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January 8, 2026
From Truckee Magazine, Connections Quarterly, Winter 2025-26 Issue
When the sun sets around 5:00 p.m. (gasp!) in a community that is as active as we are, what is one to do with the extra hours of darkness? We say, take advantage and enjoy some of your favorite daytime activities when the stars come out. Or try something that only happens at night during winter. This is your Truckee After Dark Bucket List. You’ll read about events you’ve heard of, but haven’t tried out yet—make this the season you do. Plus, we might have some new ideas for you. How many can you cross off your list this season?
This is your chance to howl at the Tahoe moon among the pines and crisp mountain air. There’s something magical about the Sierra Mountains at night, especially when you’re out in the wild under a full moon and glittery stars. Full Moon Snowshoe Treks with Tahoe Adventure Company are as fun as they are informative; they include an expert guide who will speak with your group about natural and human history, astronomy, and facts about the moon.
Participants also have access to snowshoes, trekking poles, snacks, and warm drinks. You’ll be led to incredible views to gape at while you sip on your hot drink and ruminate about being alive. Anyone ages eight and up is invited to trek the easy 2-3 miles for an experience that warms the soul even through the brisk winter temps.
Find the schedule at tahoeadventurecompany.com/ourtrips/Custom/fullmoon/full-moon-snowshoe-tours
You don’t have to wait for the full moon to enjoy Northstar’s Twilight Snowshoe Tours! As the sun dips out and the stars pepper the sky, strap on the snowshoes for this 2 to 2.5 hour tour that begins at Northstar’s Cross Country, Telemark and Snowshoe Center. The tall pines along the trail will remind you just how small we really are. Everyone loves the hot chocolate and s’mores around a fire pit during the adventure, which wraps up in the Northstar Village. And who loves romping in the snow more than we do? Our sweet pups, who are invited to join as long as they are on a leash. These tours take place on Saturdays at 5:00 p.m. December 20, 2025 through March 7, 2026.
Learn more at northstarcalifornia.com
Fill your thermos with something hot, put on your best beanie and favorite puffy jacket, and head to the Thomas Kinkade painting that is Downtown Truckee in winter. It’s a magical place for shopping, especially during the holidays, but because it’s shiny and snowy (hopefully) and bright all season long, it’s also a festive activity post-holiday. Make it a weekly event, perhaps, spending one outing checking out the art, another having dessert somewhere, another shopping for someone, and yet another catching live music. Make it fun for the kids by coming up with a scavenger hunt! A stroll through downtown always hits the mark, especially when we’re getting antsy at home.
What’s better than snowshoeing under the stars and moon? Snowshoeing under the stars and moon toward a four-course Bavarian-inspired dinner, of course. This 21-and-over bucket list adventure should be at the top of your list. You’ll begin the unique experience with a hot glass of mulled wine at the Last Chair Bar in the Alpine Base Lodge. But wait, it gets better. The group will follow a guide on a 15-minute hike up a groomed trail via boot chains or snowshoes, whichever you prefer. Arrive at The Chalet, where it’s warm and a Bavarian menu and a full bar await you. Warning—this event sells out fast, so grab your tickets early.
Learn more at palisadestahoe.com/events-and-activities/activity-finder/chalet-dinner
Have you ever looked at the night sky close up? Like, really, really close up? Get out of your head and into the cosmos with Tony Berendsen’s collection of Celestron telescopes. Tahoe Star Tours promises to open your mind, causing you to wonder about your place in the universe. You’ll have the chance to look at stars, galaxies, galactic clusters, globular clusters, and nebulae. Group sizes of 2 to 20 can be booked through Spring. They will be featured at the Docent-led star gazing, which will happen at the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe on Dec. 26, Jan. 2, and Feb. 20. Reservations are required and can be made through the concierge desk at the hotel. Get outside, ask questions, get answers, and expand your understanding of the infinite.
Learn more at tahoestartours.com
Riding doesn’t have to stop when the sun goes down. Boreal Mountain is open until 8:00 p.m., 7 days a week. For those who want to keep the fun going at night, the mountain offers two ways to keep playing. The Boreal Night Pass (only $250 for the season) gives you access from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., every day, all season long—no blackout dates, no reservations, and open to all ages. Or buy a one-time Go Time pass for $89 that allows you to ride after 3:00 p.m. Catch the Sierra sunset, and if it’s snowing, experience the magic of snowflakes falling around you among Boreal’s lights.
Learn more at rideboreal.com
When you need to get out of the house and get bodies moving, head to Truckee River Regional Park for ice skating. It’s affordable, you’ll probably run into many friends, and they offer hot chocolate for purchase. If you need to get the kids’ zoomies out, this is the place. Mom and Dad can join in the fun or cozy up and watch on the sidelines. Keep an eye out for theme nights! December brings a Holiday Theme, and other themes throughout the season include Disco, Sock Hop, and St. Patrick’s Day.
Learn more at tdrpd.org/161/Ice-Rink
Everybody’s got a little disco in them, even if they haven’t unleashed it yet. Take your dance moves off the Pergo floor and onto a tube as you rush down Palisades Tahoe’s swift tubing lanes. The disco sounds don’t come from your parents’ old 8-track either; they’re delivered live by rotating DJs like the infamous Rusty Reams, Rambo, Chango, and more. With neon lanes, flashing lights, lasers, and live spins, this bucket list event is fun for the family, your group of besties, colleagues, bachelor and bachelorette parties, a date night, or just because you need to let some of your disco fly. Although not regularly open at night, if you plan ahead, you can also book an evening disco tubing private party at Sugar Bowl’s Sugar Rush, with 10 lanes, disco lights, music, food available and fire pits.
Check Palisade’s Disco Tubing schedule at palisadestahoe.com/events-and-activities/activity-finder/disco-tubing
At over 9,000 square feet, let your inner ice skating champ fly! Or simply glide along with the music under the twinkle lights and festive atmosphere. The Northstar Village Ice Rink is free to access if you bring your own ice skates. However, rentals are available too. Cozy up to one of the fire pits that circle the rink, purchase an upgraded s’mores kit from the mobile s’mores cart, and grab a cocktail from the Rink Bar, Cabana Bar, or Overlook Bar.
Live performances on the Village Stage will happen every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening. But don’t miss the Winter Wonders holiday series, kicking off with tree lighting and photos with Santa on Friday, Dec. 19, and featuring 17 days of non-stop live music from the 19th to Jan. 4. The vibrant atmosphere screams Winter Wonderland, so make sure to experience it at least once. It’s the perfect place to take visiting family when you all need a break from the house.
Learn more at northstarcalifornia.com
Painted Vine brings creativity, color, and connection to the Truckee-Tahoe community through relaxed, social art parties that anyone can enjoy. Whether you’re an experienced artist or have never picked up a brush, each session is designed to make painting approachable, fun, and rewarding. Hosted at local venues and private homes, Painted Vine events combine step-by-step instruction with a lively, laid-back vibe. Guests sip wine, chat with friends, and paint their own canvas masterpiece with guidance from talented local artists. It’s less about perfection and more about expression—no pressure, no judgment, just creativity and good company.
For their schedule of events or to book a private party, visit https://painted-vine.com/
Puzzles are fun and all, but when cabin fever starts creeping in, creep out of the house and over to one of these winter bucket list activities. Bonus: if you have friends or family in town, this is the perfect list of things to do that not only gets them off the couch but also shows them what Truckee is all about.
