Winter Holidays in Big Bear Lake
Welcome to SoCal's Winter Wonderland!
From glittering lights in The Village, to visiting Santa's Hut, and glistening snow across the mountain landscape. The holidays in Big Bear are a truly magical time. Discover seasonal events and activities the whole family can enjoy and create memories to last. Happy Holidays!
December & Holiday Events
Santa in the Village
Say 'Hello!' to Santa and Mrs. Claus in The Village every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until December 22. Hours from 10 AM - 4 PM.
Santa Claws at Big Bear Zoo
Dec. 21
Say 'Hello!' to Santa 'Claws' while you visit the Big Bear Alpine Zoo this holiday season! Santa will be making special appearances. This event is included with general admission.
Festival of Lights Holiday Competition
Voting open December 1 - 31, and see Winners January 4, 2025
The holiday season has arrived in Big Bear, and with it the Big Bear Lake Festival of Lights Competition! This community event invites local businesses and residents to light up the valley and decorate their homes and storefronts.
Big Bear Christkindlmarkt
Dec 21
Christkindlmarkt is the ultimate German Christmas celebration with shopping, live entertainment, games and activities, a Wishing Tree, and photo opps with St. Nick and Christkindl. Located at Big Bear Convention Center at 42900 Big Bear Blvd.
Wyatt's Christmas Party
Dec. 18 from 4 PM - 10 PM
Join the fun, free of charge, and enjoy Holiday Treats, a White Elephant Gift Exchange and visits with Santa. Located at Big Bear Lake Convention Center at 42900 Big Bear Blvd.
A Ghost Story of Christmas
Dec 19, 20, and 21 at 7:30 PM and Dec 22 at 2 PM
Big Bear Theatre Project brings A Christmas Carol to the stage in a spectacular one man performance.
Grand Menorah Lighting & Chanukah Celebration
Dec. 29 at 4:30 PM
Chabad of Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear hosts the 2024 Grand Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Celebration in The Village!
Metalachi: The First & Only Heavy Metal Mariachi Band
This event has ended.
Metalachi brings their one-of-a-kind heavy metal and mariachi to The Village Sports Bar.
The Nutcracker Ballet
This event has ended.
Moonridge School of Dance proudly presents the full length Nutcracker Ballet!
Christmas Market & Craft Fair
This event has ended.
Get into the holiday spirit at the Big Bear Lake Elks Lodge and shop unique, last-minute gifts.
Mountain Christmas Boutique
This event has passed
Get some Christmas shopping in at the Mountain Christmas Boutique arts and crafts event. Browse one of a kind gifts from over 40 vendors and bring the kids to meet Santa and enjoy arts and crafts.
Village Tree Lighting Ceremony
This event has passed
The annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Christmas Tree Corner invites everyone to say hello to Santa and Mrs. Claus!
Big Bear Fire Station Tree Lighting
This event has passed
Celebrate the start of the holiday season during the second Tree Lighting Ceremony of the season!
Mall in the Hall
This event has passed
Beginning at 9 AM each day, get some holiday shopping in at the hospital browsing for great items and gifts.
Holiday Strings & Jingles
This event has passed
An annual concert featuring the string orchestra programs in the valley, including the Mountain Top Strings of California, Bear Valley School string programs, & Lighthouse Youth Orchestras
Sidewalk Astronomy
This event has passed
Join the Bear Valley Astronomical Society for "Sidewalk Astronomy" in The Village. Peer through the telescopes to view stars, planets, and more!
Paint Parties on Tap
This event has passed
Paint & Sip Party at Deep Forest Designs Studio. $35/painter, all materials included, BYO drinks and snacks!
Art in the Wild
This event has passed
A creative event for PARENTS & KIDS — ages 7 and up — to connect with each other and our natural surroundings.
Build Your Holiday Itinerary
Restaurants Open Christmas Day
Santana & Mavericks
Lakeside dining with an expansive menu featuring international cuisines. Open 11 AM - 9 PM with a special Christmas Menu on Christmas Day! 909-878-0047
Himalayan Restaurant
Rich and flavorful Nepalese and Himalayan entrees in a lively atmosphere paying homage to the region. 909-878-3068
Royal Thai
Explore Big Bear's only Thai food restaurant. 909 866-2808
Skyline Taphouse
Enjoy your lunch from the top of Snow Summit Ski Resort! A valid lift ticket or Season Pass is required to access this restaurant.
Bighorn Smokehouse
The Bighorn Smokehouse sits in the base area of Snow Summit Ski Resort and is accessible to all visitors.
Dank Donuts
Grab a fresh made donut and a cup of coffee in the morning, and a fresh made sandwich for lunch! 909-547-6053
Hacienda Grill
Raise a margarita - and some of Big Bear's best Mexican food - this holiday season. (909) 866-8667
Dynasty
Authentic Szechwan food highlighting bold flavors, spicy dishes, Mongolian BBQ, and more. 909-866-7887
Jakobe's
Casual American eatery serving breakfast, burgers, Italian dishes, and a selection of wines. 909-415-1028
Laguna Grill
Local diner offering traditional Mexican plates with cocktails & beer. (909) 866-2679
Oakside
American eats and full bar in The Village. 909-866-5555
Fire Rock
The best burgers in town paired with ice cold beer. (909) 878-0696
572 Social Kitchen
With a lively outdoor music scene, this spot in The Village is groovy hang out for locals and visitors alike. 909-878-0307
Azteca
Authentic Mexican food served up in a family-owned restaurant. Don't this their hot holiday drink menu! 909-866-2350
Masala Craft
Indian food delights at the heart of The Village. (909) 273-0636
Village Pizza
This family-style pizza parlor invites everyone to enjoy its expansive menu. (909) 866-8505
Blanca & Pierre's
This cute cafe sits near the Boulder Bay Park for an easy stroll after your meal. 909-878-4566
Alpine Country Cafe
Cozy up with comfort food faves at this alpine cafe along Big Bear Blvd. (909) 866-1959
Piza Kama
Big Bear's newest pizza parlor in Boulder Bay is serving up hot and flavorful pizza pies. (626) 566-0260
Lodging Deals
Big Bear Hostel
Save up to 20% when you stay 3-7 or more nights! Stay 3 nights - Save 5% Stay 4 nights - Save 10% Stay 5+ nights - Save 15% Stay 7+ nights - Save 20% *Must click on discount link on our homepage and book direct at BigBearHostel.com *Subject
For info, email fun@bigbearhostel.com or call (909) 866-8900
Big Bear Vacations
Book 4 Nights and your 4th Night is Completely FREE with Big Bear Vacations! Valid for stays in November 2024.*Select Properties Only. Cannot Be Combined with Any Offer. Promo Code: THNX
Cool Cabins
With multiple specials available, there are many ways to save when you spend the holiday in Big Bear. LINK