Festival of Winter Lights
South Lake Tahoe invites you to its 6th Annual Festival of Winter Lights, a magical celebration featuring twinkling displays, live entertainment, and festive activities for all ages. Explore the enchanting Gingerbread House Village, meet Santa Claus, and enjoy a memorable winter carriage ride. This free event promises holiday cheer with a vibrant market and community spirit.
What to Expect
Annual Festival of Winter Lights with Gingerbread Village and Santa.
Event Details
Duration
Evening event
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
null
Timed Entry
No
Featured Performers
- Lake Tahoe Unified School District Choir
- The Studio Singers
- Lake Tahoe Shining Stars Dancers
- South Tahoe High School Combo Band
- Wesley Orsolic
Organizer
City of South Lake Tahoe
Food & Drink
Food trucks and beverage vendors available, including Fusion 2 Go, Pop, Crunch, & Munch, Sombreros, Trout's Portable Pub. Free hot chocolate from The Lake Tahoe Historical Society.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and couples
Vibe
Festive and magical
Energy Level
Low to medium
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: FREE
- Parking: Parking is limited. Carpooling and public transportation or a free Lake Link shuttle are recommended.
- Accessibility: null
- Pets: No pets allowed
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early or consider public transport/shuttle as parking is limited.
- Bring your own mug to purchase a commemorative 2026 festival mug and support the South Tahoe Parks Foundation.
- Check the schedule for specific times for live music, choir performances, and the Gingerbread House Competition winner announcement.
- Don't forget to vote for your favorite creation in the Gingerbread House Village.
- Dress in layers as it's a winter event in South Lake Tahoe; check the weather forecast before you go.
Special Events & Promotions
- Vote for your favorite Gingerbread House creation
- Commemorative 2025 festival mugs available for purchase
- Free hot chocolate from event partners
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates and times for the Festival of Winter Lights?
The 6th Annual Festival of Winter Lights is scheduled for December 11 & 12, 2026. Specific event times are typically in the evening, with the festival concluding around 8:00 PM each night.
Is there an admission fee for the festival?
No, the Festival of Winter Lights is a free event for all attendees.
What activities are available for children?
Children can enjoy meeting Santa at Santa's House, participating in craft activities with the Tahoe Art League, and taking a festive winter carriage ride.
Where can I find food and drinks at the festival?
A variety of food vendors, including Fusion 2 Go, Pop, Crunch, & Munch, Sombreros, and Trout's Portable Pub, will be on-site. Complimentary hot chocolate will also be available.
How can I participate in the Gingerbread House Competition?
Registration for the 2026 Lake Tahoe Gingerbread Competition opens on October 1st. More details will be shared closer to the event date.
More Christmas Events Near South Lake Tahoe
More Christmas Events near South Lake Tahoe
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.