Christmas in Big Bear 2026: Holiday Events, Things to Do & Where to Stay
Imagine waking up on Christmas morning surrounded by towering pine trees, crisp mountain air, and the possibility of snow outside your cabin. Add holiday lights, festive events, winter adventures, and cozy evenings together, and it's easy to see why Christmas in Big Bear can be such a memorable way to celebrate the season.
Whether you're planning a family Christmas vacation, a romantic holiday escape, or a few days away with friends, December offers plenty of reasons to head to the mountains.
From Christmas festivities in The Village to skiing, snowboarding, holiday lights, and relaxing at your cabin, here's how to plan an unforgettable Christmas in Big Bear in 2026.
Experience Christmas in Big Bear
Big Bear transforms as the holiday season arrives.
The Village is decorated for Christmas, local businesses and homes participate in seasonal festivities, winter activities begin as conditions allow, and visitors come to the mountains looking for a completely different Southern California holiday experience.
The holiday season officially kicks off with Big Bear's annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 27, 2026, followed by holiday activities throughout December.
Whether you visit for Christmas week or earlier in December, there are plenty of ways to get into the holiday spirit.
See the Christmas Lights in Big Bear
One of the simplest ways to enjoy Christmas in Big Bear is to explore the area's holiday decorations.
The Village becomes especially festive during the season, making it a great place for an evening stroll.
Grab a warm drink, browse the shops, enjoy dinner, and take in the Christmas lights before returning to your cabin for the evening.
Big Bear also hosts its annual Festival of Lights Holiday Competition, when participating homes and businesses around the valley decorate for the season.
The 2026 registration and voting dates have not yet been announced, so check the official event information closer to your trip.
Visit Santa During Your Big Bear Christmas Getaway
If you're visiting with children, make some time for Santa.
Holiday programming in Big Bear includes opportunities to see Santa throughout the season.
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo also hosts its seasonal Santa Paws celebration in December, combining a trip to see the animals with festive holiday activities.
Because schedules and event details can change, check the current calendar before building your day around a specific Santa appearance.
Spend a Day in The Village
The Village is a must during a December trip.
Spend the afternoon browsing local shops for last-minute Christmas gifts, stop for coffee or hot chocolate, grab something sweet, and enjoy lunch or dinner.
Then stay into the evening to experience the lights and holiday atmosphere.
It's also a great option when your group wants a slower day between outdoor winter adventures.
Go Skiing or Snowboarding
For many visitors, winter in Big Bear means one thing: getting onto the mountain.
Snow Summit and Bear Mountain make Big Bear one of Southern California's most popular skiing and snowboarding destinations.
Opening dates and available terrain depend on temperatures, snowmaking, natural snowfall, and current conditions, so don't assume every activity will be available simply because you're visiting in December.
Check current mountain operations shortly before your trip.
If the resorts are open and conditions cooperate, you can spend Christmas week skiing or snowboarding during the day before returning to your cabin for a cozy evening.
Enjoy Snow Play and Tubing
You don't have to ski to enjoy winter in Big Bear.
Depending on weather and operating conditions, visitors may find opportunities for snow tubing and designated snow play around the area.
These activities can be especially fun for families traveling with younger children or groups looking for a more casual winter adventure.
Always use designated areas and check operating conditions before heading out.
Explore Big Bear's Winter Scenery
Some of the best Christmas memories don't require an event ticket.
Take a scenic drive, walk through The Village, enjoy views around Big Bear Lake, or simply slow down and appreciate being in the mountains.
If snow arrives during your visit, the landscape can change dramatically.
Just remember that winter weather also means you'll need to pay closer attention to road, trail, and driving conditions.
Celebrate Christmas Morning at Your Cabin
One of the best reasons to spend Christmas in Big Bear is having your own space to celebrate.
Wake up slowly, make breakfast together, exchange presents, play Christmas music, watch holiday movies, and spend time with the people who came with you.
If your cabin includes the kitchen amenities you need, you can also prepare Christmas dinner without ever having to leave.
Check the amenities included with your specific Big Bear Experiences property before planning your holiday meal.
Plan a Romantic Christmas Getaway
Christmas in Big Bear isn't only for families.
Couples can turn a December weekend into a romantic holiday escape.
Spend the morning exploring the mountains, grab coffee together, walk through The Village, enjoy dinner in town, and return to your cabin for a quiet evening.
Instead of filling every hour with activities, leave some time to simply enjoy being away together.
Celebrate Chanukah in Big Bear
Big Bear's December calendar also includes the annual Chanukah and Menorah Lighting.
For 2026, the celebration is scheduled for December 21 at Pine Knot Avenue and Village Drive.
Visitors celebrating Chanukah can incorporate the community lighting into their holiday getaway while enjoying the rest of Big Bear's winter activities.
Will There Be Snow for Christmas in Big Bear?
Snow is possible during December, but it's important not to promise yourself a white Christmas.
Natural snowfall varies from year to year, and weather can change quickly in the mountains.
If seeing snow is important to your trip, monitor the forecast and current conditions as your travel dates get closer.
It's also smart to plan a getaway you'll enjoy regardless of whether fresh snow falls while you're there.
Spend time in The Village, explore the area, enjoy seasonal events, and make your cabin part of the experience.
What to Pack for Christmas in Big Bear
December mountain weather requires more preparation than the typical Southern California vacation.
Consider packing:
Warm jackets
Sweaters and layers
Hats and gloves
Warm socks
Waterproof or water-resistant shoes
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Holiday gifts and decorations
Ingredients for meals you plan to prepare
Games and movies for cabin nights
Winter driving supplies
Always check the forecast shortly before leaving so you can adjust your packing list for the actual conditions.
Prepare for Winter Driving
If winter weather is in the forecast, prepare before heading up the mountain.
California mountain roads may be subject to chain controls during snowy or icy conditions. Even drivers with four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles may be required to carry traction devices when chain controls are active.
Check current Caltrans road and chain-control information before beginning your trip.
Preparing ahead means you can spend more time enjoying Christmas and less time worrying about getting to your cabin.
Book Your Christmas Cabin Early
Christmas and the surrounding holiday period are popular times to visit Big Bear.
If you have specific travel dates, need accommodations for a larger family, or want particular amenities, booking earlier can give you more options.
A Big Bear Experiences luxury cabin gives you more than somewhere to sleep.
It becomes your Christmas morning, your family gathering place, your cozy night after exploring The Village, and the place where you can slow down after a full day in the mountains.
Plan Your Christmas in Big Bear
Christmas doesn't have to look the same every year.
Trade the usual routine for mountain mornings, holiday lights, winter adventures, evenings in The Village, and Christmas celebrations at your own cabin.
Whether you're planning a family vacation, romantic holiday weekend, or Christmas getaway with friends, Big Bear gives you the opportunity to turn the holiday into an experience.
Find your Christmas cabin with Big Bear Experiences and start planning your 2026 holiday getaway today.
