Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows' Plans Third Annual Merry Days & Holly Nights
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is celebrating its third annual Merry Days & Holly Nights: over two weeks of spirited events and activities December 14-31. Merry Days & Holly Nights will bring Santa to town along with spectacular music and dance performances, horse-drawn sleigh rides, parties, fireworks to ring in the New Year and much more. New this year, Merry Days & Holly Nights will include Disco Tubing, Christmas Eve dinner and Sunset Happy Hours at High Camp, and the World’s Largest Torchlight Parade on New Year’s Eve. Traditional favorites such as Brunch with Santa, skiing and riding with Jonny Moseley, retro and ugly sweater après parties, the Ice Garden & Train Rides, Reindeer Games scavenger hunts and Farm to Table dinners return as well.
World’s Largest Torchlight Parade on New Year’s Eve, December 31
Merry Days & Holly Nights will introduce a new feat this season: an attempt at the world’s largest torchlight parade. Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is calling skiers and riders of all ages to join together for the final lap of 2018 on New Year’s Eve, lighting up the night sky with colorful LED torches as they thread down the 3.2-mile Mountain Run in an attempt to best 3,000 participants and break the record. The parade will take place weather and conditions permitting, starting at 5:45pm at the top of the Gold Coast Funitel. All participants must register online in advance.
Beyond Merry Wonderland Sunset Happy Hour at High Camp at Squaw Valley, December 28-30
The scenic Aerial Tram will stay open late, welcoming families and friends to converge and take in the setting sun and stunning views of Lake Tahoe as the tram rises 2,000 feet to High Camp. Sunset photo opportunities abound in the warmth of the newly renovated Terrace Restaurant & Bar or al fresco on the Observation Deck. Beyond Merry Wonderland Sunset Happy Hour guests can enjoy deals on appetizers and drinks like the warming KT Coffee or the hard-charging Local’s Lemonade. The cost for Sunset Happy Hour is $18 per person, including tram access and a Happy Hour drink. The event is offered on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 200 people, and is expected to reach capacity quickly.
Disco Tubing, December 22-24, 28-31
The SnoVentures Activity Zone will come alive at night with Disco Tubing for the whole family. Families can spin, slide and speed down the snow tubing lanes to vibrant DJ tunes as the night is illuminated with colorful lights and lasers splashed on the mountainside. Disco Tubing is open 5-8 p.m.
Welcome to Winter Party, November 24
This festive official kick off of the holiday season will be held on Saturday, November 24. The Village at Squaw Valley comes alive with local DJs, $2 beer benefit stations, and raffles on brand new merchandise. New this year is a Merry Days & Holly Nights Tree Lighting Ceremony, photos with Santa and outdoor fashion show right in The Village. Ikon pass holders are eligible for retail discounts. The North Lake Tahoe Chamber will be in The Village as well, celebrating Small Business Saturday with a pop-up retail store and bar offering wines by the glass and specialty holiday cocktails, as well as a complimentary gift-wrapping station.
Following is a complete schedule of events for Merry Days & Holly Nights.
December 14-16 – Twisted Nutcracker & Tale of the Rat King with pre-show reception
December 18 – Truckee Community Theatre: It’s A Wonderful Life & Christmas Chaos with pre-show reception
December 19-23 – Ice Garden & Train Rides & Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides
December 20 – Reno Jazz Orchestra Holiday Show with pre-show reception
December 17-23 – Reindeer Games scavenger hunt through the Village
December 20-24 – Great Basin Carolers
December 21 – SVI Second Annual Community Concert
December 22 – Ugly Sweater Après Party & Toccata – Tahoe Symphony presents Handel’s Messiah with pre-show reception
December 22-24 – Disco Tubing
December 22-23 – Ice Carving Demonstrations
December 23 – two seatings of Brunch with Santa & Family Friendly Holiday Yoga
December 24 – Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Ceremony & Beyond Merry Wonderland: Christmas Eve Dinner Service
Following Christmas, more fun festivities kick off in anticipation of New Year’s Eve!
December 26-31 – Ski with Jonny Moseley & Après Ski with Jonny Moseley
December 26-31 – Live music throughout the Village
December 27 – Farm to Table dinner with Olympians
December 28-30 – Beyond Merry Wonderland: Sunset Happy Hour
December 28-31 – Disco Tubing
December 28 – Farm to Table dinner with a movie (Incredibles 2)
December 29 – Beyond Retro Ski Party with Jonny Moseley & White Out Soiree
December 31 – World’s Largest Torchlight Parade, New Year’s Carnival, Parade & Family Celebration & High Five’s New Year’s Eve Gala
For tickets and more information, visit the Merry Days & Holly Nights event page.
