November in Lake Tahoe: Events, Holidays & the Start of Ski Season
November is a transition month in Lake Tahoe. Fall gives way to the first signs of winter, ski resorts begin opening as conditions allow, hockey is in full swing, and by Thanksgiving weekend the holiday season has officially arrived around the lake.
There is also quite a bit happening before winter fully settles in. November brings live music, ski films, food and wine events, community fundraisers, holiday markets, college basketball, hockey, Veterans Day activities and several of Tahoe’s favorite early holiday traditions.
Here are some of the events happening around Lake Tahoe and nearby this November.
Harrah’s Lake Tahoe South Shore Room | 7:30 p.m.
Leonid & Friends return to Stateline with their acclaimed live tribute to the music of Chicago and other classic rock favorites.
Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe | 5:30–9:30 p.m.
Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe hosts its annual food, wine and beer fundraiser with tastings from local restaurants, wineries, breweries and distilleries. The evening also includes a silent auction, raffle and costume contest, with proceeds supporting local programs and scholarships for women and girls. Tickets are $100 and the event is 21 and over.
Harrah’s Lake Tahoe South Shore Room | 7:30 p.m.
Warren Miller’s annual ski-film tradition returns with Days Off, following skiers and snowboarders from Alaska and Japan to destinations across North America and Europe. A portion of net ticket proceeds benefits the Share Winter Foundation.
Tahoe Blue Event Center | Begins at 11:00 a.m.
College basketball returns to Stateline with the Caesars Lake Tahoe Classic at the Tahoe Blue Event Center. The event features multiple NCAA Division I games during the day.
Zephyr Cove Resort | Noon
Zephyr Cove Resort honors veterans and active-duty military members with complimentary admission aboard the M.S. Dixie II’s midday Emerald Bay sightseeing cruise. Proof of military service required.
Tahoe Blue Event Center | 7:00 p.m.
The Lake Tahoe Lakers take the ice for three consecutive home games, facing the Vernal Oilers on November 12 followed by the Ontario Jr. Reign on November 13 and 14.
Kahle Community Center, Stateline | 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Kahle Community Center’s third annual Holiday Market brings together local artisans, makers, businesses and food vendors for an early start on holiday shopping. A Kid Zone will offer holiday-themed activities for families.
Harrah’s Lake Tahoe South Shore Room | 7:30 p.m.
Tainted Love brings its live celebration of 1980s music back to the South Shore Room for a Saturday night performance.
Tahoe Blue Event Center
The Tahoe Knight Monsters host the New Mexico Goatheads for three games in Stateline. Thursday’s unusual morning game begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by 7:00 p.m. games Friday and Saturday.
Edgewood Tahoe Resort | 5:30 p.m.
Edgewood Tahoe’s Spirit Dinner series continues with a four-course dinner at Brooks’ Bar & Deck paired with selections from Patrón. The intimate dinner is limited to 54 guests and is priced at $125 per person, including taxes, fees and gratuity.
Tahoe Blue Event Center | 7:00 p.m.
The Knight Monsters return for Thanksgiving week with three home games against the Idaho Steelheads on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights.
M.S. Dixie II, Zephyr Cove Resort | 4:00–7:00 p.m.
Thanksgiving can also be spent on the lake aboard the M.S. Dixie II. The three-hour cruise combines Thanksgiving dinner with an evening cruise from Zephyr Cove. Reservations are required.
The Shops at Heavenly Village | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
The holidays officially arrive in Tahoe when Heavenly Village lights its 65-foot fresh-cut Christmas tree. The free celebration includes live entertainment and the start of the Village’s holiday festivities.
Heavenly Village
Heavenly Village’s holiday programming begins Thanksgiving weekend and continues into December with seasonal entertainment and family activities throughout the Village.
Harrah’s Lake Tahoe South Shore Room | 7:30 p.m.
Journey USA closes out Harrah’s November concert schedule with a live tribute to the music of Journey.
Participating restaurants throughout South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe Restaurant Week returns for ten days with special menus, dining offers and promotions at restaurants throughout the area. Offers vary by participating restaurant, making it an easy excuse to try somewhere new or revisit a local favorite.
South Lake Brewing Company | 6:00–9:00 p.m.
South Lake Brewing Company hosts its annual Pray for Snow Film Festival and fundraiser benefiting SOS Outreach. The evening features ski and snowboard films, a raffle with gear and prizes, and a gathering of the local winter community ahead of ski season. Tickets are $18 and the event is 21 and over.
Heavenly Mountain Resort | Conditions permitting
Heavenly is targeting November 20 for the start of its 2026–27 ski and snowboard season. As always with November opening dates, terrain and operations will depend on weather and snowmaking conditions.
Valhalla Grand Hall
Valhalla Tahoe’s longtime holiday tradition returns the weekend before Thanksgiving with more than 30 local vendors, handcrafted gifts, holiday music and seasonal food and drinks. Saturday and Sunday include visits and free photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Admission is free.
Friday: 4:00–8:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Olympic Village Events Center, Palisades Tahoe | 7:00 p.m.
North Shore audiences get two opportunities to see Warren Miller’s newest ski film before the South Shore screening later in the week.
Historic Downtown Truckee | 4:15 p.m.
Truckee begins its holiday season with its annual downtown celebration, featuring cookies, hot cocoa, a visit from Santa and the lighting of the traditional Bud Fish Tree.
Palisades Tahoe | Conditions permitting
Palisades Tahoe is targeting November 25 for opening day of the 2026–27 winter season, subject to weather and mountain conditions.
Tahoe City
Tahoe City celebrates Small Business Saturday with shopping and dining promotions throughout Tahoe City, the West Shore and Alpine Meadows. New for 2026, the day also includes a Community Tree Lighting at Tahoe City Winter Sports Park with Santa and performances by local choirs.
The Village at Palisades Tahoe
Thanksgiving weekend brings a celebration of the new winter season at Palisades Tahoe. The Village hosts its Welcome to Winter activities, while FORGED takes place at the Tram Plaza from 4:00–5:00 p.m., honoring athletes, coaches, mentors and community members who have helped shape the mountain’s history.
Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, Reno
Dragon Lights Reno continues through Thanksgiving weekend with its 2026 “Many Worlds Aglow” display. This year’s illuminated experience includes Chinese lantern artistry, a glowing African-themed landscape and a large prehistoric world filled with illuminated dinosaurs. Food and beverages are available throughout the event.
Carson City
Nevada Day weekend carries into Sunday, November 1, with additional activities in Carson City, including historic V&T No. 25 train rides at the Nevada State Railroad Museum and the annual post-parade community cleanup.
Nevada State Museum, Carson City
The Nevada State Museum hosts two days of Día de los Muertos programming honoring loved ones through traditional celebrations, cultural activities and displays. Friday’s evening celebration is followed by additional programming on Saturday.
Downtown Carson City | 1:00–5:00 p.m.
The monthly Carson City Wine Walk returns with its November “Gobble Til You Wobble” theme, inviting guests to explore participating downtown businesses while sampling wine.
Downtown Reno | 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Nevada’s largest outdoor antique market holds its final event of the season on Virginia Street, bringing together more than 150 antique and vintage vendors along with local food trucks. Admission is free.
Reno City Plaza
Reno kicks off the holiday season Thanksgiving weekend with its Holiday Lights Festival and city Christmas tree lighting. The event includes holiday lights, Santa, local vendors, live entertainment, family activities and food trucks.
November may sit between Tahoe’s busiest summer and winter seasons, but the calendar tells a different story. From ski films and opening days to hockey, local fundraisers, holiday markets and Thanksgiving traditions, there are plenty of reasons to get out around the lake before December arrives.
As always, November weather can change quickly and seasonal opening dates are dependent on conditions, so check directly with event organizers and resorts before heading out.
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