Festival of Lights Holiday Competition
We're bringing Holiday Cheer to the Valley during the Festival of Lights contest!
The holiday season has arrived in Big Bear, and with it come the NEW 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. Let's spread some festive cheer and help Big Bear shine brighter than ever.
Our goal is to make Big Bear the ultimate holiday destination, dazzling visitors and locals alike. Whether you're a business owner, homeowner, or resident, this is your chance to showcase your creativity and add some holiday magic to Big Bear Valley.
How to Enter
Fill out the Registration Form below to register in the contest and category of your choice.
Once registered, your Holiday Lights or Wreath display will be added to the official map, making it easy for visitors to find your creation and vote for their favorite. With $8,000 in cash prizes, special VBB membership and gift basket rewards, you won't want to miss out. Register today!
Registration ends November 26, 2024
Voting Dates: December 1 - 31, 2024
Prize Announcement: January 4, 2025
How To Vote
Voting is open December 1 - 31, 2024.
Visitors and locals can grab a map from the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center highlighting participating business and homes. Explore the valley, check out the Holiday Lights and Wreath displays and vote for your favorite in each category. Voting is open to the public and prizes are awarded based on popular vote.
Awards
January 4, 2025. Prizes will be distributed in person, on site at the prize winner's display.
This event is more than a competition, it's a celebration of community, creativity, and the beautiful holiday season in Big Bear!
Competition Categories
Competition Categories
Holiday Lights Display categories:
- Business
- Homeowner: Full-Time
- Homeowner: Part-Time
- Homeowner: Vacation Rental
- Resident
Holiday Wreath Display
- Business
- Homeowner
- Resident
Visitor Incentive
Attention Visitors!
If you're in town December 1 - 31, you can be a voter in the Festival of Lights Competition! When you return your ballot and post your favorite selections in each category on your socials tagging @visitbigbear and #YourMountainLakeEscape, you’ll automatically be entered into a drawing for a special getaway package, which includes:
- 2-night lodging certificate valid for March, April, or May 2025
- $100 meal voucher at select Big Bear restaurants
- Tickets to activities based on your selected visit dates (e.g., lake tours, snow play, or guided hikes)
- Enjoy the holiday season in Big Bear Lake and start planning your return trip for 2025!
- Stop by the Visitor Center for a map and ballot to cast your vote!
- For more information, call our Visitor Center at 1-800-424-4232.
Prizes!
Holiday Lights Business
- 1st Prize: $2,000 + Annual VBB Membership
- 2nd Prize: $1,000 + Annual VBB Membership
- 3rd Prize: $500
Holiday Lights Homeowner
- 1st Prize: $1,000
- 2nd Prize: $500
- 3rd Prize: Care For Big Bear prize basket
Holiday Lights Resident
- 1st Prize: $1,000
- 2nd Prize: $500
- 3rd Prize: Care For Big Bear prize basket
Best Wreath Display
- Business: One prize at $500
- Homeowner: One prize at $500
- Resident: One prize at $500
That’s $8,000 in cash prizes, plus special membership and gift basket rewards!