Big Bear in December: Holiday Magic & Winter Wonderland
- Ma Cristinalyn Floransa
- Dec 1, 2025
- 3 min read
As December arrives, Big Bear transforms into a snowy holiday wonderland — with festive lights, winter activities, and cozy evenings by the fire. Whether you’re visiting for family fun, romantic escapes, or a mountain retreat with friends, a Big Bear cabin rental at Serenity Cabin makes it easy to enjoy it all — with comfort, warmth, and easy access to the best seasonal events.
Here are the highlights you won’t want to miss this holiday season.
Holiday Events & Winter Celebrations
Festival of Lights – Holiday Competition
The valley wide Big Bear Festival of Lights invites residents and businesses to decorate homes and storefronts throughout December. Twinkling lights, festive displays, and a community spirit make for a cozy, walkable holiday experience.
Location: Big Bear Lake, CA When: December 2025
Don’t Miss: The best-decorated homes and storefronts along local streets.
Christmas Tree Lighting & Village Holiday Charm
Big Bear Lake Village glows during the holidays with seasonal décor, cheerful storefronts, and festive ambiance perfect for shopping, dining, and holiday photos.
Location: Big Bear Lake Village
When: Early December 2025
Don’t Miss: Holiday treats, local shopping specials, and festive photo opportunities.
Alpine Zoo Wild Lights — A Dazzling Night Walk
From November 6, 2025, to January 4, 2026, the Alpine Zoo Wild Lights transforms the zoo grounds into a glowing winter forest with nearly two million LED and solar-powered lights. Enjoy themed light zones, glowing trees, ornaments, hot cocoa, and unforgettable moments under the stars.
Location: Big Bear Alpine Zoo, Big Bear Lake, CA
When: Nov 6, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026
Don’t Miss: Walking through the illuminated animal exhibits for a magical evening experience.
Holiday Performances & Seasonal Entertainment
Big Bear hosts a variety of holiday-themed performances, shows, and concerts throughout December that capture the festive spirit of the mountains.
Location: Big Bear Lake, CA
When: December 2025
Don’t Miss: Local seasonal performances and family-friendly shows at the Big Bear Performing Arts Center.
Winter Recreation, Snow Fun & Mountain Adventures
Beyond festive lights, Big Bear offers thrilling winter activities:
Skiing & Snowboarding: Snow Summit and Bear Mountain Resort offer slopes, 19 lifts, and 58 runs suitable for beginners and experts alike.
Snow Tubing & Snow Play: Family-friendly tubing parks and snow play areas for non-skiers and children.
Snowshoeing & Winter Hikes: Snow-covered trails and scenic forest landscapes for reflective strolls and photography.
With a Big Bear cabin rental at Serenity Cabin, you’ll have the perfect home base to enjoy all of these winter adventures.
Cozy, Comfortable Evenings at Serenity Cabin
After a day of snow tubing, light walks, or skiing, returning to your Big Bear cabin rental is the perfect way to relax:
A warm fireplace for cozy nights
A fully equipped kitchen for meals, hot cocoa, or holiday treats
Comfortable, family- and pet-friendly living spaces
Easy access to both festive events and peaceful mountain serenity
Serenity Cabin offers the ideal balance of adventure and relaxation — your home-away-from-home in Big Bear.
Planning Tips for Your Holiday Stay
Book early: December weekends and holiday events fill quickly.
Dress appropriately: Warm layers, waterproof boots, and snow-ready gear are essential.
Check road & weather updates: Mountain driving requires preparation; snow chains and proper tires are recommended.
Reserve event tickets in advance: Popular attractions like Wild Lights can sell out. Booking online ahead of time is strongly recommended.
Mix activities: Combine holiday events, snow fun, and cozy cabin downtime to maximize your getaway.
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