10/27/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THANK YOU - South Lake Tahoe Tourism Improvement District. For tree lighting
HEAVENLY VILLAGE TO LIGHT UP LAKE TAHOE WITH ONE OF THE NATION’S BEST HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATIONS
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — October 27th, 2026 – One of America's most spectacular holiday traditions returns to the Sierra Nevada Thanksgiving weekend as Lake Tahoe’s #1 destination, The Shops at Heavenly Village hosts its nationally recognized Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration on Friday, November 27th, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Recognized as one of the nation's best tree lighting events, the free celebration will transform the heart of South Lake Tahoe into a dazzling winter wonderland, featuring the illumination of a magnificent 65-foot Christmas tree, live entertainment and an unforgettable evening of holiday magic.
The towering Christmas tree is personally hand-selected each year by Dreu Murin and Kenny Curtzwiler of Tahoe Ski Bum, continuing a tradition that has become a centerpiece of Lake Tahoe's holiday season.
"There's nothing quite like watching thousands of people come together as we illuminate a 65-foot Christmas tree against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains," said Dreu Murin, spokesperson for The Shops at Heavenly Village and producer of the event. "It's more than a tree lighting, it's about creating memories, celebrating our community and giving families another reason to make Lake Tahoe part of their holiday traditions."
The evening will feature a special live performance by Mark Mackay, with California State Senator Alexandra Duarte and El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf serving as special hosts and helping lead the countdown to the spectacular illumination.
Gary Casteel, President & CEO of Trans Sierra Investments / The Shops at Heavenly Village, emphasized the importance of continuing to invest in experiences that strengthen Lake Tahoe's appeal as a year-round destination. "Heavenly Village has become much more than a shopping and dining destination. It's a place where families come together and lifelong memories are made," said Casteel. "Our commitment has always been to create exceptional experiences that benefit the entire South Shore community when tourism agencies won't. Events like our annual tree lighting not only bring tremendous holiday spirit to Lake Tahoe, but also support our local businesses, strengthen tourism and showcase our region on a national stage."
Beyond the holiday magic, the celebration marks the official kickoff of the 15th annual Heavenly Holidays season and plays a vital role in driving Thanksgiving weekend tourism. While this year’s holiday programming has been scaled back due to reduced funding and participation from the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority and Nevada-side partners in supporting this longstanding regional tradition, Heavenly Village remains committed to preserving the spirit and legacy of Heavenly Holidays. Despite these funding challenges, the Village will continue delivering a festive lineup of events and experiences designed to attract visitors, support local businesses, stimulate the regional economy, and showcase Lake Tahoe’s world-class lodging, dining, shopping, and entertainment.
"Destination events like this are vital to our tourism economy," Murin added. "They bring visitors to our hotels, customers to our restaurants and shoppers to our businesses. Our goal is simple: create extraordinary experiences that keep people coming back to Lake Tahoe year after year."
The celebration is proudly sponsored exclusively by the South Lake Tahoe Tourism Improvement District, with support from the City of South Lake Tahoe.
The event is free and open to the public. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, enjoy the festive atmosphere throughout Heavenly Village and experience one of Lake Tahoe's most memorable holiday traditions.
ABOUT THE SHOPS AT HEAVENLY VILLAGE
Located at the base of Heavenly Mountain Resort, The Shops at Heavenly Village is Lake Tahoe’s #1 destination featuring shopping, dining, entertainment and year-round festivals and special events that attract visitors from across the country.
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Media Contact:
Dreu Murin
Ph: 530-251-6231
Email: dreu@dreu
murin.com
