Northern Lights Tahoe Returns for the Holiday Season!
October 27, 2026 | Linda Offerdahl
Northern Lights Tahoe and the holiday festivities kick off right after Thanksgiving. The 12th annual Tahoe Film Fest leads things off on December 3-6 with an eclectic offering of films of interest to the Basin. Lake Tahoe School Holiday Market on Thursday and the Diamond Peak Opening Party on Saturday, December 5, are also traditional attractions in Incline Village.
IVCBA’s Northern Lights Community Celebration on December 5 is one of two signature events for the community and business association. This event, held in Prim Library on the University of Nevada’s Tahoe campus, brings the entire community together to kick off the holidays in Incline Village.
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in style by a North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District fire engine. Kids and families follow him into Prim Library for a chance to get a photo and share their biggest wishes for Christmas presents. Nonprofits and service clubs offer games and crafts. Entertainment features the Incline Middle School Jazz Band and the Great Futures Holiday Show by Boys and Girls Club North Lake Tahoe.
A Forest of Giving Trees in Prim Library decorates the venue, along with linking the “reason for the season” to this community gathering. Over 30 nonprofits invite you to support them by visiting their tree and donating through a QR code on their ornaments. Attendees vote on the most original, the most decorated, and the tree depicting the best theme.
The grand finale of the Northern Lights Community Celebration is officially lighting the 18 ft tree provided by the fire district. The community will decorate it with donated lights and ornaments made by students at Incline Elementary School.
Jingle Mingle on December 12 brings forth another holiday tradition. What used to be a mixer in one locale is now a community-wide shopping day in the major shopping centers. Locals mingle and enjoy holiday cheer at participating merchants, supporting them by purchasing holiday gifts.