Book
An aerial view of pumpkins, nuts, and leaves laid on a wooden slat table. The image represents Thanksgiving.

How to Celebrate Thanksgiving in Big Bear Lake

Posted: 10/12/23

Thanksgiving in Big Bear is a perfect way to start the holiday season.

Experience cool autumn days and that crisp mountain air. Fall season visitors marvel at the bright colored leaves and rustic, rural feel Big Bear showcases. Winter recreation like snow tubing and skiing are just getting started and family events like the Big Bear Turkey Trot and Christmas in the Village are poised to kick off the holiday season.

Big Bear Turkey Trot

Earn your turkey feast in the annual Big Bear Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. Costumes are encouraged and strollers are welcome at this all-ages, family-friendly event. Take it easy with a 3-mile route or challenge yourself with the 6-mile or 9-mile runs. All routes are on level terrain.

Ready, Set, Waddle!

Let's Talk Turkey

Dining cravings in Big Bear won't go unsatisfied. Many Big Bear restaurants serve up traditional Thanksgiving dinners complete with tender turkey, cranberry sauce, savory stuffing, and pumpkin pie.

Traditional Dinners

Other Thanksgiving Dining

Looking for something less traditional? Big Bear is home to a range of cuisines from Indian, Mexican, Italian and Chinese, to seafood and steak, pizza parlors and pub grub. Sit down for a formal dining experience, or keep it casual at family-style restaurants. Indulge at sweet shops and ice parlous, Big Bear really has it all!

Bon Appetit!

A mother, father, and child smile for a photo with the Big Bear Turkey Trot mascot during the Big Bear Turkey Trot.

Take A Hike

Big Bear sits in the San Bernardino National Forest accessing a vast network of trails. A quiet hike through the autumn season forest is unique experience in Southern California. Big Bear trails serve hikers, bikers, snowshoers, horseback riders, and off-roaders year-round.

Take to the trails

Shop Local

It's the most colorful time of year in The Village. Stroll through town for some of the best fall season photos! Stop in to clothing and souvenir shops, candy stores, and sit down restaurants. Live music is a growing scene in The Village, catch musicians at local eateries or reserve tickets to shows.

The Village

Snow Tubing

Some of the best winter recreation on the mountain is snow tubing. Multiply the fun factor at weekend Glow Tubing sessions. Neon lights give this popular activity a groovy twist and a magic carpet ride takes the uphill hike out of the equation.

SNOW TUBING

A child having fun while snow tubing in Big Bear

Outdoor Adventure Tours

Take a guided adventure tour year-round in Big Bear Lake! Off-Roading, ziplining, horseback riding and helicopter tours are all offered for those needing a little adrenaline during their holiday visit.

Book A Tour

Christmas in The Village

The first Friday after Thanksgiving marks the start of Christmas in The Village with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and arrival of Santa Clause! Don't miss this popular season event.

Christmas in the village