There’s no better place to find yourself over Christmas than Big Bear, California. This hub of holiday fun is packed with glittering lights, gorgeous winter terrain to explore, and the Big Bear Christmas Day shopping and dining options to match. The holidays here are always magical and there are plenty of places that stay open for business on Christmas Day. The following are a few to check out and enjoy when you’re in town this time of year.
In years past, the Big Bear Bowling Barn has kept its doors open on Christmas Day much to the delight of locals and visitors alike. 2023 is looking to be the year that you can enjoy time bowling with family and friends from noon until 11:30 pm on Christmas if you so choose. Located at 40625 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Bowling is a fun and friendly place to play a frame in good company, enjoy comfort food, and spend quality time together over the holidays. It’s an easy destination to spot thanks to the bright red farm-inspired exterior that lets you know you’ve found the right place.
For Big Bear travelers who are excited to spend Christmas Day out in the snow making the most of adrenaline-pumping fun, Big Bear Snow Play will be open for business. Found at 42825 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Snow Play is a one-stop resource for tubing that you won’t want to miss when the fresh snow falls this Christmas. There are even magic carpets to pull you back to the summit so you can maximize your thrills.
When you can’t wait to infuse fantastic flavor into your Christmas Day experience, make your way to Big Bear Mountain Brewery this year. Located at 40260 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Mountain Brewery is a great place to gather with family and friends and enjoy a hand-crafted beer as well as pub food in a cozy setting. The house microbrews are sure to please while the friendly service only makes the experience that much better.
Cravings are bound to come calling on Christmas Day and if you’re not up for creating your own dish in the comfort of your vacation rental, be sure to make your way to the Himalayan Restaurant in Big Bear. Situated at 672 Pine Knot Avenue, the Himalayan Restaurant is a great place to savor the cuisine of Nepal and India this Christmas. They’re typically open from 11:00 am until 9:00 pm and they have plenty of vegetarian options on the menu if you adhere to dietary restrictions.
For Big Bear-bound travelers at Christmas who can’t wait to spend as much time on the slopes as possible, knowing both Snow Summit and Bear Mountain Resort are open on Christmas can make all the difference in their experience. Before you grab your skis and hit the slopes in style, just make sure you’ve made your reservations in advance. Both locales are understandably popular on Christmas and it’s good to ensure you have your fun in place before you arrive.
For a brand-new view over the Christmas terrain this year in Big Bear, consider booking a sky-high adventure through the professionals at Helicopter Big Bear Tours. Headquartered at 501 Valley Boulevard, Helicopter Big Bear Tours offers customized aerial tours all year long that offer passengers an unforgettable vista over Big Bear’s dynamic landscapes. Your pilot will point out areas of interest and you’ll learn more about this incredible destination along the way. It’s a thrilling and meaningful experience to enjoy this holiday season that you won’t want to miss.
No matter what else might be closed on Christmas in Big Bear, nature is always open to travelers, and if you happen to have packed your snowshoes for your Christmas journey, spending time on the trails on Christmas Day promises to be an inspiring choice. Strap on your snowshoes and head out to explore the trails at your own pace while incorporating some fun exercise as you trek.
Big Bear is typically a dazzling array of glittering snow this time of year, so if you’re a nature photographer, there’s no reason not to grab your camera and enjoy a Christmas Day session out in nature. You’re sure to capture amazing winter vistas on Christmas Day and it will work as a great memory of your holiday vacation too.
When you’re ready to turn your Big Bear holiday travel plans into a reality, let the team at Big Bear Vacations help you get settled in just the right vacation rental to fit your style. Our property options keep travelers close to the fun while enjoying elevated standards of comfort, luxury, and style too. Reach out today to learn more and to start planning your getaway soon.
If you are looking for a holiday getaway like no other, you must get yourself down to Big Bear, California this Christmas season. From a variety of holiday events to exciting attractions in the city, you will find something you enjoy for your Big Bear Christmas. Take a look below at how you can spend the Christmas holiday in Big Bear:
Big Bear sees plenty of snow during the winter season, typically during the months of December through April. The Christmas holiday is often late enough in the winter season to see snow in the area. Tons of activities centered around the snow can be enjoyed, such as snowshoeing, cross country skiing, tubing, and more. Skiing is a popular activity in the winter season, so make sure you get ready for some time down the slopes! Take your family to a Christmas destination where the snow is more than welcome.
Each year The Village of Big Bear transforms into a winter wonderland with the Annual Christmas in The Village. This year will mark the 34th consecutive event beginning on November 29th and running until December 22nd. Enjoy special events such as pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Village Christmas Tree lighting, and live entertainment by the fabulous Mountain Marvelettes. You will be singing you heart out to classic Christmas tunes while enjoying these incredible activities!
Christmas is best enjoyed with your family, exploring the many attractions in and around Big Bear. The Alpine Slide lets you get the feeling of riding on a bobsled at Magic Mountain. The Big Bear Alpine Zoo lets you get up close to the exciting animals of Big Bear including the majestic bears! Get the best view of snow covered Big Bear with a high flying ride with Helicopter Big Bear. You will see Big Bear in a completely new light with these high flying adventure rides! Make sure you enjoy the Christmas spirit with holiday themed events but also take a look at what makes Big Bear so special.
Come experience the magic of Christmas with your next winter getaway to Big Bear. Our exclusive vacation rentals will keep you comfortable throughout your stay. Take a look at the luxury amenities offered in each home and select the perfect vacation rental to host your family for Christmas!
Big Bear is one of Southern California’s top skiing and snowboarding destinations for the winter season. Whether you are enjoying one of the community’s numerous ski resorts, the shops and restaurants of the Big Bear Lake Village, or exploring the San Bernardino National Forest, Big Bear offers something for everyone in the winter season. Planning Christmas for the family may seem like a scary task when on vacation, but here in Big Bear, finding the closest Christmas event is just as easy as being at home. Here are our top picks for local Big Bear Christmas events!
Every child yearns to visit Santa and relay his or her wishes for Christmas gifts each year. Lucky for you, Santa does not miss out on Big Bear! Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be visiting the Christmas Tree Lot in the Big Bear Lake Village located just off the corner of Pine Knot Boulevard and Village Drive. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be available for your child’s wishes on December 23rd and December 24th from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Santa will even at the base of Snow Summit on December 23rd for all you skiing enthusiasts!
Every Friday and Saturday this holiday season will be the host of the Santa’s Hayride just down in Bear Valley Farms. This event will delight everyone in your family with a night of beautiful Christmas sightseeing. Come see the array of thousands of beautiful Christmas lights and decorations. Complimentary cocoa will be available to enjoy at the Bear Valley Farms’ theater, which is playing all of the Christmas classics. Letters to Santa and book readings but his helpful elves will delight all of your children. This magical hayride will transport you into the magical kingdom of the North Pole!
The Big Bear Lake Arts and Moonridge School of Dance will be putting on a two-night performance of the Nutcracker. Performances will be held on December 16th at 7:00pm and December 17th at 2:30pm. Tickets are $22 for general admission and can be purchased at https://www.citybigbearlake.com, calling the PAC box office at (909) 866-4970, or at the door. This beloved performance is a holiday tradition for the entire family and makes a terrific Christmas gift idea as well. Don’t miss out on this local production of the Nutcracker!
Take a break from the mountain’s beautiful ski slopes and spend your next Christmas tradition in Big Bear Lake Village. There is Christmas fun that the whole family can enjoy!
