On the darkest evening of the year, come celebrate with “Explore Tahoe: An Urban Trailhead” to herald the coming of winter.

The festival is from 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, at the Explore Tahoe visitor center, in the heart of Heavenly Village.

There will be live music, poetry, and Snowshoe Thompson and Snowflake Bentley both will make appearances. Inside the center, children and adults will be able to learn about the uniqueness of a snowflake as they explore the winter world of Tahoe through science and art.

Refreshments will be available, and the unique gift store is stocked with all sorts of natural and culturally inspired items, from handmade snowflake puzzles and pine needle basket kits to hiking and birding guides.