LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The year is coming to a close, and if you’re celebrating the beginning of 2026 in a beautiful place like the Tahoe Basin, here are events happening around Lake Tahoe that are sure to help you usher in the New Year:

Heavenly Village – South Lake Tahoe

Heavenly Village has been celebrating all month long with their Heavenly Holidays events, and for their grand finale on New Year’s Eve, they’re pulling out all the stops. Among the fun plans in store is a live music concert featuring platinum-selling country music artist, Eric Paslay, singer and guitarist, Jared James Nichols, and country-rock singer, Mark Mackay. 

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“They love playing here,” said Dreu Murin, Spokesperson at Heavenly Village. “Playing underneath the gondola for New Year’s Eve is just a very iconic event for a lot of these folks.” 

Additionally, the village will be putting on a Tahoe-style ball drop using one of the Heavenly gondolas, timed with New York City’s ball drop in Times Square, which will be lit up and descending the mountain, followed by an epic fireworks show. “As soon as [the gondola] hits the village at 9 p.m., the fireworks erupt and the band starts jamming, it’s pretty spectacular.” 

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This Heavenly Village gathering seems to get bigger every year. “Last year, local law enforcement estimated 4500-5000 people in attendance,” added Murin. “Having the ability to celebrate at 9 p.m., it takes the impact off of traffic on Highway 50, and it’s really been a great thing.” 

Murin notes the majority of the Heavenly Village visitors are families nowadays, so if you’ve got kids to tuck in, or you’re seeking an early start to the night, this party might be exactly what you’re looking for. 

The event kicks off at 4:30 p.m. and wraps up after the fireworks show later in the evening, but celebrations don’t have to end, with festivities trickling over into the Stateline casinos. 

Heavenly Village is located at 1001 Heavenly Village Way in South Lake Tahoe, California.

Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe – Stateline

Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino is a great option for folks wanting a classic Nevada New Year’s Eve experience, offering not one, but two different types of celebrations on December 31.

If you prefer to stay inside, the Revolution Ballroom will have everything from delicious bites and glittering cocktails to live DJ entertainment as their Crystal Countdown event offers a more refined, ballroom party. 

“Ticket holders will enjoy an indulgent buffet experience, including a prime rib carving station, along with two drink tickets and a wristband for the evening,” said Emily Lawrence, Marketing and Entertainment Coordinator at the Golden Nugget. “Crystal Countdown is ideal for guests looking to dress up, dine well, and toast to the New Year in a classic ballroom setting.”

Crystal Countdown will run from 7 p.m., when doors open, to 11 p.m. inside their Revolution Ballroom. The event will cost $149 per person which includes tax and gratuity.

On the other hand, Party on the Plaza fits those looking for a more vibrant, open-air atmosphere running later into the evening. “This outdoor party features a live DJ, cocktails, a midnight champagne toast, and Lake Tahoe’s only midnight fireworks display as the clock strikes midnight,” said Lawrence. 

To join Golden Nugget’s Party on the Plaza, arrive at the Saltgrass Patio. Doors open at 9 p.m.  Festivities kick off at 9:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. Folks can pay $125 for heated seating or $175 for firepit or firewall seating. 

“Together, Crystal Countdown and Party on the Plaza highlight Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe’s ability to create memorable New Year’s Eve experiences for every type of guest, from an elevated indoor celebration to a spirited outdoor countdown, capped off with the region’s only midnight fireworks show.” Lawrence added.

You can find tickets for both events available at goldennuggetLT.com, and guests planning on attending should act soon as Golden Nugget’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are projected to sell out.

Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe is located at 50 U.S. Highway 50 in Stateline, Nevada.

Harrah’s Lake Tahoe – Stateline 

On the 18th floor of Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, is a chance to enjoy an amazing tableside view of New Year’s Eve fireworks. 

For $20 a person, Friday’s Station is offering a champagne toast and chocolate-dipped strawberries, making it a more relaxed experience. Seating opens at 11 p.m. 

If you’re looking for a faster-paced, more energetic vibe to ring in the New Year, PEEK Nightclub is just the spot. Located inside Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, PEEK will be hosting DJ Angie Vee, known for blending genres including R&B, funk, latin and hip-hop music at 10 p.m.  

Harrah’s Lake Tahoe is located at 15 U.S. Highway 50 in Stateline, Nevada. 

Palisades Tahoe – Olympic Valley

One of Lake Tahoe’s most beloved ski destinations, Palisades Tahoe, has plans to keep folks entertained all night long. Their New Year’s Eve is brimming with activities, live music, kids’ games, and pure joy. 

Starting with their annual New Years Eve Torchlight Parade at 5 p.m., guests can hop on their snowboard or skis at the Exhibition chairlift, retrieve a torchlight at the top of the lift, (a new touch they’ve added this year), and cruise down the mountain while watching fireworks. 

Registrants must be ages 5+ and participants will need a valid Ikon Pass or lift ticket and wristband to join. There will be an optional $5 donation at checkout, benefitting the Palisades Tahoe Community Foundation. 

Another unique and iconic activity is Disco Tubing, with sessions taking place at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 7 p.m. It’s a top-tier family-friendly experience filled with lasers, flashing lights and music from a live DJ. 

Fireworks commence at KT Deck at 7 p.m., followed by the East Coast balloon drop, shown at Bar One at 9 p.m.

To conclude the festivities, over at their Olympic Village Events Center is the “Rave for the River” Fundraiser, which supports Team USA Rafting. The event is from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., and features DJ Alex T, making for a fun midnight celebration with a great cause.  

“From the Torchlight Parade on the mountain to fireworks and an East Coast balloon drop in the Village, New Year’s Eve at Palisades Tahoe is designed to be festive, welcoming and family-friendly for guests of all ages,” said Patrick Lacey, PR Manager at Palisades Tahoe.

To book spots for the Torchlight Parade and/or Disco Tubing, visit palisadestahoe.com. 

Palisades Tahoe is located at 1960 Olympic Valley Road in Olympic Valley, California. 

Crystal Bay Casino – Incline Village 

Crystal Bay Casino is hosting a New Year’s Eve bash, and at the forefront of their show are The Funk Hunters, made up of electronic music producers, Nick Middleton and Duncan Smith. 

“After throwing an absolutely unforgettable New Year’s Eve party last year, the Funk Hunters earned an instant encore – so we’re bringing them back to do it all again this year,” said Sam Shear with Terrapin Ridge Productions. 

The Funk Hunters will be bumping a unique sound of dynamic electronic music, influenced by old school funk, soul and hip-hop. The event will also feature MNTRA b2b TCHiLT as well as a free Red Room After Party. 

“Get ready for another high-energy, can’t-miss NYE throw-down,” said Shear.

Crystal Bay Casino’s event is standing room only, for ages 21+ and charges a $50 entry fee. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets are on sale at https://tixr.com/e/155935. 

Crystal Bay Casino is located at 14 NV-28 in Crystal Bay, Nevada. 

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe – Reno/Tahoe

It’s an exciting New Year’s Eve at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe Resort, offering folks the chance to spend a fun day skiing on the mountain, and by the evening, a night filled with celebration and camaraderie. 

Kicking off the evening events is the Snowcat Parade at 4:30 p.m., their signature holiday event, displaying lit up snowcats as they make their way down the mountain. 

Next is the Torchlight Parade at 5 p.m., where members of the Mt. Rose Ski Team take to the snow with torches, creating a moving stream of light, a stunning visual that illuminates the mountainside.

Fireworks will follow at 5:45 p.m., and if you’re interested in seeing spectacular views of Lake Tahoe from the northeast side, Tahoe’s highest base elevation resort is an amazing place to do it. 

This is a very popular set of events, and folks planning on attending should take note to get an early start as parking is expected to run out. Carpooling is encouraged. 

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe Resort is the closest resort to the Reno/Tahoe International Airport, located at 22600 Mount Rose Highway in Reno, Nevada. 

Northstar California Resort – Truckee

Northstar California Resort is celebrating its 50th winter season anniversary during New Year’s Eve, and will be hosting an all-day, free event in the Northstar Village as part of its Winter Wonders Celebration. 

They’ve curated an early start, with music by DJ Replay from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m., on the village stage.

Face-painting activities as well as their 360-photo booth will open at 6 p.m. consisting of a circular platform and a telescopic arm which allows you to take cinematic photos and videos.

Big Crush, a high-energy dance band, will be performing at 7 p.m., bringing creative mashups, entertaining choreography and classic covers of some of your favorite songs.

To end the night, they will light up the sky with a fireworks show at 9 p.m.

Northstar California is located at 5001 Northstar Drive in Truckee, California.