On Jan. 7 from 10am–2pm the Tahoe Rim Trail Association will partner with local businesses and organizations to kick off the winter season with the free Winter Trails Day family event.

While this is a national event, TRTA is putting on events on both ends of the Lake Tahoe Basin.

National Winter Trails Day is all about introducing folks to the joys of winter trails and using them safely.

South Lake event – Snowshoe through the newly opened Van Sickle Bi-state Park, outdoor gear demonstrations and a Warming Party (with food donated by Stateline Brewery and Baja Fresh) at Explore Tahoe after the hikes.

North Lake event – Snowshoe hikes on themes ranging from winter animals to avalanche awareness, winter survival demonstrations and activities.

Participants are encouraged to register in advance. Register online or call  (775) 298.0012 or email Tom at programs@tahoerimtrail.org.

These events are subject to cancellation due to winter weather.

Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce is collecting money for Christmas Cheer at its Jan. 12 mixer.

The event is from 5:30-7:30pm at Riva Grill in South Lake Tahoe.

Cost is $10 minimum for members, $20 for non-members.

Sunnyside restaurant will host a special holiday North Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce business mixer on Dec. 9 from 4-7pm at 1850 West Lake Blvd., Tahoe City.

No RSVP is required.

Attendees will mix, mingle and network while enjoying appetizers, desserts, candy canes, cocoa and raffle for ski lift tickets, along with live music by Sheldon Felich. Santa Claus will also be attending, so bring your camera for pictures.

Bring an unwrapped toy (suggested value is $20) for the Coldwell Banker Toys for Tots program.

For more information about the mixer, call Kym Fabel at (530) 581.8764 or kym@puretahoenorth.com.

Learn to fold your own origami figures using traditional paper folding techniques on Jan. 5 at 2pm at the South Lake Tahoe branch of the El Dorado County Library.

Friends of the Library will supply the materials.

The library is at 1000 Rufus Allen Blvd., South Lake Tahoe.

For more information, call (530) 573.3185.

Ann Thennes is hosting the 8th annual Holiday Home Show Dec. 10 from 10am-4pm.

This festive gathering featuring sales of gift items from local artists and crafters. Everyone is welcome.

Artists include Ann Thennes (gourd creations), Don Hodgkin (fine wood furniture), RearView Miracles (crystal hangings and healing jewelry), Rex Perschnik (carved wooden ornaments), and Tahoe Mountain Soap.

Ten percent of all sales will be donated to community organizations.

Follow signs to 940 Sunset Drive, on the river, near the old amusement park off Lodi Street in South Lake Tahoe.

For more info, call (530) 542.9553.

Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus will present Mendelssohn in the Mountains featuring Elizabeth Pitcairn, violinist, performing Mendelssohn’s Concerto in E minor on the legendary Red Stradivarius Violin. The Symphony Chorus will be featured in Part 2 of Mendelssohn’s Elijah.

Performances are:

Jan. 19 at 7pm at the North Tahoe Hebrew Center in Tahoe Vista

Jan. 21 at 3pm at St. Patrick’s Church in Incline Village

Jan. 22 at 3pm in St. Theresa Church in South Lake Tahoe

Jan. 24 at 7pm in Trinity Church in Reno.

Tickets are available at the door or online. General admission to all concerts is $30 adults, $25 seniors, $5 students, and preferred seating is $40.

There are special room and dinner/concert combinations at the Resort at Squaw Creek. Call (530) 581.6615 for information on these packages.

For information or preferred seating, call (775) 313.9697, or email ToccataTahoe@gmail.com.

“Maintaining Spiritual Well-Being through the Holydays” will be Hillary Bittman’s topic Dec. 5 from 6:30-8pm through Unity at the Lake.

Discover how to stay in a peaceful place and keep the meaning of the season alive.

Love offering.

For more info, call (530) 544.2266.

The gathering is at the Star Tahoe Building, 2489 Lake Tahoe Blvd., Ste. 27, South Lake Tahoe.

The South Lake Tahoe branch library (1000 Rufus Allen Blvd.) is having a Children’s Holiday Party on Dec. 10 at 2pm.

Join us for an afternoon of family fun:

– Listen to a holiday story

– Sing Christmas carols

– Free picture of children with Santa

– Holiday frames for children to make and decorate

– Refreshments will be provided.

This program is free, however, a non-perishable food item donation to Christmas Cheer is requested.

G. Love & Special Sauce will be at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe on Feb. 25 at 7pm.

Must be 21 to attend.

Ticket are $29.50; call 800.786.8208.

Fitz & The Tantrums will be at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe on Jan. 28 at 7pm.

Tickets are $30.

Must be at least 21 to attend.

For tickets, call 800.786.8208.