A festively decorated Valhalla Grand Hall opens its doors Friday for a Holiday Faire that runs through the weekend.

“It’s a kickoff for the holiday season,” Carolyn Grubb, coordinator of Tahoe Tallac Association, said of the free 18th annual event.

Tahoe Tallac Association volunteers have strung up lights, hung holly and decorated several Christmas trees in the rustic hall on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe.

One volunteer helping decorate the hall this week, Denise Haerr, said Holiday Faire gives the community an opportunity to embrace some of the area’s best attributes.

“Its talented artists, its historical background, merriment and the lake itself. It’s a time to let go and enjoy. There is a buzz in the air and hints of holiday hopes. There really isn’t anything quite like it,” she said.

About 25 vendors are set up inside Valhalla Grand Hall for the Holiday Faire. They are all “local people who bring in homemade items,” Grubb said.

Vendors include Marianne Rosenfeld, owner of Forest Furniture Tahoe. Rosenfeld makes unique furniture and other home accessories out of old skis and snowboards.

Felicia Renaud is bringing the Mood Lights she makes. The bulbs project their hand painted images onto lampshades or walls.

Roberta Saling is bringing some of her carved wood ornaments and Linda Spivack is bringing some of her designer sewing. Other vendora will have jewelry and candles and hand knit scarves, hats and purses.

Holiday Faire is a good place to get started on Christmas shopping, with local vendors and their unique products. Or people can just come to socialize and get in the holiday spirit, Grubb said.

Food vendors include Sir Richard’s English Toffee, Grant Eddie Winery and The Strudel Guy.

There will be hot chocolate, cider and mulled wine and a fire burning all weekend in the Grand Hall’s large stone fireplace.

The elementary school choir sings on Saturday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The middle school choir sings on Sunday at 1 p.m. Santa Claus will also make an appearance.

“Come out and see us. Come get something hot to drink and enjoy the atmosphere and get in the holiday spirit,” Grubb said.