The holiday season in Truckee begins with one of the most cherished winter traditions in the region, the Downtown Holiday Festival and Bud Fish Tree Lighting. This beloved event brings locals and visitors together under glowing lights, crisp mountain air, and the warmth of a community that has celebrated this evening for more than fifty years!
Make your holiday getaway unforgettable and book a cozy Truckee vacation rental with Tahoe Signature Properties today!
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Quick Look
Locations: The Train Depot in Historic Downtown Truckee
Hosted by: Truckee Downtown Merchants Association and Truckee Rotary
Highlights: Kids decorating mini trees, Santa visits, hot cocoa, tree lighting
Parking Tips: Use public lots and walk; downtown fills early!
Also Happening: Old Lumberyard Holiday Tree Lighting
Downtown Holiday Festival and Bud Fish Tree Lighting
This long-standing celebration remains the heart of Truckee’s holiday season! Local elementary students begin the evening by decorating small trees throughout Downtown Truckee, lining Donner Pass Road with handmade ornaments. Families gather for hot cocoa, music, and photos with Santa before the crowd moves toward the historic Train Depot for the main event.
The Bud Fish Tree Lighting honors Bud Fish, a respected Truckee leader and longtime Rotary member who dedicated decades to community service. His legacy lives on through this annual ceremony, which brings the town together to celebrate compassion, tradition, and the spirit of the season!
Typical Annual Schedule:
Please note: times remain consistent year after year, though exact dates vary. Always confirm through www.visittruckeetahoe.com.
4:15 pm Kids decorate trees, Santa visits shortly after
5:15 pm Bud Fish Tree Lighting at the Train Depot
Local Insight
Parking in Historic Downtown Truckee is limited! Free public lots along Donner Pass Road and the Railyard offer easier access, but the best way to navigate Truckee is the TART shuttle! Once you’re here, everything is walkable.
Old Lumberyard Holiday Tree Lighting
Truckee’s holiday celebrations now include a second annual tree lighting hosted at The Old Lumberyard. Once home to the Truckee Tahoe Lumber Co., this revitalized district blends historic character with modern shops, gathering spaces, and local businesses!
The event begins with a ribbon cutting, followed by the lighting of the tree, festive music, local food vendors, and craft beer from FiftyFifty Brewing Co. It is a relaxed, family-friendly evening that highlights Truckee’s community spirit in a fresh and vibrant setting.
Event Highlights
- Ribbon cutting
- Tree lighting celebration
- Local food and live music
- Beer from FiftyFifty Brewing Co.
- Family-friendly environment
Location
The Old Lumberyard
10242 Church Street, Truckee
This event typically takes place in early December. Always check current listings for confirmed dates.
Plan Your Holiday Stay
Whether you’re joining the crowd for the Bud Fish Tree Lighting or experiencing the festive atmosphere at The Old Lumberyard, Truckee shines with mountain-town charm during the holiday season. Snowflakes, warm lights, historic streets, and community traditions create a winter atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and joyful!
Relax into the season by staying in a comfortable, beautifully maintained vacation rental. Browse our Truckee vacation homes and find the perfect retreat for your holiday stay with Tahoe Signature Properties!
Christmas Tree Lighting in Truckee: FAQ
The Bud Fish Tree Lighting happens in Historic Downtown Truckee at the Train Depot on Donner Pass Road. This central location is easy to reach from any downtown parking area, and the event is designed to be enjoyed on foot. The Old Lumberyard Tree Lighting takes place a few blocks away on Church Street.
Yes. Both tree lighting events are designed with families in mind. Kids can participate in tree decorating, meet Santa, enjoy hot cocoa, and explore the decorated downtown streets. The ceremonies are short and easy to attend with young children.
No. Both the Downtown Holiday Festival and the Old Lumberyard Tree Lighting are free community events open to the public. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to find parking and enjoy the full experience.
Tree lighting timelines are consistent each year, but the exact date varies. Typically, children’s tree decorating begins in the late afternoon, Santa arrives shortly after, and the Bud Fish Tree Lighting takes place in the early evening. Always refer to the Historic Truckee website or event organizers for the current year’s schedule.
Parking in Historic Downtown Truckee is limited. Visitors can use the free public lots located throughout downtown, including the Railyard, Brickelltown, and Church Street areas. Once parked, everything is within a short walking distance. Arriving early is recommended during busy holiday periods.
Yes. The two locations are close enough to walk, and many visitors choose to enjoy both events on the same outing. Downtown sidewalks are well lit, and the walk is flat and straightforward.
The ceremony honors Bud Fish, a long-serving member of the Truckee Rotary and a respected community leader. His work focused on service, youth programming, and preserving Truckee’s strong sense of community. The lighting ceremony continues in his memory and remains one of Truckee’s most meaningful holiday traditions.
Visitors can expect seasonal offerings such as hot cocoa provided by local organizations. Downtown cafés, bakeries, and restaurants are open throughout the evening, making it easy to pair the event with dinner or a warm drink.
Downtown Truckee is generally dog friendly, but holiday events can be crowded and noisy. Dogs should be leashed, well behaved, and comfortable with large groups. For safety, many families choose to leave pets at home during the ceremony.
Plan to arrive before the tree decorating begins so you can stroll downtown, shop local boutiques, and grab a warm drink. After the lighting ceremony, the historic streets are especially charming and lively, making it a great time to explore or enjoy a festive dinner.
