By Michelle Portesi
There is a special kind of wonderful that happens during the holidays at Lake Tahoe and Truckee. Mother Nature has cooperated with some snowfall to get the ski areas open, and all around the basin, fun festivities are planned to get you into that ‘Old Christmas Spirit’.
Noel Nights at Northstar
Northstar is hosting ‘Noel Nights’ on every Thursday leading up to Christmas. In the village from 5-9pm you can hear the songs of the season from the Great Basin Carolers, take a ride on a one horse sleigh, roast chestnuts on an open fire, and participate in cupcake and cookie decorating, among many other treats. Wander the shops in the village or take a turn on the ice rink. For more information on special events for each date, visit Northstar’s Website.
Squaw Valley’s Ice Rink at High Camp
As of December 4th, Squaw Valley opened up their ice rink at high camp. Located at 8200 feet with a view of Lake Tahoe at one end and a grand view of Granite Chief at the other, Squaw’s outdoor venue is the only Olympic sized ice rink in hundreds of miles in every direction. If the sun is cooperating and the weather is kind, you’ll glide under the canopy of brilliant blue skies surrounded by crystalline white peaks of snow. It’s a truly glorious and one of a kind experience for anyone whose only skating opportunities have been in crowded city rinks housed in the usual warehouse-like tin cans. Visit Squaw Valley’s Website for more information.
Photo by Andy Barron. Reno Gazette Journal.
The Nutcracker Ballet at the Reno Pioneer Center From December 12th-14th. This is the AVA Ballet Theaters 19th showing of this classic ballet. If you’ve never taken your child to see the Nutcracker, or haven’t seen it yourself, you really must do this at least once in your life. With brilliantly colored staging and costumes and Tchaikovsky’s magical score, this is truly a children’s ballet that you and your kids will sure to be mesmerized by. Go to the Pioneer Center Website to buy tickets.
Toys for Tots Party. Tuesday, December 9th – 5-7pm at Sunnyside Resort and Lodge. Food, live music, cookie and ornament decorating, plus Santa! Bring a new, unwrapped toy for entry.
Handel’s Messiah – Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus – Dec. 12-21. Visit tocattatahoe.com for performance locations and tickets.
Be sure to pick up the Tahoe Weekly. a free magazine located at various local venues, for other happenings in the area.
And to further get you in the holiday spirit, I leave you with this wonderful new Christmas song sure to become a classic by the amazing a cappella group, Pentatonix.
YOUR FRIEND IN HIGH PLACES 
Leave a Reply