Best Holiday Events and Winter Activities to Enjoy in December in Big Bear
The holiday season in Big Bear brings a special kind of magic, with snow-dusted pines, sparkling lights along the village streets, and the cheerful sounds of carols and laughter echoing through the mountains. At Big Bear Getaway, we love helping guests experience the full charm of the season from the comfort of our cozy vacation homes. December is filled with festive events, including magical zoo nights, lively holiday markets, captivating concerts, and family-friendly performances. Each celebration provides a unique way to enjoy the warmth, community spirit, and joyful atmosphere that make Big Bear a truly memorable winter destination. Here’s a curated list of December events to brighten your stay and fill your calendar with festive fun.
Magical Holiday Events Happening This December in Big Bear
Wild Lights at Big Bear Alpine Zoo
Nov 06, 2025 – Jan 04, 2026
Imagine strolling through a forest glowing with two million sparkling lights, soft music in the air, and occasional glimpses of wildlife: that’s the magic of Wild Lights. At the Alpine Zoo Wild Lights, you walk beneath illuminated pines, enter glowing archways, and wander through themed zones packed with giant ornaments, shimmering snowmen, and even Santa’s sleigh for memorable photos. It runs Wednesday through Sunday evenings from early November through January.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Dec 04, 2025 & Dec 11, 2025
For those who love a bit of theatre during the holidays, ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ offers a warm, funny, and heartfelt performance. This December favourite draws on a beloved holiday story that combines laughs, community spirit, and seasonal warmth. It’s a cozy evening outing, perfect for couples, families, or friends looking to escape the cold and enjoy a charming local production.
Holiday Strings & Jingles Concert
Dec 05, 2025
If you love live music and holiday carols, the Holiday Strings & Jingles is a lovely way to spend a festive evening. Local string orchestras and youth ensembles bring classic holiday melodies to life, offering a warm community-centric celebration of music, tradition, and seasonal spirit.
This concert brings a soft, joyful soundtrack to your Big Bear holiday and sets the tone for a festive December.
Santa Claws at Big Bear Zoo
Dec 13, 2025 & Dec 20, 2025
For a classic holiday treat, check out Santa Claws at Big Bear Zoo. On select December days, Santa “Claws” makes a special appearance, greeting families as they explore the home of Big Bear’s rescued and rehabilitating wildlife. The event takes place right in Big Bear Lake, CA, making it an easy stop during your holiday getaway. Kids and adults enjoy meeting Santa, soaking in the festive decorations, and learning about the animals that call the zoo home. Parents also get the perfect holiday photo with a cozy winter backdrop, and little ones love the mix of wildlife, storytelling, and cheerful holiday moments.
Christkindlmarkt Big Bear
Dec 20, 2025
Looking for a holiday market with charm and heart? The Christkindlmarkt Big Bear at the Big Bear Convention Center delivers just that. With live music, handmade gifts, gingerbread cookie decorating, ornament-making, and a traditional “Wishing Tree,” it blends German holiday tradition with mountain-town fun. It’s ideal for last-minute shopping or thoughtful gifts, and kids especially enjoy photos with “St. Nicholas” and “Christkindl,” as well as seasonal activities. With festive music and a friendly vibe, Christkindlmarkt is a cozy highlight of December and a great place for families and gift-seekers alike.
NY Concert & Torchlight Parade
Dec 31, 2025
Welcome the New Year in true Big Bear style at the New Year’s Eve Concert & Torchlight Parade at Snow Summit. This beloved tradition fills the mountain with excitement as more than 200 skiers and snowboarders wind down the slopes carrying glowing torches, creating a dazzling ribbon of light that feels almost magical. The celebration starts at 6 PM and sets the tone for an unforgettable countdown to 2026. Guests can enjoy live music, crisp mountain air, and the kind of festive atmosphere that makes New Year’s Eve in Big Bear feel extra special.
Top Winter Events and Holiday Activities in Big Bear
Bear Mountain Opening Day
TBD
Bear Mountain Opening Day is always one of the most exciting moments of the season in Big Bear. As soon as the resort officially announces that the lifts are spinning, the mountain fills with an energy that feels almost electric. Riders and skiers return to the slopes with fresh gear, big smiles, and that unmistakable first-day buzz. The atmosphere alone is worth experiencing with crisp air, great music, and the unbeatable charm of Big Bear’s winter kickoff. It’s a wonderful time to pair your stay with an early-season adventure and soak up the mountain excitement as a new winter begins.
Kids Ski/Snowboard Free Week
Dec 06, 2025 – Dec 12, 2025
Kids Ski & Snowboard Free Week at Snow Summit is one of those rare perks that make a winter getaway feel a little more magical. For one week in early December, children 12 and under enjoy free lift tickets, making it easy for families to introduce young riders to the joy of the mountains without stretching their budget. The resort feels especially cheerful during this time, with little ones bundling up in bright jackets, taking their first turns, and discovering the thrill of gliding across fresh snow. Book your Big Bear cabin rental, grab the free lift tickets for the kids, and make it a memorable start to the winter season.
Ski Night Sessions
Dec 25, 2025
Night Sessions at Snow Summit offer a totally different kind of mountain magic, and the December 25 session feels extra special. The slopes glow under bright lights, the air turns crisp and quiet, and the runs take on a serene, almost dreamlike quality. From 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM, riders can enjoy the peaceful rhythm of evening laps, with plenty of space to carve out their own cozy winter moment. Many guests say it’s their favorite time to ski because of calmer crowds, soft snow, and that unmistakable holiday spirit in the air. Warm drinks, starry skies, and glowing slopes make it a night you won’t forget.