As the sun sets behind the mountains and trees, the surface of the lake turns dark, and the sky transforms into a canvas of stars. Winter nights in the Lake Tahoe Basin take on a magical allure. From moody speakeasies to moonlit snowshoe tours; the opportunities to explore winter after dark are endless, guaranteeing an unforgettable evening at 6,225’.
- Community Speakeasy
If you’re seeking a dark and moody, one-of-a-kind experience in the mountains, look no further than the Community Speakeasy. Nestled inside Social House in Heavenly Village, behind what appears to be a freezer door, this hidden craft cocktail bar immerses guests in an intimate setting adorned with rich velvet accents and live music. Expect a warm welcome from an experienced mixologist offering extraordinary seasonal drinks like The Velvet Mission, a delightful blend of Hendrick’s Gin, velvet falernum, Afghan saffron, honey, lime, cucumber, and rosemary. The menu rotates throughout the year, featuring seasonal favorites that complement the sultry atmosphere.
Since opening in 2018, every detail at the Community Speakeasy has been intentional—from the carefully sourced spirits to the specially selected ice cubes for each drink. As you wrap up your winter night, don’t miss the chance to enjoy a drink and local live music while uncovering the speakeasy “secret” in the High Sierra.
Website: https://socialhousetahoe.com/community
- Noel’s Apothecary
While strolling through the casino corridor at Stateline, Nev., keep an eye out for a green light. Between Harrah’s and Bally’s casinos lies Noel’s Apothecary, a “Coffee ‘till Cocktails” speakeasy-style lounge. Upon entering, guests are transported to a moody 1940s lounge, complete with detailed ceiling tiles, vintage light fixtures, and intimate live music.
Open daily from 7 a.m., Noel’s Apothecary serves as a full-service coffee shop, but it truly shines after dark. From 6 p.m. until closing, guests can savor uniquely crafted cocktails like the Hey Joe Winter Sour, featuring Bulleit Rye Whiskey, honeycrisp apples, lemon, demerara, Angostura bitters, and egg white. The menu also includes the Nuts & Berries, a delicious mix of Chambord raspberry liqueur, Frangelico hazelnut liqueur, half and half, and fresh blackberry. With offerings for every palate, Noel’s is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy an elixir on a winter night.
Website: https://www.noelcoffee.com/
- Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar
Perched atop a hill overlooking the Truckee River and downtown, Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar offers a dining experience like no other. Imagine the soft tunes of Dean Martin’s “Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland” setting the ambiance as you enter. With dim lighting, intimate table settings, and a warm atmosphere, this mountain town staple has delighted diners for over 30 years.
Cottonwood’s menu features classic entrees such as pan-seared bone-in Pork Chop, Grilled New Zealand Lamb, and Red Wine Braised Short Ribs, ensuring a warming meal after a chilly day. Their cocktail menu includes signature drinks like the From From Manhattan, blending bourbon, single malt, honey liqueur, aromatized wine, orange flower tea, and bitters, alongside The Frenchie, with blanco tequila, bitter orange, fresh lime, orange juice, orange liqueur, and orange cardamom salt. An extensive wine list rounds out the experience.
Website: https://www.cottonwoodrestaurant.com/
- Night riding at Boreal Mountain
Imagine yourself riding the chairlift up to the peak of the summit while the sun dips behind the mountains for the day, welcoming in the dark, chilled air of a Lake Tahoe night. If you’re looking for an adventurous way to experience winter after dark, look no further than bundling up, grabbing your goggles, and trying night riding at Boreal Mountain.
As the only night skiing and riding resort in Lake Tahoe, Boreal Mountain offers night-riding terrain throughout the winter season. While the mountain resort is small in comparison to other mountains in the area, the resort still boasts an expansive park, a challenging terrain map, and is proudly the only place in the Lake Tahoe Basin where you can experience riding during alpenglow and beyond. Boreal Mountain offers night riding until 8 p.m. for guests and even offers a Boreal Night Pass for those who really want to experience endless night riding all winter long. To warm up after hitting the slopes in the dark, guests can step inside the mountain lodge for cocoa, cocktails, and bites.
Website: https://www.rideboreal.com/
- Stargazing Snowshoe Tours
For all adventurers looking for an unconventional nighttime experience in Lake Tahoe, look no further than experiencing stargazing snowshoe tours. Offered sporadically throughout the winter season depending on the moon cycle, a stargazing snowshoe tour is a genuinely immersive visual, auditory, and aerobic night time experience. Guests can experience near total darkness in Lake Tahoe’s wilderness while identifying star constellations, planets, and satellites overhead.
Hosted by Tahoe Snowshoe Tours, guests can truly experience all five of their senses heightened during this unique experience – with the crisp taste of chilled mountain air, touching the icy snow, feeling the crunch of snow beneath snowshoes when advancing across the terrain, hearing the sounds of the wilderness around, and seeing the constellations above.
Website: https://tahoesnowshoetours.com/
Winter nights in the Lake Tahoe Basin offer a captivating blend of adventure and relaxation, inviting visitors to embrace the magic of the season. From sipping craft cocktails in hidden speakeasies to gliding down illuminated slopes and gazing at starry skies, there’s an experience for everyone. Whether you seek the cozy ambiance of a restaurant or the thrill of night riding, the enchanting allure of Lake Tahoe after dark guarantees unforgettable memories. As the cold air settles in and the stars begin to twinkle, let the charm of Lake Tahoe’s winter wonderland inspire your next nighttime adventure.