Things to Do for Halloween in Big Bear

Halloween in Big Bear: Events, Things to Do, and a Weekend Itinerary

There is something magical about Halloween in the mountains. The air is crisp and smells of woodsmoke. Golden aspens glow against dark pines. Meanwhile, the lake turns silver at dusk. Big Bear gives the season a setting that a suburban cul-de-sac simply cannot match. Better still, the town leans in. Halloween in Big Bear brings weeks of events, and most of them are family-friendly.

This guide to Halloween in Big Bear covers it all. First, you will find the signature events. Next, you will see the wider fall fun that pairs with them. Then you can use the interactive planner to build your weekend. Finally, we cover the practical details that keep the trip smooth. Because these events are annual, their dates, times, and prices shift from year to year. Treat the details here as a starting point, and confirm the current schedule with each organizer.

The signature Halloween events in Big Bear

Halloween in Big Bear has real range. Gentle daytime fun suits little ones, while a few spookier options suit older kids and adults. Here are the events that anchor the season.

Boo at the Zoo

Boo at the Zoo is a highlight for families. Kids trick-or-treat in costume and play themed games at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. They also see the animals and snap photos along the way. In 2026 the event runs Saturday, October 24, from 10 AM to 3 PM. Also, it is included with general admission. For the latest details, check the zoo’s official site at bigbearzoo.org. It is one of the most charming ways to spend a Halloween afternoon in the mountains.

Twilight Safari at the Alpine Zoo

For an evening twist, try the zoo’s Twilight Safari. This guided, hour-long tour focuses on the animals that come alive after dark. Guests also get hot cocoa and cookies to keep the chill off. In 2026 the tours run on September 20 and 27 and October 11 and 18. Tickets cost about $30 per person and sell online only, so book ahead. Bring a jacket, because October evenings in Big Bear get cold.

Halloween in the Village

On and around Halloween, Big Bear Village hosts a safe, festive trick-or-treat celebration. Kids in costume visit the shops for candy while music and decorations set the mood. It is a classic, walkable Halloween evening, and it is free to enjoy.

The community pumpkin patch and Mystery Maze

A community pumpkin patch offers pumpkins, carnival games, and a hay maze for a low-key family afternoon. In past years the Lions Club hosted it. In nearby Fawnskin, the Mystery Maze at the Moose Lodge is a glowing maze full of lights and gentle surprises. It is a good pick for families with younger kids, since it offers fun without the fright. Because plans change, confirm the current dates for both before you go.

Spookier options and the fall finale

Some visitors want a few more scares. Friday Night Frights at Meadow Park turns up the spooky on October Fridays. Big Bear’s escape rooms also run an eerie Asylum theme for teens and adults. Meanwhile, thrill-seekers can zip the treetops on Pumpkin Smash zipline tours every Saturday in October. Those tours run from 11 AM to 2 PM, start at $125, and require riders to be at least 8 years old.

The season then builds to Oktoberfest. Bavarian food, live bands, and costume contests close things out. Daytime hours suit families, and the beer garden is 21 and over. Finally, a Halloween Send-Off weekend at the resort rounds out the calendar with glow night golf and outdoor movies.

Fall fun that pairs with Halloween in Big Bear

Part of what makes Halloween in Big Bear special is everything else that autumn brings. When you time your trip well, the fall color is beautiful. Build in a golden-season hike or a lakeside walk to soak it up. For a big view with little effort, ride the Scenic Sky Chair. It lifts you above the treeline for sweeping views of the changing colors.

Then there is the cozy side of the season, which the cabin does best. Carve pumpkins on the deck. Watch a spooky movie by the fire. Sip hot cider after a cold day out. These simple moments are often the ones kids remember most, and they cost nothing but the pumpkins. For more ideas, browse things to do in Big Bear.

Your Halloween in Big Bear itinerary planner

With so much on offer, the trick is fitting it to your family. Use the planner below to build your Halloween in Big Bear itinerary. Choose your length of stay and your kids’ ages. Then print the plan and bring it along. Remember to confirm this year’s dates and times before you go.

Halloween in Big Bear for every age

Halloween in Big Bear scales nicely across ages. That is what makes it such a good family trip. For younger kids, keep it gentle. Boo at the Zoo, trick-or-treating in the Village, the pumpkin patch, and the low-scare Mystery Maze all work well. Wrap up early, because bedtime comes fast. The costumes, candy, and animals are plenty of magic for little ones.

Older kids and teens want more of a jolt. Friday Night Frights, the Asylum escape room, and the Pumpkin Smash zipline all deliver. A zipline tour also makes a memorable group adventure. Meanwhile, the grown-ups are not left out. Oktoberfest, a tasting-room stop, and a fireside evening with the good candy make the trip yours too. Furthermore, the quiet of a dark mountain sky is hard to beat. For even more, try the guided tours and activities around Big Bear.

Planning Halloween in Big Bear: why a cabin wins

A little preparation makes the weekend smoother. Late October in Big Bear is properly autumnal. Days are pleasant and crisp, but the air turns cold fast once the sun drops. Nights at 6,750 feet are also chilly, and an early-season snow flurry is possible. Therefore, plan your costumes around the weather. Layer warm clothes under or over the costume, and pack hats, gloves, and sturdy shoes. Daylight also fades earlier, so schedule outdoor events for earlier in the day.

A cabin also beats a hotel for Halloween in Big Bear. First, a full kitchen means a warm dinner and hot cider on your own schedule. Next, a hot tub thaws everyone out after a cold evening of trick-or-treating. In addition, there is room for the whole family or a group of friends to spread out, carve pumpkins, and watch a movie. Being close to the Village and the zoo keeps driving short. Your own cozy base turns a busy day of events into a proper holiday. When you are ready, browse Big Bear cabins for the whole family and pick your Halloween basecamp.

Frequently asked questions about Halloween in Big Bear