Enjoying a well-earned trip to beautiful Big Bear, is a treat no matter when your travel plans have you headed this way. That said, if you’re lucky enough to be able to visit over Thanksgiving, the options for fun and flavor are truly endless. This year, why not grab your suitcase and gather your loved ones for a Big Bear adventure you will never forget. Here, you’ll be able to fill your holiday experience with fantastic dining options fun in the great outdoors, and all the while, you’ll be making Thanksgiving in Big Bear memories that will last a lifetime. The following are just a few of the many activities you’ll want to be sure to add to your itinerary.
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies & Santa Claus
Celebrate the holiday season in Big Bear Lake with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies and visits from Santa Claus. These festive community events typically take place over Thanksgiving weekend, bringing locals and visitors together for an evening of lights, holiday cheer, and family-friendly fun in The Village and Bear City. Enjoy seasonal festivities, music, and the magical moment when the trees are lit for the season. Be sure to check back for 2026 dates and event details as they are announced.
Mountain Christmas Boutique
Kick off your holiday shopping in Big Bear Lake at the annual Mountain Christmas Boutique, a festive arts and crafts event featuring a wide variety of local vendors, handmade gifts, and seasonal treats. Families can enjoy kid-friendly activities, holiday food and drinks, and even a visit with Santa, making it a fun outing for all ages. The event is typically held over Thanksgiving weekend at the Big Bear Lake Convention Center—stay tuned for 2026 dates and full event details.
Thanksgiving Hike and Bike
While the many trails that wind their way through Big Bear are endlessly tantalizing in the summer months, they’re just as appealing to outdoor enthusiasts who find themselves here in November as well! There’s no reason to skip over the outdoor fun, even if there’s an early dusting of snow on the ground this Thanksgiving. Instead, visitors can choose to bundle up and make their way through stunning scenery with a camera in hand. From wildlife watching to that perfect photo background spotting, hiking or biking your way through a Thanksgiving Big Bear stay might end up being the highlight of your adventure. Take to the trails before your big Thanksgiving meal to work up an appetite worthy of all the deliciousness that awaits. A hike or biking excursion could also be welcome when you’re full from dinner and could stand some fresh air. Either way, Big Bear offers up that lush terrain holiday travelers deserve to enjoy.
Enjoy a Home Style Meal in Your Rental
If you’re having a hard time imagining a Thanksgiving Day away from home without that home-cooked meal as part of the lineup, there’s no need to worry. The team at Big Bear Vacations works closely with holiday travelers to make sure they’re settled into a home away from home that includes access to a full kitchen during their stay! This makes it simple to serve up Thanksgiving dinner just the way you like it. Full kitchens often include extended breakfast bars with additional seating options, spacious counters for meal preparations and modern appliances too. Making the situation even more appealing is the fact that many properties include cabinets already stocked up with cookware and bakeware!
Book Your Stay & Enjoy Thanksgiving in Big Bear
There’s no reason to wait when you’re ready to enjoy Thanksgiving in Big Bear, California. There’s never been a better time to book a trip! Let Big Bear Vacations handle all of your accommodation details while you’re in town so that the only thing left to do is focus on the fun that awaits. Reach out to our property professionals today to learn more about our many property options, like our Big Bear cabin rentals, and to start planning your next trip. We can’t wait to see you in Big Bear!
