SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — Nov. 14, 2025 — Heavenly Village kicked off the 2025 holiday season Friday morning with the arrival of its towering 65-foot White Fir, marking the 10th anniversary of a tradition that has become one of Lake Tahoe’s most beloved winter rituals.
The tree—sourced from a designated fire-prevention zone inside the Tahoe Basin—was delivered just as fresh snowfall blanketed the region and Heavenly Mountain Resort prepared to open its 2025–26 winter season. The annual installation transforms Heavenly Village into a nationally recognized holiday spectacle that draws thousands of visitors and has graced travel features, holiday spreads, and social media clips viewed by millions.
This year’s operation brought together an expansive coalition of local partners, including event producer Dreu Murin, community leader Kenny Curtzwiler of K & K Services, F&B Construction, Sunwest Building Services, the California Highway Patrol, and the South Lake Tahoe Police Department. Working in pre-dawn conditions, crews secured, transported, and raised the massive tree at the Village center.
“With all the leadership issues we have been having locally lately, Kenny has always been a pillar of support for the community and this initiative. We can’t thank him enough for his efforts,”
said Gary Casteel Jr., President & CEO of TSI Investments and The Shops at Heavenly Village.
Curtzwiler, who has helped deliver the tree every year since the tradition began, said the work remains personal.
“It truly takes a village, and it’s an honor to help bring this tree to the community each year,” he said. “Seeing the smiles, the photos, and the memories created around this tree makes every early morning and long haul worth it.”
Heavenly Village will host its official Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 28 at 6 p.m., featuring speakers, live entertainment, and a performance by Nashville recording artist Mark MacKay. The event also serves as the opening celebration for Heavenly Holidays, a month-long series of activities including live music, ice sculpting, Santa appearances, holiday characters, carriage rides, and the annual New Year’s Eve Heavenly Gondola Ball Drop and fireworks show.
“This tree is far more than décor—it’s the heart of Lake Tahoe,”
said event organizer Dreu Murin.
“For 10 years, we’ve worked to create a magical experience for our community and our visitors. It takes an entire community to make this tradition come alive each year.”
