Entertainment this week: Tahoe Live, Holly Jolly Stroll, Blü Egyptian and more!

Friday, December 12

Friday Night Music at Cottonwood Restaurant – 6:30-8:30 p.m., Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar, 10142 Rue Hilltop. Join us each Friday at Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar in Truckee for a fun night of live music and great vibes! For more information, visit https://chamber.truckee.com/events/details/friday-night-music-at-cottonwood-restaurant-12-12-2025-81285 or call (530) 587-5711.

Handel’s Messiah & Holiday Favorites – 6:30 p.m., Cornerstone Community Church, 300 Country Club Dr. Joyous refrains and exultant arias, including the iconic “Hallelujah” Chorus, will fill the concert hall this holiday season. This Baroque masterwork, expressing the themes of hope, redemption and grace, showcases the magnificent artistry and skill of our celebrated orchestra and chorus, complemented by exceptional soloists. Join us for this wonderful holiday tradition! FREE tickets for Youth under 23 and discounted tickets for Seniors (65+). For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/3743230505807674/.

Holly Jolly Strolls – 4-8 p.m., Join us for the new Holly Jolly Strolls on Dec. 5 and Dec. 12 as downtown transforms into a festive winter village with seasonal décor, lively atmosphere, and holiday magic. Shop Local — Stores Open Late Enjoy extended shopping hours, special offers, and unique gifts from locally owned retailers and restaurants. Visit with Santa — Dec. 12 Bring the family for a memorable holiday photo and a visit with Santa. Details TBA. Sip, Shop and Dine Explore festive menus, warm beverages, and delicious dining options at Tahoe City’s inviting eateries. Free Transportation with TART Connect Getting around is easy with free, on-demand TART Connect rides. Support local this season by shopping and dining in Tahoe City during the Holly Jolly Strolls and throughout the holidays. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1356149206170800/.

Jackeyes – 9 p.m., Bar of America, 10040 Donner Pass Rd.. Additional dates: 12/12, 12/13. For more information, visit https://www.barofamerica.com/calendar.html or call (530) 587-2626.

Laura Benitez and the Heartache – 7:30 p.m., Moody’s Bistro, Bar & Beats, 10007 Bridge St. Laura Benitez and the Heartache use the three chord tools of country music to tell the simple, unvarnished truth about love, too much whiskey, and the call of the road. Their new album, “California Centuries,” finds the band delving deep into themes of collective denial (“Bad Things”), gaslighting (“Invisible” and “Gaslight”) and romantic lessons learned (“I’m the One” and “Are You Using Your Heart”). Their twangy honesty shines through in straightforward arrangements, crystalline harmonies, and spare instrumentation. Beware their catchy hooks and sweet melodies – these stray puppy tunes will follow you home and become your most steadfast companions. Additional dates: 12/12, 12/13. For more information, visit https://www.bandsintown.com/e/107178418?app_id=pkvts0on0m&came_from=287&utm_medium=api&utm_source=partner_api&utm_campaign=event or call (530) 587-8688.

Live Music – Gar Woods Grill & Pier, 5000 N Lake Blvd. Rustler’s Moon, 8:00 – 11:00 PM Additional dates: 12/12, 12/13. For more information, visit https://www.garwoods.com/calendar.html or call (530) 546-3366.

Parent’s + Kids Night Out – 5:30-8:30 p.m., North Tahoe Event Center, 8318 CA-28. Drop off the kids at the North Tahoe Event Center and enjoy a night out on the town while the kids enjoy fun games, and enjoy a movie on the event center BIG SCREEN (rated G or PG).For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1104293101839018/.

Tahoe Live – December 12 – 14, 2025 Tahoe City, CA Tahoe Live 2025 Tahoe Live returns to Palisades Tahoe to welcome the 2025-26 winter season with an incredible lineup of world-class artists. Featuring headliners like Zeds Dead, Alison Wonderland, DJ Diesel, LSZEE, Porter Robinson, San Holo, Jessica Audiffred, Peekaboo, and more, this event promises an unforgettable weekend of music, snow, and mountain energy. Learn More Additional dates: 12/12, 12/13, 12/14. For more information, visit https://www.visitplacer.com/tahoe-live-2025/.

Saturday, December 13

Apres Ski Party – 3-6 p.m., Sierra Surf Club, 425 North Lake Boulevard.

Blü Egyptian – Red Room – 8 p.m., 14 State Route 28. Blü Egyptian will stop by the Red Room for a Special Holidaze show on Sat. Dec. 13th! $10 ADV/DOS I Doors: 7pm Show: 8pm I Ticket Link: https://tixr.com/e/162482 In the last few years, Blü Egyptian has been making a name for themselves on the road throughout the West, while illuminating dancefloors with wild jubilation. The band formed in 2020 in Chico, Ca while in high school. Since then, Blü Egyptian has released three studio albums, multiple singles and live recordings showcasing original songwriting and improvisation. With constant touring, the band has honed a distinct sound intertwining Rock, Funk, Latin, Reggae, Bluegrass, Jazz, EDM and World Music, demonstrating their influences from paying tributes to Jamiroquai, The Talking Heads, The Police, Ween, Primus, Paul Simon, Toots & the Maytals, Phish and The Grateful Dead for an energetic spontaneous live experience. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/2237953946685314/.

Cocoa @ the Cabin | Santa + Selfies – 1-3 p.m., North Tahoe Regional Park, 6600 Donner Rd. Cocoa at the Cabin is back, this time with Santa + Selfies! Head to the Lewellyn Scout Cabin at North Tahoe Regional Park for FREE cocoa and a festive afternoon! Snap your own family photo with Santa (using your phone), enjoy holiday music, and spend time with friends, family, and community. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1343194470744300/.

Holly Arts Artist Reception | Kings Beach – 4 p.m., North Tahoe Arts, 380 N Lake Blvd. Celebrate the season with art, community, and a little holiday sparkle at North Tahoe Arts’ Annual Holly Arts Artist Receptions! Join us for an evening of conversation, creativity, and connection with the artists behind this year’s Holly Arts Show—a beloved Tahoe tradition celebrating fine art and handcrafted gifts. Meet the makers, sip wine, enjoy light hors d’oeuvres, and discover one-of-a-kind pieces perfect for gifting (or keeping!). Visit northtahoearts.org to learn more about the Holly Arts Show and explore what’s on display in both galleries. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/844598511264349/ or call (530) 581-2787.

Painted Vine Paint & Sip – 4-6 p.m., Tahoe Wine Collective. Join Painted Vine & Tahoe Wine Collective for a Paint & Sip lead by local artist Veronica Lichter. Veronica will guide us through her process as we all create our own masterpieces. $50/painter includes all art supplies. Space is limited, reserve your spot today! For more information, visit https://chamber.truckee.com/events/details/painted-vine-paint-sip-12-13-2025-82362.

TFS Brunch with Santa – 8 a.m.-1 p.m., The Chateau, 955 Fairway Blvd. Description TFS is excited to be holding our annual Brunch with Santa Event on Saturday, December 13th at The Chateau in Incline Village. Join us for a festive gathering that includes a delicious brunch, photos with Santa, a toy drawing, and magic show! Tickets go on sale Monday, November 17th and are available for purchase at TFS Thrift Store. Mark your calendars because this favored community event sells out fast! Two sessions: Session 1: 8:00am to 10:00am Session 2: 11:00am to 1:00pm Tickets: $5.00 Children 1 to 12 years old $20.00 Adults 13 years and up Babies under 1 year are free For more information, visit https://business.ivcba.org/event-calendar/Details/tfs-brunch-with-santa-1503949?sourceTypeId=Hub.

Sunday, December 14

Christmas Bird Count – 1 a.m., The 2025 South Lake Tahoe CBC is Sunday, December 14, 2025 If you would like to learn more about the CBC, please click here. Otherwise, please sign up today via the button above. The below text includes some information about the structure of the count. Registration CLOSED Option One: Join the Flock. If you want to chase birds on foot, skis, or even in a boat, we are looking for experienced and beginner avian enthusiasts to find birds in assigned areas. We will appoint individuals or small groups to specific locations throughout the count circle. Please let us know if you would like to be assigned to a specific area, and we will do our best to make it work on a first come, first serve basis. Option Two: The Backyard CBC. For people that live within the count circle, we encourage folks to participate by counting the birds at your feeder or in your yards or immediate neighborhoods. This way, you can kick back, relax, and learn about the birds that inhabit your yard. Be sure to hang up your feeder a few weeks leading up to the count, so the birds get used to the location of your seeds. There will be an optional pizza party to conclude the day at Sue Stevenson’s house. More details to come. With both options the data will need to be submitted to TINS via email or regular mail. A map of the count circle can be found by clicking HERE . There will be an optional pizza party to conclude the day at Sue Stevenson’s house. Thank you to Blue Dog Pizza for donating pizza to our amazing vol For more information, visit https://www.tinsweb.org/upcoming-events/christmas-bird-count-9sksz-2r34e-yx63y-f3gjt.

Community Garden Workshops: Holiday Wreath Making | Session 2 – 4-6 p.m., North Tahoe Event Center, 8318 CA-28. Celebrate the holiday season with a touch of nature! Join our holiday wreath-making workshop and learn to create beautiful, festive wreaths using foraged greenery from the park. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1298246261160891/.

Monday, December 15

Santa Ski Day – Mt Rose Ski Tahoe, 22222 Mount Rose Hwy. Santa s… or All those entirely done up in Holiday Wear can get a discounted Lift Ticket! (Note – just a Santa hat does NOT qualify – Tickets at the Main Lodge Info Counter). For more information, visit https://skirose.com/calendar-events/ or call (775) 849-0704.

Tuesday, December 16

Bard to the Bone – 5:30-6:30 p.m., Do you find yourself longing to talk about how The Lion King adapts Hamlet for a younger audience? Do you wish you had an identical twin so you could cause a Comedy of Errors? Do your friends ask you to stop monologuing about Mark Antony’s soliloquy? Then join us at Bard to the Bone! Each month, we’ll focus on one of William Shakespeare’s plays and discuss what was interesting, funny, or downright confusing about the text or the adaptations we watched. Whether you’re a lifelong fan, a critic, or an interested amateur, we’re excited to have a lively discussion every time. This month, our selection is The Winter&’s Tale! For more information, visit https://nevadacountyca.libcal.com/event/12994380.

Grinch Dinner – 7-10 p.m., Sierra Surf Club, 425 North Lake Boulevard. Sierra Surf Club is hosting a Grinch dinner. RSVP is required please email: [email protected]

Tween Craft: Make Your Own Candy Cane Lollipops – 3-4 p.m., Truckee Library, 10031 Levon Avenue. Sweeten up the season! Tweens, ages 8-12, can make festive candy cane heart lollipops. Perfect for gifting or enjoying themselves. All supplies provided, just bring your holiday cheer! For more information, visit https://nevadacountyca.libcal.com/event/15416166 or call 530-582-7846.

Thursday, December 18

Rustler’s Moon – 8-11 p.m., Bar of America, 10040 Donner Pass Rd.. For more information, visit https://www.barofamerica.com/calendar.html or call 530.587.2626.