There’s a lot to check off your vacation list when a holiday is also on the agenda. You could go anywhere in the world to celebrate New Year’s, but a big crowd may not be on your list of must-haves for your New Year’s celebration. Instead, ring in the new year in a small, lakefront village surrounded by fresh mountain air. The small town’s slower pace doesn’t stop for the new year, so you can celebrate New Year’s in Big Bear quietly with loved ones, or head to an event that’s not as crowded as one in a big city. You may even find you want to come back to see how we celebrate other holidays, or just whenever you need a break.
Wyatt’s Family New Year’s Celebration
An event held at a convention center may sound like it may have a lot of people. The cozy Big Bear Convention Center is actually Southern California’s largest mountain meeting and event facility. Inside, you’ll find plenty of New Year’s fun. Wyatt’s Grill and Saloon hosts a New Year’s party that’s great for the entire family. Ring in the new year with live music, dancing, party favors, and even activities created just for the kids. The fun begins at 4 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and lasts until 1 a.m. New Year’s Day. There’s a complimentary champagne toast to officially mark the New Year at midnight.
New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade
Combine skiing or snowboarding with ringing in the new year! Every year, skiers and snowboarders light up the night – and the slopes of Snow Summit, in celebration of the new year. Help light up the mountain in celebration of 2023 during the 58th Annual New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade. Spend a day on the slopes, then after a break, come back in the evening for the unique festivities for Big Bear New Year’s Eve. Over 200 skiers and snowboarders of all ages will make their way down the face of the mountain by torchlight. Participate and carry a torch or watch as the spectacle kicks off the countdown to the “snowball” drop. The free event runs 7-10 p.m. Participants should meet at Snow Summit, 880 Summit Blvd in Big Bear.
Night Sessions at Snow Summit
During the holidays, the ski resorts of Big Bear want to make sure you squeeze every drop of fun out of your time there. On select nights throughout the season, you can hit the slopes at night! Make skiing under the stars – and the lights lining the slopes – a part of your New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day experiences. The night skiing experience runs 3-8:30 p.m. Single-day and multi-day tickets do not include night tickets, but the night ticket can be purchased at a discounted rate when you buy it with your day passes. If there’s a day you prefer night riding only, those require advanced purchase online. Skiers that come during the day and stay for the night session are required to pay for parking during paid parking hours, but guests arriving after 2 p.m. are not required to pay for parking. If you make Big Bear a part of your annual New Year’s traditions and you have a season pass, night sessions are included.
Big Bear Discovery Center
Discover Big Bear in a way just walking around or taking a lake tour to see the sites doesn’t deliver. Opened in 1998, center is the largest visitor center in Big Bear Valley. In addition to the center’s indoor things to do in Big Bear for New Year’s, a nearby amphitheater hosts weekly programs, events like gold-panning or nature walks, as well as a junior ranger program. Check the calendar for outdoor concerts and theater productions, too!
Big Bear Alpine Zoo
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo isn’t just a place to see the animals. It’s also a rehabilitation facility and sanctuary for indigenous wild animals permanently impacted by human behavior and unable to return to their wild habitats. You’ll love catching glimpses of American crow, Arctic fox, bald eagles, black bears, the interesting yellow-bellied marmot, and many other residents. Participate in one of the programs that get you up close to the animals or take in a demonstration or enrichment activity led by zoo staff.
Spend New Year’s in Big Bear
You came to the area for a fun getaway this new year. Start with your accommodations and book a vacation rental with Big Bear Vacations. Make the family’s favorite home-cooked meals in the fully equipped kitchen. Gather together on the couch and watch a holiday movie or TV show or spend some time outdoors. Choose a cozy one-bedroom for your small family or a sprawling 5-bedroom for a fun family or group reunion that rings in the new year. Book a premium unit that includes upgrades like stainless steel appliances, granite counters, hardwood floors, and more!
Contact us today to book and take the first step toward planning memorable things to do in Big Bear for New Year’s getaways!
