Big Bear Lake Scarecrow & Día de los Muertos Decorating Contest
Background & Evolution
For years, Big Bear Lake’s Scarecrow Contest has delighted locals and visitors, with homes and businesses competing to showcase their creativity. To expand and evolve this tradition, Visit Big Bear proposes transforming it into the Big Bear Día de los Muertos Decorating Contest.
This new format honors Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15–Oct 15) while embracing the artistry of Día de los Muertos, a holiday that celebrates life, memory, and community. By keeping the classic Best Scarecrow category and adding Best Ofrenda (altar) and Best Calacas (skeleton display), the event blends seasonal tradition with cultural vibrancy.
How To Vote
Visitors and locals alike can grab a map and ballot from the Visit Big Bear Visitor Center that highlights all participating locations, from businesses to homes.
As you explore the valley and check out the scarecrows, ofrendas, and fall décor, don’t forget to vote for your favorite in each category by filling out the ballot and posting photos of your favorites to your socials tagging @visitbigbear and #BigBearScare. Voting will be open to the public, with prizes awarded based on popular vote.
Winners will be announced November 5, 2025.
Make A Post - Join The Raffle!
When you return your ballot and post your favorite in each category on your socials tagging @visitbigbear and #BigBearScare, you’ll automatically be entered into a drawing for a special getaway package, which includes:
- 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 fall in Big Bear now and plan a return trip next year!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who can enter?
Any local business, or residential property in the Big Bear Valley
Q: How do I vote?
Pick up a ballot and map at the Visitor Center, tour the entries, then return the ballot to the Visitor Center.
Q: Can a location win more than once?
Yes. If a business or residence enters multiple categories, they are eligible to win multiple prizes.
Q: How many winners will there be?
18 winners total — 3 per category, for both Commercial and Consumer divisions.
How To Enter
Register in the contest and category of your choice - category options range from Scarecrow display, an Ofrenda (Altar), or a Calaca (Skeleton Display) with both business and residential divisions. Once registered, your display will be added to the official map, making it easy for visitors to find your creation and vote for their favorite.
Registration Deadline - Sunday, September 21, 2025
Contest & Voting Dates - October 1st to November 3rd, 2025
Contest Categories
Divisions
- Business
- Residential
Contest Categories
- Best Scarecrow
- Best Ofrenda (altar)
- Best Calacas (skeleton display)
Prizes!
Scarecrow Business
- 1st Place Prize - $1,000 + Pioneer (Tier 1) Membership or Upgrade
- 2nd Place Prize - $500 + Pioneer (Tier 1) Membership or Upgrade
- 3rd Place Prize - $100 + Pioneer (Tier 1) Membership or Upgrade
Scarecrow Residential
- 1st Place Prize - $1,000
- 2nd Place Prize - $500 + Gift
- 3rd Place Prize - $100 + Gift
Ofrenda (Altar) Business
- 1st Place Prize - $1,000 + Pioneer (Tier 1) Membership or Upgrade
- 2nd Place Prize - $500 + Pioneer (Tier 1) Membership or Upgrade
- 3rd Place Prize - $100 + Pioneer (Tier 1) Membership or Upgrade
Ofrenda (Altar) Residential
- 1st Place Prize - $1,000
- 2nd Place Prize - $500 + Gift
- 3rd Place Prize - $100 + Gift
Calacas (Skeleton Display) Business
- 1st Place Prize - $1,000 + Pioneer (Tier 1) Membership or Upgrade
- 2nd Place Prize - $500 + Pioneer (Tier 1) Membership or Upgrade
- 3rd Place Prize - $100 + Pioneer (Tier 1) Membership or Upgrade
Calacas (Skeleton Display) Residential
- 1st Place Prize - $1,000
- 2nd Place Prize - $500 + Gift
- 3rd Place Prize - $100 + Gift
Contest Rules
Contest participants agree to:
- All participants within the City of Big Bear Lake must ensure that their scarecrow or fall decorations comply with City ordinances
- Participants are responsible for maintaining their displays throughout the contest.
- By entering, participants agree to allow Visit Big Bear to use images of their displays for promotional purposes.
Explore & Vote!
Visitors and locals alike can grab a map and ballot from the Visit Big Bear Visitor Center that highlights all participating locations, from businesses to homes.
As you explore the valley and check out the scarecrows, ofrendas, and fall décor, don’t forget to vote for your favorite in each category by filling out the ballot and posting photos of your favorites to your socials tagging @visitbigbear and #BigBearScare.
Voting will be open to the public, with prizes awarded based on popular vote.