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!
Holiday & December Events
A Gatsby Holiday Gala
Monday, December 8th, 2025
Step back into the Roaring ’20s for an elegant 18+ Ladies’ night out filled with sparkle, celebration, and purpose. Enjoy our signature Holiday Pantry, plus exciting live and silent auctions, all benefiting Soroptimist programs that empower women and girls in our community.
The Nutcracker Ballet
December 12th - 14th, 2025
Moonridge School of Dance is proud to announce its 6th annual Nutcracker
Ballet! Come support local youth in this wonderful and quirky presentation of this most loved holiday ballet
Santa Claws at Big Bear Zoo
December 13th & 20th, 2025 from 11 AM - 3 PM
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.
A Ghost Story of Christmas
December 19th - 27th, 2025
Big Bear Theater Project’s own original adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic, 'A Christmas Carol' is reimagined year after year for a fresh perspective that honors and retains all the elements that make this the ephemeral and essential holiday story.
A Festive Dinner & Music
December 20th from 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
An exclusive musical dining experience with the Mountain Top Springs. Come enjoy a delicious steak and and shrimp dinner with festive holiday music and more to kick off the season! Seating is limited so buy your tickets today! $40/person.
Christkindlmarkt Big Bear
Saturday, December 20th, 2025 from 2 PM - 9 PM
It’s a little German, a little American, and all fun. Big Bear’s Christkindlmarkt takes place during the day featuring last minute holiday shopping, live entertainment with Southern Spirit, several interactive activities including Gingerbread cookie decorating and ornament making, and contests for all ages. The Wishing Tree, a German tradition will offer guests the fun of making a wish and adding their ornament to the tree.
Santa Comes to Snow Summit
Saturday, December 20th, 2025 from 11 AM - 3 PM
Santa is hitting the slopes this winter! Come join us as we shred those snow covered skiing hills alongside the jolly red man himself!
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
December 4th & 11th, 2025
This December we're bringing the festive spirit with a night of elegant holiday theatre and dinner! Our special showing will be "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" by Barbara Johnson - Adapted by Jerry Fischer.
Grand Menorah Lighting & Chanukah Celebration
Sunday, December 21st, 2025
Chabad of Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear hosts the 2025 Grand Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Celebration in The Village!
Festival of Lights Holiday Competition
Register by Nov. 23rd, Vote from Dec 1st - 31st, see winners Jan 5!
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.
Santa in the Village
Say 'Hello!' to Santa and Mrs. Claus in The Village every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until December 22nd. Hours from 10 AM - 4 PM.
Alpine Zoo Wild Lights
Wednesday - Sunday, November 6, 2025 - January 4, 2026
This winter, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo will come alive under the glow of more than one million sparkling lights, transforming the mountain into an illuminated alpine dreamscape.
Goldsmith Race #1 SL
Thursday, December 27th, 2025
The Snow Summit Race Team (SSRT) is participating in the Goldsmith Race #1 SL on December 27, 2025 at Snow Summit.Please note, this race will partially affect the Lower Miracle Mile trail.
CoreNation
Sunday, December 28th, 2025
Join Bear Mountain for the CoreNation Rail Jam, presented by The North Face, on December 28, 2025 from 9AM-3:30PM. The competition is open to all ages with a registration fee of $20.
Coca-Cola Ride & Dine
December 26th, 2025 - February 27th, 2026
Kick off your weekend at Snow Summit with a Coca-Cola Ride & Dine night
from 3PM to 8:30PM. Hit the slopes for evening skiing and snowboarding,
then grab a tasty bite and a Coca-Cola beverage on our Slopeside deck.
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