Top Things to Do in Big Bear for New Year’s Weekend

New Year’s in Big Bear is a special kind of celebration. Snow crunches underfoot, pine trees wear strings of lights, restaurants offer festive menus, and the slopes put on a show. If you are planning a holiday weekend escape, Big Bear Lake blends alpine adventure and cozy fireside downtime in a way that makes ringing in the new year feel intentional and memorable. This guide collects the best places to go, activities to book, events to attend, dining picks, safety essentials, and local tips so your New Year’s in Big Bear plans go smoothly.

Why pick Big Bear for New Year’s weekend?

Big Bear is one of Southern California’s closest high elevation escapes from Los Angeles and the Inland Empire. For New Year’s weekend, you get winter sports, family-friendly town events, holiday light displays, and a string of seasonal experiences that only the mountains offer. Two standouts you will likely plan around are the Torchlight Parade and evening concerts at Snow Summit and the seasonal Wild Lights at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. Both are signature New Year’s activities that locals and visitors love.

Top events to book or watch for: the unmissable moments

Snow Summit Torchlight Parade and New Year’s Eve celebration

The Torchlight Parade at Snow Summit is the defining New Year’s spectacle in Big Bear. Skiers and snowboarders light torches and descend the slope in a flowing line of firelight, followed by music and a family-oriented party vibe at the base. The event is free to view and typically begins in the evening on December 31. Plan to arrive early for good viewing spots and expect crowds in the Village and summit areas.

Wild Lights at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo

If you want a low-stress, family-friendly evening, Wild Lights at the Alpine Zoo offers illuminated paths and holiday programming through early January on select nights. It is an easy addition to a New Year’s stay and doubles as a charitable way to support animal care and rehabilitation in the area. Check ticketed dates and times before you go.

Family New Year’s parties and live shows

From community family parties at the convention center to private New Year’s Eve events at local restaurants and bars, Big Bear hosts a range of celebrations. For families, look for kid-friendly events with activities timed for early evening. For adults, bars and lounges in The Village put on late-night parties and live music. Local event listings are updated seasonally, so check the official Big Bear events page as you finalize plans.

Snow tubing, night tubing, and glow tubing

For pure winter fun, many venues run extended hours through the holidays. Snow tubing in Big Bear is a seasonal highlight, with Big Bear Snow Play offering tubing lanes, glow tubing nights, and family rides that feel especially festive over New Year’s weekend. Booking online in advance helps secure prime time slots during this busy holiday period.

Best winter activities for New Year’s weekend

Hit the slopes or try a night session

If you ski or snowboard, Big Bear Mountain Resort’s Bear Mountain and Snow Summit are your go-to. New Year’s weekend commonly has extended lift hours and special night sessions tied to the torchlight festivities. Even if you do not ride, taking a chairlift or tram for sunset views is a memorable way to mark the holiday.

Snow tubing and sledding

Easy to book and great for all ages, tube parks keep things exciting and safe. Many resorts and private operators run extended hours and special lighting for the holidays. Bring warm socks and waterproof gloves, and plan for lines on peak nights.

Ice skating, escape rooms, and indoor fun

The Village and local recreation hubs offer indoor alternatives like ice skating, escape rooms, and bowling if the weather gets severe or if you want a break from the cold. These are excellent backup plans for families or groups with varied energy levels. Check hours and reservation policies before you head out.

Quiet outdoor options: winter hikes and scenic drives

If you prefer a quieter celebration, short hikes like Castle Rock Trail or the Alpine Pedal Path offer crisp views of the lake and winter light. Bundle up, start early, and expect icy patches on exposed trails in December. Several local trails are reachable from the Village in 10 to 20 minutes by car. Trail conditions are seasonal, so check trailhead updates before setting out.

Places to go: Big Bear neighborhood highlights

The Village at Big Bear Lake

The Village is the town’s walkable heart. For New Year’s weekend, you will find street lighting, shops open late, seasonal markets, and small live music sets. It is a convenient base for dining and nightlife.

Moonridge and Bear Mountain area

Moonridge houses the Alpine Zoo and sits near Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. This area is quieter at night but close to major events and slopes. If you want easy access to the Torchlight Parade, staying near Moonridge or Bear Mountain cuts commute time.

Big Bear Lake shoreline and marinas

If the weather permits and your trip leans cozy, scenic drives around the lake, short shore walks, and sunrise views make peaceful holiday memories. Many lakefront cabins offer fireplaces and private hot tubs for New Year’s Eve downtime.

Restaurants, cafes, and evening dining picks for the holiday

Tip: Many restaurants require reservations for New Year’s Eve and may run prix fixe menus. Book at least a week in advance if you can, and confirm dietary needs when you reserve.

Where to stay and how to choose a cabin?

For New Year’s weekend, book early. Popular options include cabins with hot tubs, village condos, or resort hotels close to the slopes. If you want to join the Torchlight Parade crowd and music, pick lodging near Snow Summit or The Village. If you want quiet and short walks to wildlife viewing, Moonridge is ideal.

Big Bear Getaway suggests filtering listings based on what you’re looking for, like a private hot tub, fireplace, and pet-friendly options if you plan to bring a dog. Add travel insurance or flexible cancellation for holiday stays in case road or weather issues force changes.

Safety essentials for New Year’s in Big Bear

Winter driving and snow chains

Chain controls are enforced on mountain highways into Big Bear. Caltrans posts R-1, R-2, and R-3 chain-control levels and requires drivers to obey posted orders. During active winter weather, you may be turned away at chain control checkpoints without required traction devices. Carry appropriate chains or snow traction devices and know how to install them before you travel. This is one of the most important safety steps for a mountain holiday.

Check road and weather conditions before you go

Road conditions change fast in winter. Consult Caltrans, Big Bear Mountain Resort advisories, and local visitor pages for the latest road closures and chain control notices. Expect extra travel time on the climb up and limited cell coverage on some stretches.

Dress for altitude and temperature swings

Daytime highs in December often hover around the high 30s Fahrenheit in Big Bear, with nights much colder. Layering is crucial. Bring insulated boots, hat, gloves, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Hydrate well; altitude can cause headaches and fatigue.

Book a shuttle or parking early for big events

Events like the Torchlight Parade increase local traffic. If you prefer not to drive after dark, look for event shuttles, park and ride options, or hotels that offer transfers. If you drive, arrive early to secure parking and avoid late-night congestion.

Family-friendly suggestions

• Look for family-friendly New Year’s parties with early programming and activities for children. These events let parents celebrate the holiday without a late night or offer an early countdown for younger kids.
  
• Wild Lights at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo is perfect for younger children and those who prefer an early evening activity with lights and short walking routes.
  
• Snow tubing and designated sledding hills are safe, active options for kids. Book time slots in advance.
  

Responsible travel and supporting local conservation

If you visit the Alpine Zoo or other rescue-focused venues, consider a membership, donation, or volunteer visit in non-peak months. Your visit during the holidays supports local businesses and organizations that manage wildlife care and seasonal operations. Wild Lights at the zoo is a direct fundraiser for the animals’ care.

Final planning checklist

• Book lodging and restaurant reservations early for New Year’s weekend.
• Reserve tubing or special activities online.
• Carry chains or traction devices and check Caltrans chain control status before departure.
• Pack layers, waterproof outerwear, and winter footwear.
• Confirm event dates and times on official Big Bear event pages; holiday programming can shift year to year.

Need help booking New Year’s in Big Bear?

Big Bear Getaway curates cabins in Big Bear designed for holiday weekends and winter escapes. From cozy mountain retreats with hot tubs to family-friendly layouts and homes close to Snow Summit and The Village, it’s easy to find Big Bear cabins that fit your group size and travel plans. Booking early helps secure the best options during the New Year rush. Plan ahead for winter driving, settle into a comfortable cabin, and enjoy a stylish, memorable New Year’s celebration in Big Bear.

Frequently Asked Questions