We bet you already have plans for the July 4th holiday. You’ve created the menu and prepped the grill. You’ll host your annual Independence Day soirée. Perhaps travel to the lake house or rough it in the great outdoors with other campers. Spend the afternoon on water; kayaking, boating or paddleboarding. You’ll top off the holiday with tradition: fireworks. If that’s not the case, and you’re in the Lake Tahoe-Truckee area, here’s what you can find for the whole family!

Beth Weber Arts & Crafts Festival

July 1 to 4

Enjoy the fair along the cobblestone Kings Beach Plaza – just 50 yards from the water – which has been running for more than 30 years. All work and masterpieces created by participating artisans. Shop nearby shops and choose from an array of local restaurants. 10am to 5pm, 530.546.2768 for details or questions. 

Full Moon Rising Party

July 3

Watch the full moon rise over Lake Tahoe at this stunning lakefront location! Drink in the romance while being serenaded by a solo violinist. 5pm to 11pm, reserve your table or choose a bar seating, West Shore Café & Inn. 

Peter Joseph Burtt Live Concert

July 3

Enjoy the spectacular view on the lawn at West Shore Café & Inn with this live performance. A lifelong drummer, Peter Joseph Burtt, attributes his musical influence to time spent in Africa. Much of his music is played on traditional instruments: the lute like Kora, the Mbira, or thumb piano. 2pm to 5pm, free, West Shore Café & Inn. 

Fireworks Show & Deck Party

July 3

Watch the fireworks over Lake Tahoe from the sandy beaches of Kings Beach, CA. Make it an evening by purchasing tickets to North Tahoe Business Association’s Deck Party, and enjoy premium seating, food vendors, live music and a no host bar. 6:30pm, Kings Beach, CA, 530.546.9000 to purchase tickets.

Run to the Beach

July 4

Run to the Beach 5k and 10k starts at the North Tahoe Regional Park.  From the park you have the option of participating in the 5K or 10K trail run, both of which finish on the “big” beach in Kings Beach, CA. 8am, registration cost varies $30-$55, Tahoe Vista, CA.

Firecracker Mile Run

July 4

Start off the 4^th of July with a bang and race the one mile fun run from Tahoe Forest Hospital to Historic Downtown Truckee, through the crowds waiting for the parade to star. Registration opens at 9am, run starts at 10am, $20/adults, $15/children, benefits Auburn Ski Club Nordic Programs, Truckee, CA.

Tahoe City Fourth of July Fireworks

July 4

Celebrate Independence Day at Commons Beach for a spectacular fireworks show! 9:30pm, Tahoe City, CA.

Truckee Fourth of July Fireworks

July 4

Enjoy Independence Day fireworks over Donner Lake from West End Beach. The West End Beach event is just for Truckee Residents and Homeowners, but the public can view the fireworks from anywhere around the lake. Dusk, $6.00/advance entry fee, 530.582.7720, Donner Lake.

Truckee Fourth of July Parade

July 4

Independence Day festive parade traveling 1.5 miles on Donner Pass Road from Truckee High School Track parking lot into Historic Downtown Truckee, 10am to 12pm, $50 parade entry fee, Truckee Chamber of Commerce, Truckee, CA, 530.587.2757.

What’s on the agenda for your July 4th holiday?

An American St. Patrick's Day tradition: Chicago River dyed green.

May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks,
May your heart be as light as a song,
May each day bring you bright, happy hours,
That stay with you all the year long.

In Ireland most natives pin on a sprig of green, attend morning mass, and drink a pint in the afternoon or feast with family at dinner in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Until the 1970s, St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland was a minor religious holiday. But in the United States, rivers are dyed green, there are large parades to celebrate the Irish, and millions don green for the day.

For Lake Tahoe locals and vacationers, we may have more than a sprig of green – more so a white and powdery day on the slopes! But why not capture the essence of the above Irish blessing, and grab some friends, enjoy the coming of spring, drink a pint, listen to some live tunes, dance a jig and find out how the Irish keep life so light and lively!

There are all kinds of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations happening around Lake Tahoe on Saturday, March 17^th.  The question is how do you want to celebrate? We’ve included a few choices!  Just remember to wear green, stay safe and tip your hat to St. Patrick!

Squaw Valley

Celebrate the holiday at Squaw Valley with all of your favorite Irish traditions! Ski the green slopes, hang out at the KT Base Bar for our pig roast and listen to L.A.vation, The World’s Greatest Tribute to U2 while you enjoy festive beer from Guiness, Harp and Smithwick’s. From 3pm-5pm in the Village Events Plaza, The Blarney Band will perform traditional Irish music. Catch Lenny the Leprechaun on the slopes for a special treat from his pot of gold!

Be sure to check out Auld Dubliner at Squaw if you want a taste of traditional Dublin on this Irish holiday!

Alpine Meadows

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Alpine! Come dressed in your best St. Patrick’s Day costume for a chance to win a CamelBak full of swag! All costumes will be judged at the St. Patrick’s Day Après Ski Party taking place on the Sun Deck from 1pm to 4pm. Enjoy Irish food and drink specials and live music by the the Nibblers!

Tahoe City

The fun starts at Jake’s on the Lake with traditional Irish food all day (also serving lunch/café/dinner), Happy Hour Specials 4:30pm-6:30pm, Live Music: Mark Wilson at 6pm. The party continues at Hacienda del Lago (upstairs) with live funk “Terraplane” from 9:30pm-2am, and L.A. DJ Dre Tuna at Lakeside (next door) from 10pm-2am. Bounce around from bar to bar; Bushmills Girls, music and drink specials all night at all three venues!

What’s your favorite way to spend St. Patrick’s Day?

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In many cities you may find First Thursdays to whet the curatorial interest of gallery lovers, where visitors enjoy open houses and peruse the work of their favorite artists. You don’t need an urban lifestyle to enjoy art, food and festivities! For the First Friday of each month, participating Downtown Truckee shops and restaurants will offer complimentary art, food, drinks, music and more from 5PM-8PM! Participating stores will display First Friday Flags, so you know where to find the fun!

On the First Friday of December (12/2) enjoy Toddy Treat night! The downtown merchants have partnered with Truckee Rotary in their annual lighting of the “Bud Fish” tree.  Just after dusk, the tree will be lit for the holiday season and Historic Downtown Truckee will come alive!

Gather with the local community and enjoy hot chocolate, treats, kids activities, caroling, dancing and annual tree decorating by elementary school kids, followed by a visit from Santa Claus!

Enjoy the festive atmosphere of Historic Valhalla Grand Hall with an elegant evening of champagne, hors d’ouevres, fine wines and catered dinner at the annual Valhalla Holiday Gala Diner.  Each ticket includes a personalized Tahoe Silverwood handcrafted Bear Ornament, and you’ll also enjoy a silent auction before the end of the evening.

Event Low Down

When: Saturday, December 3rd from 5:30PM to 10:30PM

Where: The Historic Valhalla Grand Hall in South Lake Tahoe

Cost: $85/person, click here!

Evening attire is recommended. Valet parking available on-site.

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Photo courtesy of Alena Grace Photography

It’s that time of year again! If you like to kick-off the holiday season with Holiday Tree Lightings, then you are in for a treat with the local festivites in North Lake Tahoe this December. Be sure to bundle up the little ones and get ready for a heart and belly-warming time!

December 2nd: Holiday Tree Lighting in Kings Beach, CA

• Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at the North Tahoe Event Center from 5-7pm. The annual community event includes photographs with Santa, a cookie swap and craft stations for the kids. Warm up with hot cocoa and homemade soup and treat one another to candy canes. This event is sponsored by the North Tahoe PUD and the Event Center, the North Tahoe Business Association, and the Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe. For further details, call 530.546.9000.

December 3rd: Tree Lighting in Tahoe City, CA

• Help Santa Claus and Liberty Energy turn on the holiday lights in Downtown Tahoe City from 5PM to 7PM. Warm up with friends by the fire in Heritage Plaza with complimentary refreshments and enjoy live holiday music. Carol with friends and loved ones to ring in the holiday season! This event is sponsored by Tahoe City Downtown Association and Tahoe City Public Utility District.  For more information visit The Tahoe City Downtown Association.

December 3rd: Tree Lighting at Cal Neva Resort

• Join Santa Claus in Cal Neva’s beautiful Indian Room to light the Holiday Tree from  5PM-7PM. Get your photo taken with Santa himself, and snack on warm cookies and hot cocoa. For more information visit the Cal Neva Resort.

Photo courtesy of Alena Grace Photography

Snow, steaming hot cocoa and sleigh rides. There is so much happening this year at the 7th Annual Magical Memories, we don’t know where to begin!

Resort at Squaw Creek has crafted a bevy of holiday activities for all ages, which runs from November 25, 2011 to January 8, 2012. We’ll just whet your appetite for winter wonderland galore with these options: holiday caroling, cookie decorating, wine and cheese tastings, s’mores roast and hot cocoa by the bonfire, breakfast with Santa, stories with Mrs. Claus in the lobby, snowman making competition, sleigh rides and more!  To see a detailed list of events by date and more information, click here!

If you are music buff, then be sure to set aside these dates and get your ticket while you can! Handel’s “Messiah” in the Grand Sierra Ballroom is a local’s favorite, and not one to miss.

Musical Event Details:

11/30, 12/7, 12/14 at 5 PM: Live Local School Performances. Complimentary!

12/10 and 12/11: The Truckee Tahoe Community Chorus of Sierra College presents “Sing Christmas”;  for tickets click here.

12/16: The Orchestra and Community Chorus of the Tahoe Area (TOCCATA) presents a special version of Handel’s “Messiah” in the Grand Sierra Ballroom. Buy your  tickets here!

It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.  W.T. Ellis

Coldwell Banker Select Real Estate and the United States Marine Corps Reserve  are proud to sponsor the 32nd Annual Toys for Tots Party on Wednesday, December 7th from 6-9 p.m in Incline Village.

This year’s event kicks off at The Chateau Incline Village and features music by DJ Alex “Boogie” Smith, dancing, cocktails, delectable appetizers, prizes and an appearance by Santa Claus himself!

The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. It is a crucial fundraiser during the holiday season, and the community support allows children in need to have a joyous experience at Christmas.

Event Details

Where: The Chateau, 955 Fairway Blvd., Incline Village, NV

When: December 7th, 6-9PM

Admission: 1 New, Unwrapped Present

Questions/Concerns: Contact Cheryl at 775.833.6444

Light up your holiday season with the Town Tree Lighting!

It’s that time of year again. Fresh snow, a cup of hot cocoa, letters to Santa, and festive lights to warm your hearts. Kick off the holiday season this December with the Tahoe City Holly-Days Jubilee!

The Weekend Lowdown

Town Tree Lighting and Community Caroling

• Friday, December 2, 2011
• 5pm-7pm

Bundle up, bring your camera, and come see Santa light the tree!

Family Winter Wonderland and Photos with Santa Claus

• Saturday, December 3, 2011
• 11am-2pm

Want a great photo to share in your holiday cards this year? Then grab the whole family and get your picture taken with Santa!

All events are held in the center of town at the Heritage Plaza: 550 North Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA.