Most places in Northern California don’t have White Christmases, but there are few places that do. One amazing winter wonderland that holds all the charismatic holiday charm of the snowiest places back east is Truckee. Bust out the snow boots and your warmest winter coats, this cheerful Christmas destination will have you singing along with Bing Crosby and the rest of the cast of “White Christmas.”
The snow dusted main drag of Truckee is breathtaking. Located on Donner Pass Road, this stretch of delicious restaurants and boutique shops is catered to the holiday visitor.
Truckee Tahoe Home Sales
There’s no place in California as lovely as the Sierra Nevada Mountain range. You’ll never forget the sight of it with a fresh blanket of snow.
Flickr/ Doug Jones
The Truckee River runs adjacent to the main drag of town. It is the only outlet for the nearby Lake Tahoe and flows down to Nevada. Here in town, it’s a spectator’s dream.
Wikipedia/ Bruce C. Cooper
There’s plenty of Truckee cabin rentals. Take your pick and stay in neighborhoods with names like Glenshire, Sierra Meadows, or Tahoe Donner.
Flickr/ Doug Jones
Truckee is also just a stone’s throw from nearby ski resorts. Northstar is known for its family friendly atmosphere. Even if you don’t plan to ride the slopes, you can sip cocoa by and outdoor fire pit and watch ice skaters make their way around the rink.
Northstar California
Squaw Valley, which hosted the 1960 Olympic Games, is another amazing resort destination. Ride the tram up to the top of the mountain, known as High Camp, and watch skiers slide down the slopes.
Flickr/ Elton Lin
Skiing is a time honored winter tradition, and everyone deserves a chance to strap on a pair of skis and experience it for themselves. Truckee is a world famous ski destination and a great place to learn.
Flickr/ Evan Kilgore
The less expensive alternative to skiing is sledding, which you can do at many of the ski resorts or on hills throughout town. There’s a popular ski hill right on Donner Pass Road near Tahoe Forest Hospital.
Flickr/ phlavor
Donner Lake is another sight in Truckee that will wow you. Surrounded by quaint little cabins, this alpine lake is a beauty.
Flickr/ Daniel Hoherd
This shot looks down on Donner Lake from Donner Summit towards the Town of Truckee. If this isn’t the picture perfect image of a winter wonderland we don’t know what is.
Flickr/ Flash and Mel
Whether you are a winter sports adventurer or someone who likes to sit back and enjoy the sights with a warm beverage in hand, you are definitely going to love all that Truckee has to offer.
Flickr/ Loco Steve
These downtown strollers are looking out over the Truckee River. The walkable, friendly downtown is loved by locals and tourists alike.
Flickr/ Phil Hollenback
Not only is the town a scenic treat, the community comes together at Christmas time and will make you feel right at home.
Flickr/ Howard Stateman
There’s really no place like this magical winter town. Whatever experience you crave from your winter vacation out in the woods, Truckee is sure to exceed expectations.
Truckee Tahoe Home Sales
Flickr/ Doug Jones
Wikipedia/ Bruce C. Cooper
Northstar California
Flickr/ Elton Lin
Flickr/ Evan Kilgore
Flickr/ phlavor
Flickr/ Daniel Hoherd
Flickr/ Flash and Mel
Flickr/ Loco Steve
Flickr/ Phil Hollenback
Flickr/ Howard Stateman
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