Alpine Zoo Wild Lights

Step into an evening of light, wonder, music, warmth, and mountain magic at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. This year’s Wild Lights experience invites you to wander through a series of festive worlds, each with its own personality, color, and sense of discovery.

From classic Christmas charm and playful storybook scenes to artisan shopping, glowing wildlife, cozy gathering spaces, and starry skies, there’s more to explore around every turn.

Wild Lights Tickets

General admission is $20 per ticket.
Children under 5 and Alpine Zoo members enter free.

GET YOUR TICKETS

Wild Lights Schedule

Wild Lights runs nightly from November 13, 2026 through January 3, 2027, from 5 PM to 8 PM at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo.

A Journey Through Light, Story, and the Alpine Night Sky

Each stop celebrates wildlife, community, and the mountain’s shared spirit.

The Great Pine: Your adventure begins beneath the towering 100-foot Great Pine, wrapped in brilliant color. A returning favorite, it’s the first wow moment of the evening.
A Grand Holiday Welcome: Pass beneath glowing garland and classic red-and-gold arches, where the beloved oversized Teddy Bear greets guests and makes a cheerful first photo stop.
Classic Christmas: Gather around glowing fire pits, toast a s’more, enjoy live entertainment and holiday music, and spend time alongside some of the Zoo’s nocturnal residents.
Rudolph’s Storybook Adventure: Colorful lights, whimsical displays, animated characters, and a festive playground bring holiday stories to life, with Rudolph, Bumble, and the misfit toys.
Twinkle & Toast: Sip hot cocoa, enjoy festive cocktails, beer, and delicious bites, then wander among larger-than-life holiday photo moments, including a sleigh and a glowing ornament.
Moonridge Winter Market: Wander a glowing mountain marketplace of artisans and craftspeople offering original art, jewelry, ornaments, seasonal décor, and handcrafted gifts. Sponsored by the Arts Council of Big Bear Valley.
Candy Cane Lane: Follow a cheerful pathway glowing in crisp white, cool winter tones, and classic candy-cane red, with illuminated wings made for photos.
Wild Under the Stars: Walk beneath a canopy of twinkling lights that mimic a mountain night sky, with wildlife-inspired scenes in shades of blue and cool white.

More Lights. More to Explore.

Alpine Zoo Wild Lights brings together holiday wonder, mountain charm, wildlife, music, food, shopping, and unforgettable moments, all in one glowing Big Bear evening.

This event is made possible through the support of valued partners, including Big Bear Valley Recreation and Parks District, Big Bear Alpine Zoo, Big Bear Chamber of Commerce, S. Porter Inc., Big Bear Disposal, Big Bear Valley Electric Service, Moonridge Coffee Co., Sessions Retreat & Hotel, and Freedom Arts Studio.