Visit Big Bear & Big Bear Chamber of Commerce — Festival of Lights Competition
The Festival of Lights is bringing Holiday Cheer to the Valley!
As the holiday season approaches in Big Bear Lake, the community is gearing up for the Second Annual Festival of Lights Competition, presented by Visit Big Bear in partnership with the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce. Running December 1-31, 2025, residents and businesses are encouraged to adorn their properties with festive light displays and decorations.
Event Date & Time
- Registration Deadline: Monday, November 23, 2025
- Competition Dates: December 1 – December 31, 2025
- Prize Announcement: January 5th, 2026
How To Enter
Signing up is easy! Just register your business, home, or residence by November 23, 2025. Once registered, your Holiday display will be added to the official map, making it easy for visitors to find your display and vote for their favorite.
How To Vote
Maps and ballots will be available at the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center beginning December 1. Explore the valley, enjoy the holiday lights and themed displays, and vote for your favorite in each category—then return your ballot to the Visitor Center.
- Classic Alpine Christmas – Cohesion of theme, craftsmanship, curb appeal, and traditional décor. Real Pine wreaths, pinecones, cranberry garland, warm glows, candy canes, and that nostalgic storybook feel.
- Cinematic Spectacle (Lights, Camera, Holiday!) – Visual storytelling, creativity, and overall “wow” factor. Homes that look straight out of a holiday movie set — big impact,immersive design, pure joy.
- Tis the Spirit of the Season – Displays that reflect generosity, peace, faith, community,and/or cultural traditions. Handcrafted touches, symbolism, and purpose-driven décor. Celebrations of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and other traditions are welcome!
Competition Categories
Competition Categories
Holiday Lights Display Divisions:
- Business
- Residential
Holiday Lights Display Categories:
- Classic Alpine Christmas
- Cinematic Spectacle (Lights, Camera, Holiday!)
- Tis the Spirit of the Season
Visitor Incentive
Attention Visitors!
When you return your ballot and post your favorite in each category on your socials tagging @visitbigbear and #BigBearChristmas, you’ll automatically be entered into a drawing for a special getaway package, which includes:
- A 2-night lodging certificate for March, April, or May 2026
- A $100 meal voucher for use at select Big Bear restaurants
- Tickets for activities, customized based on your selected visit dates (e.g., lake tours, snow play, or guided hikes)
It’s a perfect reason to enjoy the holidays in Big Bear now and plan a return trip next year!
Prizes!
Residential - Classic Alpine Christmas
First Place - $1000
Second Place - $500
Third Place - $100 + CFBB Gift Basket
Residential - Cinematic Spectacle (Lights, Camera,Holiday!)
First Place - $1000
Second Place - $500
Third Place - $100 + CFBB Gift Basket
Residential - Tis the Spirit of the Season
First Place - $1000
Second Place - $500
Third Place - $100 + CFBB Gift Basket
Business - Classic Alpine Christmas
First Place - $1000 + VBB & Chamber Partnership
Second Place - $500 + Chamber Gift Basket
Third Place - $100 + CFBB Gift Basket
Business - Cinematic Spectacle (Lights, Camera,Holiday!)
First Place - $1000 + VBB & Chamber Partnership
Second Place - $500 + Chamber Gift Basket
Third Place - $100 + CFBB Gift Basket
Business -Tis the Spirit of the Season
First Place - $1000 + VBB & Chamber Partnership
Second Place - $500 + Chamber Gift Basket
Third Place - $100 + CFBB Gift Basket
That’s a total of over $12,000 in cash prizes, special VBB and Chamber memberships and giftbasket rewards!
Competition Rules/Guidelines:
Competition Rules/Guidelines
- You must have your Holiday Decorations on display from December 1 – December 31st. If you are not on display by December 1st, you are disqualified from the competition.
- All participants must ensure that their Holiday Displays comply with City of Big Bear Lake ordinances (for those within city limits).
- Participants are responsible for maintaining their displays throughout the competition.
- By entering, participants agree to allow Visit Big Bear and the Chamber to use their address as a marked location in any and all public marketing (e.g., maps, promotional materials, social media).
- By entering, participants agree to allow Visit Big Bear and the Chamber of Commerce to use images of their Holiday display for promotional purposes.
- Do not pre-fill ballots for friends or customers. Pre-filling ballots with your location is not permitted. However, sharing ballots with your friends and customers so they can cast their own votes is encouraged.
- Each voter must submit their own ballot. Collecting, transporting, or turning in ballots on behalf of others is not allowed. Any ballot delivered by someone other than the voter will not be counted.
Previous Year's Awards
Be a Part of the Festivities!
This event is more than just a competition—it's a joyous celebration of community spirit, creativity, and the enchanting holiday season in Big Bear!
Whether you're lighting up your business or home with a dazzling holiday display or exploring the valley to take in the stunning lights, it’s a fantastic way to spread cheer, support local businesses, and immerse yourself in the magic of winter. Let’s make Big Bear sparkle together!
For more information, visit bigbear.com or contact the Visit Big Bear Visitor Center at 800-424-4232.