Make Christmas everything it can be this year. Avoid a trip to a busy big city in favor of a locale where you can relax and enjoy the season. Big Bear has it all. From the beauty of a lakefront village full of fresh mountain air to the slower place you’re looking for, along with touches of Christmas cheer. it’s the perfect place for fun this Christmas break. You won’t lack for fun things to do. Big Bear and the surrounding area have many fun and exciting winter activities and Big Bear Christmas events to make your Christmastime stay one to remember for years to come!
Christkindlmarkt
There are plenty of ways to celebrate the Christmas season in Big Bear. One event mixes the German flair of Oktoberfest with the holiday cheer of Christmas. The Big Bear Lake Christkindlmarkt features German food, culture, entertainment, and more. There are kids’ activities for all ages, a “Wishing Tree,” holiday vendors with plenty of hand-crafted gift ideas, and local carolers singing your favorite tunes. The fun and cheer take place at the Big Bear Convention Center, 42900 Big Bear Blvd in Big Bear on December 17 & 18, 2022, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Call 909-585-3000 for more information.
Christmas in the Village
The annual Christmas in the Village celebration kicks off around Thanksgiving and runs through Christmas Eve. Every Saturday and Sunday in the village, visitors and residents alike can browse the Christmas tree lot, score some last-minute gifts for under the tree, grab a bite to eat – some restaurants will be open later on these days – and maybe even run into Santa or Mrs. Clause!
Big Bear SnowPlay
Starting in mid-November and all through the holiday season and as long as there’s snow on the ground, you can enjoy the thrill of snow-tubing. Slide down the hill of man-made and/or natural snow on a tube. Tubes are single-person, but riders 36”-42” tall must ride in the lap of an adult 18 years or older. After your ride down the hill, relax as the “Magic Carpet” makes its slow creep up through the tunnel that brings tubes and riders to the top for even more fun. Come back in the evening on Fridays, Saturdays, and some holidays for special glow tubing, featuring red, blue, green, and black light. General admission is always $40 and a small child ticket for guests 36”-42” tall is $25. One-on-one adult supervision per small child is required. Children under 36” tall and pregnant guests are not permitted past the SnowPlay gate.
Christmas Dinner
If part of your Christmas vacation is a vacation from preparing and serving the elaborate Christmas meal, you’ll be glad to know there are several Big Bear area restaurants that are open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to serve all your Christmas favorites. Suggested locations for your Christmas Day meal include Stillwell’s Restaurant inside the Lodge at Big Bear Lake, Barnstorm Restaurant, and Dynasty Restaurant. Other restaurants including Amangela’s and Big Bear Bar & Grill are open Christmas Eve, should you want to celebrate early. Each restaurant has their own menu and hours, as well as reservations guidelines so call before making plans. Other restaurants around Big Bear have special meals and hours, too, so call your restaurant of choice and make arrangements. Ask about pick up or delivery if you’d like to avoid the crowds.
New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade
Christmas and New Year’s tend to go hand-in-hand. Guests who spend Christmas in Big Bear will want to stick around to help the cozy mountain town ring in the New Year. Bundle up and grab your skies or snowboard and head to the resort for an experience like no other. Help light up the mountain in celebration of the New Year. The 58th Annual New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade features a live DJ. Spend your day on the slopes. After a break, come back at 7 p.m. for the light show. Over 200 skiers and snowboarders of all ages will make their way down the face of the mountain with their torches. The event kicks off the countdown to the annual “snowball” drop. The event is free, and participants should meet at Snow Summit, 880 Summit Blvd in Big Bear.
Christmas Getaway to Big Bear
Extend the holiday cheer and fun you hope for to your accommodations by booking a vacation rental with Big Bear Vacations. Make as many meals as you please, including the large holiday meal, in the unit’s fully equipped kitchen. Gather together in an open living space and watch your favorite Christmas movies, play games, or spend some time outdoors in the snow. Choose a cozy one-bedroom for your small family or sweetheart getaway, up to a sprawling five-bedroom. Big Bear Vacations has a vacation rental that is just right for you.
Contact us today to book and take the first step toward planning your ultimate Christmas getaway in Big Bear!
