Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday that gives everyone a chance to sit back and take stock of all that we’re grateful for in life. From friends to family and the many gifts between, gratitude is in good supply when November rolls around. This year consider taking your Thanksgiving festivities to the beautiful Southern California city of Big Bear Lake. Charming, family-friendly and scenic, Big Bear is a great place to spend the holidays that comes with the added bonus of plenty of fun activities waiting for you! Here are a few of the Big Bear Thanksgiving events you won’t want to miss out on while you’re here.
Big Bear Turkey Trot
Meadow Park in Big Bear is home to the city’s annual Big Bear Turkey Trot when Thanksgiving is in full swing. Before you settle in to take on Thanksgiving dinner, make sure you sign up to burn those calories away as you lace up and compete in the annual race! While participants can choose between three race lengths according to preference, the fun doesn’t end there. Once you’ve crossed the finish line, enjoy a costume parade and a pie eating contest to get you back into the holiday culinary spirit.
Try Nottingham’s Tavern for Thanksgiving Dinner in Big Bear
While many restaurants are closed for Thanksgiving, Nottingham’s Tavern is open and welcomes visitors and locals to come on in and enjoy a traditional Big Bear Thanksgiving Day meal together. Located at 40797 Big Bear Boulevard, this restaurant provides a cozy and friendly ambiance where guests can enjoy a fireplace and live music alongside their turkey and mashed potatoes. A pub room and patio create the perfect space to retire with a drink in hand once you’ve happily filed up on rich holiday fare.
Thanksgiving Hiking in Big Bear
When you’re looking for a simple, yet beautiful way to walk off some of that turkey dinner from your Thanksgiving in Big Bear, consider heading toward the North Shore to experience Woodland Trail and Cougar Crest Trail. These popular and beautiful routes take hikers over a gentle incline and provide some of the most stunning views of the valley. Even in the colder months, this trek promises to be memorable and a good option for hikers of all ages and abilities. With convenient parking, bathrooms, and picnic areas available, visitors find these two trails very easy to access year-round.
Horseback Ride through the Forest
Gather everyone and saddle up for a horseback ride! See Big Bear and the surrounding area in a new way when you book a ride with Baldwin Lake Stables. Take a ride through Big Bear Valley with a one-, two-, or three-hour trip. Tours include Big Bear Valley, the Pacific Crest Trail, and various parts of the Mojave Desert. Book a sunset ride for a view of the sun sinking below the mountains. For the longer rides, make sure you pack a picnic.
Big Bear Snow Play for All Ages
Usually starting in mid-November, you can enjoy the thrill of snow tubing over at Big Bear Snow Play and Magic Mountain. Slide down man-made and/or nature’s white powder. Tubes are single-person, but riders 36”-42” must ride in the lap of an adult 18 years or older. Ride down the hill, then make the slow creep up through the conveyor belt tunnel that brings tubes and riders to the top for more tubing fun. Come back in the evening on Fridays, Saturdays, and some holiday weekends for special glow tubing, featuring red, blue, green, and black lights and a magic carpet ride to pull you and your tube back to the top of the hill.
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
Adults can be a kid again, and kids can enjoy the adrenaline rush of a lifetime. The Alpine Slide at Big Bear Magic Mountain is open year-round and never fails to entertain. Hours vary by season. The chair lift to the top offers a beautiful view of the area. At the top, prepare for an unforgettable ride down the area’s only authentic bobsled experience. Sleds are individually controlled so you can go as slow or as fast as you want down your choice of two separate quarter-mile long cement tracks. Careen around high banking turns and into straightaways that will have you cruising as fast as you want and have your adrenaline pumping by the time you reach the bottom. Riders must be at least 36” tall to ride, and children under 48” tall must ride with an adult age 18 or older.
The Village Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
“Christmas Tree Corner” – better known as the corner of Village Drive and Pine Knot Avenue in Big Bear – hosts the town’s annual Christmas tree Lighting on Thanksgiving Weekend. After you’ve had your fill of Thanksgiving dinner and before you start a marathon of shopping, stop by for the official lighting of Big Bear’s village tree. Enjoy live music, community, and the Grand Entrance of Santa and Mrs. Claus! The event usually starts around 5 p.m., with the official lighting of the tree around 6pm.
Take Time to Enjoy Big Bear
When you’re planning to be in Big Bear Lake over Thanksgiving, Big Bear Vacations is your one-stop shop for finding and booking the ideal vacation rental. We keep you close to those areas you’re excited to explore while providing the privacy and luxury you deserve. Contact us today for more details and to begin planning your Big Bear adventure!
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