longer Trip
Our advice: don't try to squeeze the holidays in Tahoe and Truckee into a quick weekend. Between the drive, the weather, and everything there is to do, a few extra days makes the whole trip more relaxing. It gives you time for:
- Holiday shopping in Downtown Truckee. The local shops along Donner Pass Road are perfect for gifts you won't find at the mall, and the historic downtown is all lit up for the season.
- A holiday event or two. Our favorite is the Downtown Truckee Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting in late November, with carols, crafts, and what feels like the whole town. Northstar's Holiday Tree Lighting at the village ice rink is another fun one, with cocoa, carols, and usually a visit from Santa.
- Hitting the slopes. Palisades Tahoe, Northstar, Tahoe Donner, Homewood and more are all close by.
- Time by the lake. A winter walk along the beach in Tahoe City or Kings Beach is quiet, crisp, and beautiful.
- A walk in the woods. A snowshoe walk or an easy hike through the pines around Truckee or the North Shore is a great way to get everyone outside after a big holiday meal.
- A day with no plans at all. Board games, a fire, and leftovers. Trust us, you'll want one.
4. Plan for the Weather
You never know what the weather will do in Truckee and North Lake Tahoe in winter. It could be sunny and 50 degrees, or it could drop two feet of snow overnight. A few things we always tell guests:
- Check the roads before you leave. Caltrans QuickMap shows chain controls on I-80 and Highway 89.
- Bring chains, even if you have 4WD or AWD, and know how to put them on before you need them.
- Try to arrive before dark. Mountain roads are easier to drive in daylight, especially in a storm.
- Fill up the gas tank before you head over the summit.
- Pack layers, snow boots, and gloves for everyone, even if you don't plan to ski.
- Build in a buffer day. If a storm hits, it's nice not to have to rush home.
5. Get Your Groceries Before You Come
If you can, shop before you come up. Grocery stores in Truckee and around North Lake Tahoe get very busy the week of Thanksgiving and Christmas, some items sell out, and if a storm rolls in you may not want to head back out.
Bring everything you need for the big holiday meal, plus snacks and breakfast for the first couple of days. That way you're stocked up no matter what the weather does.
Local Tip: Ask us what the kitchen has before you pack. If you're cooking a turkey or a big holiday dinner, it helps to know whether you'll need to bring a roasting pan, a big stockpot, or your favorite baking dishes.
6. Know When the Ski Resorts Open
Planning to ski over Thanksgiving? It depends on Mother Nature. In a good snow year, a few resorts around Truckee and North Lake Tahoe are open by Thanksgiving weekend. In a dry year, opening day can slip into December. Check out our guide to Lake Tahoe ski resort opening dates for what to expect, and have a backup plan like a hike or a lakeside walk.
By Christmas, the resorts are usually in full swing. Christmas through New Year's is the busiest week of the season, so buy lift tickets online and get to the parking lot early.
7. Make a Plan for New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve in North Lake Tahoe and Truckee has something for everyone:
- For families: Tahoe Donner usually hosts an early-evening light parade and fireworks, so the kids can see the show and still get to bed.
- For skiers: Keep an eye on the resorts' calendars for torchlight parades and New Year's Eve celebrations.
- For a low-key night: Make dinner reservations early, or just stay in with a fire and the hot tub.
Local Tip: New Year's Day and the Sunday after Thanksgiving are the busiest days for traffic heading down the hill. If you can, leave early in the morning or stay one more night.
A Few More Things We'd Tell a Friend
- Don't park on the street in winter. Street parking is illegal in winter in Truckee and North Lake Tahoe, so snow plows can clear the roads. Cars left on the street can be ticketed or towed. Park in your rental's driveway or designated parking.
- Pack games, movies, and puzzles for storm days.
- Bring your holiday traditions with you, like stockings or your favorite ornaments. A few small things from home go a long way.
- Consider travel insurance for winter trips, just in case the weather changes your plans.
Let Us Help You Plan
Tahoe Truckee Vacation Properties has homes across Truckee, Tahoe City, Kings Beach, Carnelian Bay, and Alpine Meadows, with room for the whole family, full kitchens for the holiday meal, and plenty of homes with hot tubs.
Browse our vacation rentals or call our local team at 530-582-6186. We'd love to help you plan your holidays in North Lake Tahoe and Truckee.