The Squeeze In has been pleasing kids since 1974. Kids get toy baskets, get to write on the walls, have a special menu and are treated like actual guests at the Squeeze In home. Order their rockin’ hot cocoa piled high with whipped cream and sprinkles. It’s a winner every time, along with the signature Teddy Bear Pancake! A bear shaped smile for every kid, young and old!
At the Tahoe House, kids feel right at home by the cozy fire, with loaner crayons, colorings books and plastic and wooden toys – all of which keeps them busy as they wolf down their bagel. Family owned and operated since 1977, the Tahoe House Bakery & Gourmet features baked breads and pastries, the “best coffee on the lake,” sandwiches and much more!
Tubing, Sledding, Snow Play!!
Granlilbakken Granlibakken ski area features a groomed snowplay area with rental saucers for sledding. Open daily, weather permitting.
Snowtubing at Squaw Valley USA Squaw’s tubing park at the Papoose Learning Center offers two tubing lanes for varying thrill levels. Open daily, weather permitting.
Sledding and Tubing at Soda Springs Winter Resort Currently only open on weekends, at Soda Springs you can sled and tube! Sledding lanes, tubing lanes and a Little Dipper children’s area provide a variety of thrill and fun for adults and children alike.
Tubing Hill at Northstar-at-Tahoe Northstar-at-Tahoe offers tubing serviced by two separate tow lifts at mid-mountain just above the Gondola.
Right now are perfect conditions to put on those skates and head to one (or all!) of North Lake Tahoe’s ice skating rinks:
Ice Skating Rink at the Village at Northstar Located at the heart of the Village at Northstar, this 9,000 square foot rink is the center of a hubbub of activity, day and night. Rentals, lessons available.
Olympic Ice Pavilion Enjoy scenic views of the Lake while skating atop Squaw Valley on an Olympic-size rink at High Camp recreation complex. Open 11am – 9pm during the winter season. Rentals, lessons available.
Ice Skating Rink at the Resort at Squaw Creek Skate on the Resort at Squaw Creek’s own private rink with heated waterfalls, hot tubs, a pool and the peaks of Squaw Valley as a backdrop. Rentals available. Open December to April.
Truckee Ice Skating Rink The Truckee rink features skate rentals, a snack bar, group and private lessons for all age groups taught by experienced instructors, broomball leagues, and more.
These are just a handful of the family opportunities up in North Lake Tahoe right now. What are your favorite family activities?
There will be three rooms of sound and spectacle for Saturday’s New Year’s Eve revelers at the fifth annual Black and White Super Ball in the Cal Neva Resort at Crystal Bay.
Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door. Music begins at 9 p.m. and ends on New Year’s Day morning. 21+
Celebrate all that was in 2011, while ringing in all that will be in 2012 at The Village At Northstar this New Year’s Eve. From 1-9pm, The Village at Northstar will be alive with DJs, ice-skating, food & drink specials, a 2-hour live performance by “Led Zeppelin 2″, and much more. And then… The Big Show: Fireworks Spectacular at 9pm! A great night out for family and friends.
Ring in the New Year at Squaw Valley with a New Year’s Eve Fireworks Extravaganza. The show starts at 9:30pm and is viewable from the Base Area. Grab a hot cocoa and find a seat as you take in the New Year with an amazing firework display at the bottom of the mountain. The show is plenty early accommodate the families that will be ringing in the New Year at High Camp to give them time to get down and celebrate in the base area.
Those looking to bring in the New Year with style can head to the huge party in the Olympic House. Check out the biggest party on the North Shore and party like it’s 2012. Rock out to the 8 piece funk band Mojo Green in the Plaza Bar before heading over to check out DJ Zeb Early in Bar One.
Entry is $10 at the door (cash only) and guests must be 21 & older with a valid ID. Doors open at 9pm. Drink service until 1:30am.
Jackie Greene began performing at the age of 20. He has performing and making records for nearly a decade. He lives in Northern California and is gracing North Lake Tahoe with his musical talent this New Year’s Eve at Crystal Bay Club: the Red Room at the Crystal Bay Club. Tickets cost $20 in advance, $23 day of show.
Plan your new beginning at the Alpine Bar this New Year’s Eve! The Pre-New Year’s Eve Cocktail party is the perfect way to jump-start the countdown to midnight. Featuring festive cocktails, delicious appetizers and live music by Peter Joseph Burtt, skiers and riders can celebrate a resolution, bid 2011 farewell, and ring in 2012.
Ring in the New Year with a top 40 DJ, drinks, and dancing all night long in Cutthroat’s Saloon.
Call 775-832-1234 for more details.
9. Live Music at Tahoe Biltmore Casino, Crystal Bay, NV 10:00 am – 1:00 am
Live on the Tahoe Biltmore, “The Robeys,” Dane RinehartandPaul Covarelli Trioare offering a variety music – a mixture of everyone’s favorite classic rock, oldies, top 40, blues, jazz, reggae and country songs, from the 1930′s to the present.
Come early with family for an Ala Carte Menu (also served in Bar), or come later for a 3-course Prix Fixe menu, and ring in the New Year with party hats, a champagne toast, & dancing. Guaranteed reservations required. For more information and reservations please call (530) 583-0188.
Have a classy blast listening to the DJ in the lounge then Dine on the regular dinner menu from 5:30-7:00pm or opt to enjoy a 5-course meal from 8:00-10:30. Either way you choose, this New Year is going to be fashionably stylish and a lot of fun in the Lone Eagle Grille.
Call 775-886-6899 for more details and reservations.
12. CHILLLLLL
Kick your shoes off, make yourself a hot toddy and chill at home by the fireplace to prep yourself for an epic 2012. Hit the slopes the next day, and the next day and the next day…
While our resorts are busy making snow to kick off the winter 2011/2012 season, we know that our skiers, snowboarders and even our snow enthusiasts are joining forces in the art of snow dancing in hopes that the skies will open up and grace us with some fresh powder.
But how good are your dance skills? Maybe you enjoy the Running Man. Maybe the Chicken Dance does it for you. Well, we challenge you to show us your most creative, ridiculous, fall-on-the-floor laughing videos of what you think it takes to bring us some fresh snow. We will even reward you for your efforts…
Our Snow Dance Contest, currently live on Facebook, is running until Friday, December 30, at 2:00 pm PST. The participant with the most creative and entertaining dance will win a 4-pack of complimentary winter 2012 Ski Tahoe North’s interchangeable lift tickets, accepted at the following seven alpine ski resorts:
Estimated retail value of the prize starts at $272 and goes up to $360 pending on the resort. The winner will be announced on Facebook Friday, December 30, at 5:00 pm PST.
Get your dancing shoes on and show us what you got.
If you’re looking for music outdoors with a variety of concerts, headliners and festivals then you’re looking for Lake Tahoe’s High Notes. Here’s a look at the summer-long music series, running through September.
Free Weekly Summer Concerts
Tahoe’s lined up free outdoor live performances every night of the week, except Mondays. Check out:
Tahoe City’s Concerts at Commons Beach, Sundays
Bluesdays every Tuesday at the Village at Squaw Valley
Wednesday Music in the Park at the Truckee Regional Park
Truckee Thursdays with live tunes along Commercial Row
Kings Beach rings in the weekend lakeside each Friday
Squaw Valley is also home to the inaugural KT Tribute Concert Series the first Friday of each month with free concerts under the legendary peak of KT-22
Be sure to check out the historic casino corridor where the Crystal Bay Club has free concerts throughout the week, as well as ticketed bands from the Bay Area.
Summer Headliner Events
The summer calendar is also packed with a number of fabulous ticketed musical events held throughout the region. In addition to its popular Shakespeare on the Beach, the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival offers a Monday music series in their scenic Sand Harbor amphitheater. This summer’s calendar is the best of the best with the Reno Philharmonic performing Broadway on the Beach July 18, Mumbo Gumbo August 1 and Jelly Bread August 15.
Right on the picturesque Truckee River, River Ranch Lodge has its annual Summer Concert Series with Zepparella July 22 and Great American Taxi August 4.
The Lake Tahoe Music Festival has long been one of the summer’s must-attend events with a variety of musical performances, including the Blues Traveler July 21, Colbie Caillat August 4 and Michael Bolton August 25 at the Village at Northstar.
In addition to its free events, the Crystal Bay Club brings in ticketed performers, including Delhi 2 Dublin, July 16, that hosts gritty hip hop and electronic beats with traditional Indian influences and Celtic sounds. A locals’ favorite, 80s Dance Party Tainted Love, plays August 13, with the “Avant Cellist” Zoe Keating on August 18.
The Robert Cray Band performs August 13 on the driving range next to the Trout Creek Recreation Center at Tahoe Donner in Truckee. The Grammy-award winning Cray is considered to be one of the most impressive vocalists and guitarists on the contemporary rhythm and blues scene.
Summer Music Festivals
Namaste in North Lake Tahoe this summer with the ultimate in yoga throwdowns as the popular Wanderlust Festival returns to the scenic valley of Squaw Valley July 28-31. In addition to yoga sessions and wellness programs, the event includes the positive vibrations of Michael Franti and Spearhead, the electronic dance party mashups of Girl Talk and the ecstatic chants of Jai Uttal.
This year’s 4th of July at Tahoe is set to be unique, that’s for sure. With a series of fireworks events scattered around the lake at various dates and times you can catch multiple shows throughout the weekend. Or hit the slopes. Yep, late season snowfalls have opened up skiing and boarding opportunities at several area resorts.
Here’s a look at what’s happening this 4th of July weekend:
July 1 – 4: Incline Village takes things to the next level with their traditional Red, White & Tahoe Blue festivities which include patriotic chalk drawing contest, opening ceremonies with a tribute to veterans, doggie dress-up contest, beer tasting and brats, brunch with Shakespeare, firecracker trail trek and free fireworks Monday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m. off Incline Beach
July 3: Squaw Valley’s famed 21st Annual Lake Cushing Crossing, a favorite pond-skimming event, and a free afternoon concert with Big Head Todd and the Monsters at the KT Sundeck
July 3: Kings Beach hosts their annual fireworks display with a free show as well as a deck party celebration at the North Tahoe Event Center, beginning at 7 p.m.
July 4: Sugar Bowl Ski Resort reopens for skiing and riding, but for 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 season pass holders only
July 4: Tahoe City celebrates 65 years of fireworks at Commons Beach with free show at 9:30 p.m., a popular show for families
July 4: Truckee 4th of July Fireworks at West End Beach at Donner Lake at dusk. Tickets are $6/person (in advance only) and are available through the Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District
Choose from a handful of Fourth of July celebrations, from fireworks on the beach to the multi-day Red, White and Tahoe Blue in Incline Village.
Bring your blanket and picnic basket for a night lakeside at Sand Harbor State Park, where the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival performs July and August.
Taste the finest in culinary delights at the region’s 2nd Annual Lake Tahoe Restaurant Week, October 2-9, with 60-plus restaurants offering prix-fixe dishes at exceptional value s- $20, $30 or $40 per person.
Toast the season with winemaker dinners at the notable, lakeside Thunderbird Lodge offering a view like no other; dinners start July 10 with the talented Chef Douglas Dale of Wolfdale’s Cuisine Unique.
Experience the solitude on the Tahoe Rim Trail, a 165-mile loop trail that meanders along the peaks and valleys around Lake Tahoe, and to the lake’s crystal, clear waters (with a visibility of 70 feet down) to water ski and sail.
Take a swing at any of the more than 50 golf courses within a 60-minute drive of North Lake Tahoe.
The party starts at the top too! Lake Tahoe is hosting a 10-day celebration as a countdown before the largest cycling event in North America, the2011 Amgen Tour of California,with concerts, family activities and bike-related events, May 5-14, in preparation for the Stage 1 Start and Finish of the race (May 15) and the Stage 2 Start (May 16).
Lake Tahoe Basin residents and cycling enthusiasts are pumped to make Tahoe’s 10-Day Countdown to the tour special and like no other event with Cinco de Mayo parties, the Opening Gala and Team Introduction,Lake Tahoe Legends Ride,Spirit Bike Parade, wine dinners, showroom entertainment, live music and more. The tour’s Local Organizing Committee invites visitors and residents to grab their bike helmets and hold on as the countdown to the tour begins…
Ten (May 5)…
TheHard Rock Cafeat Harveys Lake Tahoe is hosting the officialbkick-off party, Friday, May 5, with percentage of the evening’s proceeds donated to Amgen’s title sponsor,Breakaway from Cancer,an initiative that helps empower people affected by cancer.
Observing the May 5 kickoff, what better way to celebrate than going to as many Cinco de Mayo parties as possible? The Blue Agave, Tahoe Biltmore Lodge & Casino and the Crystal Bay Club Casino are all hosting festive parties to commemorate the launch of the 2011Amgen Tour of California.
Nine (May 6)…
Sammy Hagar and the Wabos will be playing atHarrah’s South Shore Roomon Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7, while the historic Bar of America in Truckee will host DJ Zeb Early.
Eight (May 7)…
Tahoe’s nightclubs will be stocked and ready for weekend partiers. Opal, Vex and Crystal Bay Club, along with the Village at Squaw Valley, will keep the beats bumping May 6-7 and 13-14.
Seven, Six, Five (May 8-10)…
At South Shore casinos throughout the week, visitors and locals can viewOne Voice Starring Bethany Owenat the Horizon, The Improv at Harveys with host and emcee Howie Nave, and the infamous Party with Arty at Harrah’s South Lake Tahoe.
During the 10-day countdown, live music can be found at various venues around the lake, including: Cabo Wabo Cantina, Mc P’s Pub, Crystal Bay Club Casino and Bar of America.
Four (May 11)…
The Biking for a Better World Winemaker Dinner is Wed., May 11 at PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn. Dinner will support an organization that brings accessibility to communities in need around the world.
Three (May 12)…
The Slow Rollers Bicycle Club presents theSpirit Bike Paradewhere all types of bikes and costumes are encouraged – almost mandatory. Bikes will be rolling from the “Y” (the intersection of HWY 89 and HWY 50) across town to the Stage 1 Start at MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa, on May 12.
In North Lake Tahoe, the Squaw Valley Institute hosts “Soulcycler, Around the World Bike Tour” with local photographer/cycling enthusiast, Rick Gunn.
Barton Health 2011 Lecture Series features topics ranging from nutrition, preventing injuries, maximizing performance and more. A local professional trainer will present ‘Pedaling to Peak Performance,’ at Embassy Suites, May 12, 6 – 8 p.m.
Two (May 13)…
The Opening Gala and Official Team Introduction is Friday, May 13 at MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa. For a black tie evening attendees will get to rub elbows with the pros, indulge in a four-course meal, host bar and silent auction. For tickets and details:2011 Race Opening Gala.
The Village at Squaw Valley will hosts a free outdoor cycling movie,Breaking Away(1979), directed by Peter Yates and starring Dennis Quaid. And at the Crystal Bay Club, Jackie Greene and Band will have you moving and grooving until the early morning hours.
The North Lake Tahoe Bike Swap, the Tahoe City Street Dance: right downtown, right under the stars and the 3rdAnnual Wellness Weekend at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe all take place on May 14.
Eric Burdon & the Animals will be playing atHarrah’s South Shore Roomon the eve of the Stage 1 start, Saturday, May 14.
Throughout the first day of the race, various events will be taking place between the north and south shores of Lake Tahoe. For full details and a schedule of events.
Amgen Tour of California Overall Start…(May 15)
Stage 1 of the 2011Amgen Tour of Californiais Sunday, May 15. The peloton begins at its highest start elevation in six years, 6,300 feet above sea level in South Lake Tahoe. After a lap and a half around the Lake, Stage 1 finishes at Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort. Stage 2 starts at Squaw Valley USA on Monday, May 16.
As part of the Stage 1 start on May 15, a special program,Breakaway from Cancer, will honor a Lake Tahoe cancer survivor, patient, caregiver or advocate who has made a difference within their community or proved an inspiration. In addition to leading the walk just prior to the Stage 1 finish at Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort, Lake Tahoe’s designee, a resident of the area, will receive special access to the tour, podium recognition and presentation ceremony involvement. Nominations from the public will be accepted onlinethrough Tuesday, March 22.
The Lifestyle Festival is May 15, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., at the Stage 1 Finish at Northstar-at-Tahoe, and will feature a health and fitness expo, cancer awareness education, cycling gear, family activities, bike safety, food and entertainment.
North Lake Tahoe celebrates its long winter season with SnowFest, a 10-day carnival and one of the region’s most popular annual family celebrations, March 4-13, 2011.
In its 30th year, SnowFest continues to draw thousands of attendees with the majority of events free to spectators. The annual favorites are back, along with expanded special events, including the Opening Night Ceremonies, Laser Show, Torchlight Parade and Fireworks; Mamasake Extreme Food Challenge for those with a strong stomach; 21th Annual Gar Woods Polar Bear Swim in Tahoe’s frigid waters; SnowFest Parades in Tahoe City and Kings Beach; Sunnyside Luau; the Great Ski Race, an annual cross country adventure; Kings Beach Ice Castle and Lighting Contest; Wacky Winter Human Bowling with snow saucers and inflatable pins; Tahoe City Golf Course’s “Dog Pull”; the Dragon Snow Palace; Dummy Downhill at Diamond Peak in Incline Village; the highly creative and 23rd Annual Snow Sculpture Contest at Tahoe City’s River Ranch Lodge; Special Olympics Polar Plunge at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe; and the 3rd Annual Ta-Hoe Nalu Arctic Standup Paddleboard Race.
If you’re heading to Tahoe or considering a last-minute trip for the holidays you’ll find plenty to do thanks to a laundry list of festivities and events. Here’s a quick rundown of some highlights, but be sure to check North Lake Tahoe’s event calendar for a complete listing.
Christmas Celebrations
Tahoe City has been celebrating the season since December 1 and continues through January 2 with the Holly-Days Jubilee. Day and night visitors will find festive experiences throughout town.
Santa will be sitting for free photos and cookies at Hyatt Regency Incline Village December 18 from 2 – 5 p.m. and the resort’s chef will have his renowned gingerbread houses for sale.
Olympic Valley, home of Squaw Valley USA and Resort at Squaw Creek, hosts Santa and carolers in the village daily December 18-24. On Christmas Eve, December 24 head over to watch the traditional torchlight parade down Squaw’s slopes, visible anywhere in the valley. The parade kicks off at dusk, about 6 p.m. Santa also hits the slopes (to work off his cookies) at Squaw December 22 – 25 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and we hear he carves a mean turn. Squaw also hosts snowtubing parties, moonlit snowshoe tours, hot cocoa and s’mores in the Village and more. Get complete details.
Santa’s making the rounds to Diamond Peak as well December 23 – 25 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. daily. He’s also skiing at Alpine Meadows December 23 – 24. Alpine’s Last Chair also has live music and a festive atmosphere both of those days as well.
Northstar-At-Tahoe has a host of holiday festivities December 18 – 24 including s’mores in the Village, live music, daily appearances by Santa handing out goodie bags, Santa letter-writing stations, ice skating, and even non-denominational Sunday and Christmas Eve worship services. Get the complete schedule online. And, if you’re looking for a blowout Christmas dinner check out the extravagant buffet at the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe.
New Year’s Eve Parties
The Last Chair at Alpine Meadows offers a pre-New Year’s Eve cocktail party from 3 – 6 p.m. with a champagne toast and festivities.
Tahoe Donner Downhill hosts a New Year’s Eve torchlight parade at 6 p.m. Skiers that want to participate, and can ski the course in the dark, can arrive a t 4:30 p.m. to sign up.
Crystal Bay gets hoppin’ with Jackie Greene performing at the Crystal Bay Club Casinoand Tahoe Biltmore offers a variety of specials and parties as well including live music and a champagne toast.
Resort at Squaw Creek’s Magical Memories New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet at Grand Celebration kicks off at 7 p.m. and includes a DJ and dancing, magician, Comedy Central comedian Rick D’Elia, dinner and late-night munchies and a midnight balloon drop and toast.
There are a handful of parties at Northstar-At-Tahoe including the Fire & Ice Party in the Village with dinner, dancing, ice skating, fire dancers, fireworks and more. There are also shindigs at the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe in Manzanita and in the ballroom.
On the occasion of Mark Twain’s 175th birthday, The Mark Twain Cultural Center hosts a celebration and the old boy himself (impersonator McAvoy Layne) will hold forth on the balance of the autobiography that Twain asked be withheld for 100 years after his death.
The celebration, which honors one of Lake Tahoe’s most well-known writers and pioneers, takes place Tuesday, November 30, 7 p.m., at the new Mark Twain Cultural Center at 760 Mays Boulevard, Suite #10 in Incline Village. General admission tickets are $19.99 for adults and $9.99 for students.
For 20 years now, in more than 2,000 performances from Leningrad University in Russia to C-Span, McAvoy Layne has preserved the wit and wisdom of Mark Twain. McAvoy is also the author of the soon to be published, Becoming Mark Twain, and winner of the Nevada Award for Excellence in school and library service. He portrays the ghost of Mark Twain in A&E’s “Biography of Mark Twain” and in the Discovery Channel’s Cronkite award-winning documentary, “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”
The summer calendar is also packed with a number of fabulous ticketed musical events held throughout the region. In addition to its popular Shakespeare on the Beach, the 
Namaste in North Lake Tahoe this summer with the ultimate in yoga throwdowns as the popular 
This year’s 4th of July at Tahoe is set to be unique, that’s for sure. With a series of fireworks events scattered around the lake at various dates and times you can catch multiple shows throughout the weekend. Or hit the slopes. Yep, late season snowfalls have opened up skiing and boarding opportunities at several area resorts. 
Tahoe City has been celebrating the season since December 1 and continues through January 2 with the Holly-Days Jubilee. Day and night visitors will find festive experiences throughout town.
Squaw Valley USA hosts several New Year’s Eve parties including a 
