Merry Days & Holly Nights Returns For 4th Festive Season At Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows, Dec. 14 - 31

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows announces the return of Merry Days & Holly Nights, the nearly three-week long celebration of holiday traditions, old and new, that takes over the slopes and The Village at Squaw Valley. Starting Dec. 14 and running through Dec. 31, guests will be delighted by Santa visits, Moonlit Snowshoe Tours and Dinners, performances by community dance groups, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Back by popular demand are the New Year’s Eve World’s Largest LED Torchlight Parade, Sunset Happy Hours at High Camp and Farm to Table Dinners. 

  • New events include WhiSKI Farm to Table Dinner & Ski Movie and the return of the Rock-N-OVL New Year's Eve Concert
  • The holiday calendar officially kicks off Nov. 30 & Dec. 1 with the Welcome to Winter Party & Santa’s Brunch
  • Holiday activities include skiing & dining with Olympians, moonlit snowshoe dinners, Sunset Happy Hour and the New Year’s Eve World’s Largest LED Torchlight Parade

WhiSki Farm to Table Dinner & Ski Movie, Dec. 27
Three unique Farm to Table dinners will be offered this year with the newest addition of the WhiSKI Dinner, a night of fine whiskey and adrenaline-pumping skiing and riding. Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows has partnered with Teton Gravity Research to bring its popular WhiSKI Series to the resort over the holidays.In addition to a holiday-themed, farm fresh meal, High West Distillery will be presenting four of their high-end whiskeys for tasting, and Teton Gravity Research will be screening their new ski and snowboard film, WInterland. Athletes from the film will be in attendance and will take questions from the audience to cap off this VIP experience. 

Rock-N-OVL New Year's Eve Concert, Dec. 31
Cap off the year with a rockin’ party and performance by The Nomads at the Rock-N-OVL Year’s Eve Concert. The Nomads will feature former U.S. Ski Team racer and reigning Cushing Crossing Champion Barry Thys on guitar as the group makes it’s long-awaited return to perform in the Olympic Village Lodge exactly 20 years after their legendary 1999 show at the same venue. Stick around Squaw Valley to ring in 2020 with a midnight countdown, balloon drop and music from one of Lake Tahoe’s most popular bands. The event will run from 9 p.m. - 1 a.m., tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door.

World’s Largest LEDTorchlight Parade on New Year’s Eve, December 31
Merry Days & Holly Nights will once again host the World’s Largest LED Torchlight Parade. Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is calling skiers and riders of all ages to join together for the final lap of 2019 on New Year’s Eve, lighting up the night sky with radiant LED torches as they ski down from the Exhibition chairlift,  illuminating the mountain’s last run of the year. Last year, 2,913 skiers and riders participated, setting an unofficial world record that this year’s festivities will attempt to top.The parade will take place weather and conditions permitting, starting at 5 pm at the bottom of the Exhibition lift. All participants must register online in advance. After the parade, stick around for a fireworks show at the KT Base Bar at 7 p.m.

Sunset Happy Hour at High Camp at Squaw Valley, Dec. 26 - Jan. 4
The scenic Aerial Tram will stay open late, welcoming friends to converge and take in the setting sun and stunning views of Lake Tahoe from 8,200’ at High Camp. Sunset photo opportunities abound in the warmth of Terrace Restaurant & Bar or al fresco on the Observation Deck. The cost for Sunset Happy Hour is $21 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. Guests can book online in advance.

Welcome to Winter Party, Nov. 30 & Santa’s Brunch Dec. 1
Kick-off of the holiday season on Saturday, Nov. 30 with the return of the Welcome to Winter annual Ikon Pass holder party. The Village at Squaw Valley comes alive with local DJs, $2 beer benefit stations and raffles on brand new merchandise. Guests will be treated to a sneak peek performance of the Truckee Dance Factory’s Twisted Nutcracker and Tale of the Rat King. Santa will be on hand for the Merry Days & Holly Nights Tree Lighting Ceremony, and for pictures with children in the signature Village Big Chair. Finally, families can join Santa the following day for Santa’s Brunch at the Olympic House at 9 a.m.

Following is a complete schedule of events for Merry Days & Holly Nights.

December 14-15 & 20-22 – Twisted Nutcracker & Tale of the Rat King with pre-show reception
December 17-19 – Moonlit Snowshoe Tour & Dinner
December 19-23 – Ice Garden, Train Rides, Reindeer Games & Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides
December 19 – Disco Tubing with Santa 
December 21- 22 – Live Ice Carving Demonstration
December 23 – Santa’s Brunch
December 24 – Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Ceremony & Dinner

Following Christmas, more fun festivities kick off in anticipation of New Year’s Eve!

December 26-31 – Ski with Jonny Moseley
December 26-30 – Sunset Happy Hour
December 26 – Farm to Table Dinner with Olympians
December 27– TGR’s WhiSKI Dinner and Movie
December 28 – Retro Apres Ski Party with Jonny Moseley & SAF’s White Out Soiree
December 29 – Farm to Table Dinner with a movie (The Lion King)
December 31 – World’s Largest LED Torchlight Parade & Family Celebration
December 31 – Rock-N-OVL New Year's Eve Concert
January 2-4 – Sunset Happy Hour

For tickets and more information, visit the Merry Days & Holly Nights event page. 

Share This Article