A Sierra Evening: Truckee’s Christmas Tree Lighting

Last night, I headed up to Truckee for something I’ve wanted to experience for years: the annual Christmas tree lighting. I planned to go on my own, but earlier that afternoon, through casual conversation, I invited a truly lovely work friend I’ve grown to know and enjoy. She said yes, and what would have been a quiet solo evening quickly turned into something shared, easy, and unexpectedly meaningful.

She offered to drive (because my Crosstrek still bares the stains and dust of countless summer adventures), and as we wound our way into the Sierra, the world began to shift around us. Snow tucked itself between the sage and pines, and the alpenglow washed the mountains in soft winter pinks and oranges,  that fleeting glow that feels like December easing in.

When we reached downtown Truckee, the town was already humming. Kids in puffy coats hopped from foot to foot, families clustered together for warmth, and Santa and Mrs. Claus rolled through the streets on an old fire truck. It immediately pulled me into a chain of memories: “A Christmas Story”, the Christmas parades in my hometown (one year we rode on top with a retired hometown and Yankees baseball legend- any guesses who?), whispering my wishlist to Santa because I was too shy to make eye contact, and that freezing 2010 Christmas Story Convention in Cleveland where my sister, cousin, and I rode in the actual movie fire truck. (Cleveland cold is no joke.)

We wandered through the historic downtown without any hurry, slipping into small galleries, sipping hot chocolate, dodging tiny kids darting in every direction, and petting every good dog we came across (they’re all good dogs). Waffles, a golden retriever stole our hearts instantly and was as sweet as her name. My friend shared stories of driving from LA to the mountains as a kid, gliding downhill in a metal saucer like something straight out of “Christmas Vacation”. It’s funny how holiday memories and movies blend into each other without us even noticing.
As dusk settled over the town, a tiny chorus of boys perched on their dads’ shoulders behind us started chanting, “Light it up!” in these small but determined voices. My friend pointed out a father and son framed in a second-story window, leaning forward and waiting for the moment the world around them would glow. My camera couldn’t catch it, but the scene didn’t need a photos, it was enough just to witness.

Say whatever you want about the world- moments of gentleness and connection still exist. You just have to slow down long enough to notice them.

Soon the countdown began. Ten… nine… eight… And then the tree burst into warm light, and the crowd erupted in applause. That familiar joy washed over me- the unmistakable feeling that the holiday season had officially begun. Ralphie said it best: “Lovely, glorious Christmas, around which the entire kid year revolved.”

We ended the night at 1882- sliders, an Old Fashioned, easy conversation, and a welcoming owner full of stories. I made a mental note to come back and sit on their deck once the weather turns warm and even when its not.

I’m so glad I extended the invitation. Sharing the experience made the night brighter, richer, and far more memorable. And now, as I sit here with a lemon drop martini beside me and The Supremes’ “Merry Christmas” spinning on vinyl, I’m grateful for how a simple yes can shift an entire night and make memories to last a lifetime.

Truckee’s tree lighting wasn’t just another event checked off my Christmas Bucket List- it was a reminder that the best items on any list aren’t the ones you plan perfectly, but the ones that unfold into something you didn’t expect.