If you are looking for a truly unique winter holiday experience, look no further than Big Bear. From Christmas/New Years Winter Holiday in Big Bear, the cozy mountain town becomes a magical place of holiday cheer and family-friendly festive activities abound! Enjoy exploring The Village and its twinkling lights, taking in the snowy views from your cabin rental, or enjoying Christmas morning with Santa and Mrs. Claus before they head back home the North Pole. Whether you go on a stroll through the village, curl up by the fire at night (or snuggle up next to someone special), or experience all that is Christmastime in Southern California’s mountains – spending your holidays this year here will not disappoint. 

Al & I have been traveling from Orange County to Big Bear for the last 8ish years every winter. We love to visit the snow in during winter especially around Christmas time . We love to snowboard, we love to eat out and we love hanging out in rental properties with friends and families below are some of our recomadations when visiting during the holiday season 🙂

Things To Do

Places To Eat

  • Hacienda Grill
  • Nottingham’s Restaurant-Tavern

  • Amangela’s Sandwich and Bagel House

  • Azteca Grill Mexican Restaurant

  • Barnstorm Restaurant

  • Big Bear Lake Brewing Company

  • Cafe Crepe

  • Captain’s Anchorage

  • Copper Q

  • Dank Donuts

  • El Jacalito

  • Santana Mavericks Bar and Grill

  • Get The Burger

  • Grizzly Manor Cafe

  • Grind and Grill Cafe

  • Himalayan Restaurant

Special Details From Big Bear

Skiing & Snowboarding

Ski Southern California’s best terrain at Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, operated by Big Bear Mountain Resort. Lift tickets, season passes, and lesson/rental reservations will be available for purchase online, on the BBMR mobile app, at ticket windows, and by calling 844.GO2.BEAR.

Snowshoeing

Take in the Valley’s serene and snowy landscape on snowshoes. Go solo or join an expert lead tour. Adventuring on National Forest trails is permitted year-round. We encourage visitors to plan hikes on weekdays to avoid crowds. Adventure Passes are required to park in most trail head parking lots so stop by the Visitor Center to pick up a day or annual pass.

Snow Tubing

Big Bear Lake offers three snow tubing locations in the Valley. The Alpine Slide and Big Bear Snow Play operate daily with nighttime Glow Tubing sessions on Fridays, Saturdays & Holidays. Both locations are cash only. Snow Summit also features Grizzly Ridge Tube Park for non-skier and riders.

Year-Round Tours

Big Bear’s outdoor touring activities are available year-round, offering a unique landscape to enjoy and explore in every season! Experience SoCal’s #1 winter wonderland on horseback, zipline, Segway, helicopter, or by 4X4.

Book horseback riding tours with Baldwin Lake Stables.
Book Zipline and Segway adventures with Action Tours.
Book high flying helicopter tours with Helicopter Big Bear.
Book 4X4 Jeep tours with Big Bear Off-Road Experience.

Seasonal Activities

Christmas

Big Bear is known for being one of the most magical places in Southern California and Christmas is no exception. Christmas/New Years Winter Holiday in Big Bear may even feel more magical here during the holiday season as the towering pine trees and the mountainsides become covered in blankets of white. There aren’t many places here in Southern California where you can experience a white Christmas this holiday season but luckily Big Bear is one of them. Imagine waking up on Christmas morning in your cabin tucked away beneath the trees, as fresh snow falls outside your window and the fireplace crackles. There’s nothing quite like it! Apart from the enchanting scenery, Big Bear also has some great activities that you and your family can enjoy during the Christmas season! Below we have put together some options to give you an idea of how great Christmas will be here in Big Bear.

Come visit Santa in his North Pole Cabin where the fire is always warm and the memories last a lifetime! The Jolly One enjoys visits from all good girls and boys in his cozy cabin. See Santa while he works and prepares for the Big Night(Christmas Eve)! Enjoy a distanced chat with the Jolly One and see the inside of where all the magic begins. Check out Santa’s mail box to send in your list, or write a sweet thank you note for the gifts you received this past year. Just outside Santa’s front door, feel the icy North Pole and watch it glow with the power of the Northern lights. This pole marks Santa’s Village at Sky Park as part of the magical North Pole. Our small piece of this special arctic place was transported here to spread Christmas joy to all the boys and girls of Southern California year round.

New Years

What better way to welcome the new year than being surrounded by nature and all the beauty it offers? Come celebrate the arrival of 2022 with exciting activities and events here in the mountains. From new year sledding to Big Bear’s annual Torch Festival, your holiday is sure to be filled with plenty of family fun! The New Year doesn’t arrive until midnight so make sure you book your holiday cabin to retire in after the long day of festivities. Christmas/New Years Winter Holiday in Big Bear we even have pet-friendly options so you don’t have to ring in the new year without your furry friend! Below, we have compiled a few options of New Year activities for you and your family to enjoy while visiting Big Bear! Remember, Big Bear will still be covered in snow with freezing temperatures so make sure you prepare for cold outdoor activities!

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