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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.

Big Bear Bowling Barn

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.

Big Bear Snow Play

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.

Big Bear Mountain Brewery

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.

Himalayan Restaurant

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.

Snow Summit and Bear Mountain Resort

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.

Helicopter Big Bear

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.

Snowshoeing

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.

Nature Photography

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.

Book Your Stay in Big Bear This Holiday Season

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.

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro’ the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar plums danc’d in their heads…

A average December morning begins with the alarm beeping a tune that still sounds annoying no matter which ring tone selected on the phone. It is ok – because most of us were dreaming about the work anyway. Next the coffee maker hisses and the squawk of the news fill the room. Checking email…perhaps dressing kids….pouring cereal….bus stops….commute….traffic….darnit! Clocking in 1 minute late. Thinking about Christmas presents, a performance, gotta put gas in the car, why does the phone keep doing that? Oh. Its ringing.

There is just one thing in your heart at the end of the day. It would be nice to getaway and have a perfect Christmas for once. Is there any way to do that anymore without buying a plane ticket?

And mamma in her ’kerchief, and I in my cap,  
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap,  
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,  
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,  
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash…

Not far away snow is falling on 11 little cabins and twinkling lights of every color dance off the surface of the Lake. The Guests there are with family and friends and the muffled sounds of laughter and a too loud tv interrupt the scene in a gentle way. Wood smoke from a hot fireplace tingle the nostrils and someone is barbecuing nearby. One of the larger cabins have the sounds of little feet pattering here and there and children whispering about Santa.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow  
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,  
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,  
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,  
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

It is time to make a wish come true. A short journey to a mini North Pole is just a phone call away. Santa’s Village Big Bear Lake is waiting for you to come visit. Every cabin filled with Holiday decor inside and out. Santa and Mrs. Claus have been making visits on the weekends, listening to children’s wishes and handing out candy canes and cocoa.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,  
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
“Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!  
On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!  
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!  
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”  
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;  
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,  
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St. Nicholas too.

At the end of the day there is a small part of Holiday magic in each of us. Sometimes we can be so busy we forget the wonder of the Holidays and the true meaning it holds. It is not about the gifts, or the bling. It is about making memories with the ones we love.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof  
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,  
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.  
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,  
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;  
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a pedler just opening his pack.

I myself can attest there is a little magic in this place. Not long ago I was a Guest at cabin #109 nestled in front of the boat dock at the edge of the Lake. I had spent the day in the desert where hot palm trees flitted in a dust storm offering very little shade. That evening I forgot all about the desert as I looked at the glass like water reflect the mountains and felt a chill in the air causing goose pimples on my arms. It is hard to believe the relief I felt as I watched my children sneak down towards the water to get a closer look at a blue heron standing there. In the morning I woke just in time to see a mighty sunrise. I carried my son onto the patio wrapped in his blanky; watched his tired eyes get wide as the horizon turned colors and painted designs on the clouds.

His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!  
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!  
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow  
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,  
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;  
He had a broad face and a little round belly,  
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly.

This Christmas, come to Big Bear and be part of the Big Bear Vacations family. We are not in the Vacation Rental business, we are in the business of making memories that last a lifetime. Make Big Bear your home away from home. Bring that big coat at the back of the closet and the kids winter gloves. Plan on an adventure that recharges and rejuvenates you, making you ready for the coming year. Maybe that will mean a stroll through the Village where shops faces are toting elegant or unique wares, a lovely dinner at the restaurants nearby, or perhaps tasting the samplers at both breweries and deciding which one is the best! Your perfect Holiday getaway might happen on the mountain with skis or snow boots on, sliding down one of our tubing hills, or ziplining through the woods. The plethora of options tucked away in Big Bear make designing a perfect Christmas an easy task.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;  
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,  
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;  
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,  
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,  
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;  
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,  
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle,  
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.”

The other evening I was watching a movie that has become a Christmas tradition: The Polar Express. It is about a young boy who goes on a journey of the heart to the North Pole that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. A small reminder he carries with him is a bell Santa gave him, the ring of the bell can only be heard by those who hold Christmas in their hearts.

When I am lucky enough to visit Santa’s Village, especially after a fresh snow, I can tell you I hear the bell. It is one of those magic places that remind you to Believe.

You are invited to come spend the Holidays with us.