Thanksgiving in Big Bear Lake: Events, Restaurants and Cozy Cabin Ideas
Quick answer: Thanksgiving in Big Bear Lake is all about gathering under one cabin roof, with a few great local traditions mixed in. Start Thursday, November 26, at the Big Bear Turkey Trot. Spend Friday at the Mountain Christmas Boutique, then catch the Christmas Tree Lighting in The Village that evening. In between, cook a feast in your cabin kitchen or let a local restaurant handle dinner. Want the mountains to yourself first? Host a Friendsgiving the week before and save 25% on Sunday–Thursday stays through November 19 with code FALL26.
Thanksgiving Weekend Events in Big Bear Lake
Thursday, November 26 · Dank Donuts, Moonridge
Big Bear Turkey Trot
Work up an appetite before dinner at Big Bear’s favorite Thanksgiving morning tradition. The 3-mile run or walk starts and finishes at Dank Donuts in Moonridge. The paved route follows the Rathbun Creek Trail and includes a lap through the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. All ages and strollers are welcome, costumes are encouraged, and the race benefits local food pantries. Afterward, stick around for the “Danksgiving” party at the finish line, with live holiday music, plus awards and a costume contest.
42612 Moonridge Rd · Check-in opens 8 AM, race starts 9:30 AM · Early packet pickup November 23–25, 4–7 PM, at The Yellow Post on Pine Knot · Register online in advance; no refunds, rain, shine, or snow
Friday & Saturday, November 27–28 · Big Bear Lake Convention Center
Mountain Christmas Boutique
A true Big Bear tradition, this arts and crafts show kicks off holiday shopping season every Thanksgiving weekend. Crafters and artists from around Southern California bring handmade and one-of-a-kind gifts, from wreaths and ornaments to holiday treats. In past years, kids have enjoyed free holiday crafts and free visits with Santa. It’s an easy, cozy way to knock out some Christmas shopping on Black Friday.
42900 Big Bear Blvd · Small admission fee in past years · 2026 hours haven’t been posted yet, so check before you go
Friday, November 27 · The Village
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
The day after Thanksgiving, Big Bear officially switches into holiday mode. Head to Christmas Tree Corner, where Village Dr meets Pine Knot Ave, for live music, singing, the lighting of the Village tree, and a visit from Santa. It’s one of the busiest nights of the year in The Village, so bundle up and arrive early for parking.
Late afternoon into the evening · Confirm the start time on our Events Calendar closer to the date
Maybe · Big Bear Mountain Resort
Thanksgiving Weekend on the Slopes?
Big Bear Mountain Resort hasn’t announced an official opening day for 2026–27. Lift tickets are on sale for dates starting November 21 at Snow Summit and November 27 at Snow Valley and Bear Mountain, but the resort is clear that these aren’t confirmed opening dates. It all depends on cold enough nights for snowmaking. If the mountains open in time, Thanksgiving weekend skiing is a bonus. Just don’t build the whole trip around it.
Check resort operations the week before your trip
Thanksgiving Weekend at a Glance
| Day | Plan | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Mon–Wed, Nov 23–25 | Arrive, shop for groceries, pick up Turkey Trot packets | Grocery stores get very busy early in the week |
| Thursday, Nov 26 | Turkey Trot in the morning, then dinner at the cabin or a restaurant | The town is usually quiet on Thanksgiving Day itself |
| Friday, Nov 27 | Mountain Christmas Boutique by day, Tree Lighting by night | The Village is at its busiest that evening |
| Saturday, Nov 28 | Boutique, Village shopping, a winter walk or scenic drive | Restaurants and attractions stay busy, so reserve ahead |
| Sunday, Nov 29 | Leftover brunch and a slow drive home | Leave early to beat traffic down the mountain |
Where to Eat Thanksgiving Dinner in Big Bear
Dine Out · Call Ahead
Let Someone Else Do the Dishes
Several Big Bear restaurants have served traditional Thanksgiving meals in past years. Local favorites include Peppercorn Grille, Nottingham’s, Murray’s Saloon & Eatery, Oakside, Captain’s Anchorage, and The Pines Lakefront, and Evergreen Restaurant has hosted a Thanksgiving buffet. Menus and holiday hours change every year, and 2026 plans are still being announced. Call ahead, ask about special menus, and book as early as you can. Thanksgiving tables fill fast, especially for big groups.
Ask whether the restaurant is serving a special holiday menu or its regular menu · Seating times often run from midday into the evening
Take Out · The Middle Ground
A Holiday Meal Without the Cooking
Want a cabin Thanksgiving without spending the day in the kitchen? Order ahead. Barnstorm Restaurant is known for its take-out Thanksgiving dinner, and Big Bear’s two main grocery stores, Vons and Stater Bros., both have delis that offer holiday meals. Reserve early, pick up Wednesday or Thursday morning, and reheat at the cabin while the parade or the game is on.
Pre-order deadlines often fall a week or more before Thanksgiving · Call to confirm 2026 options
Cozy Cabin Thanksgiving Ideas
The Kitchen · Plan Ahead
Your Cabin Thanksgiving Checklist
Most cabins come with a fully equipped kitchen, but holiday cooking for a crowd takes a few extras. Before you leave home, ask about oven size and whether there’s a roasting pan, and count place settings for your group. Then pack the specialty items: a meat thermometer, a baster, pie dishes, foil, favorite spices, and any family recipes. Prep sides at home if you can, and bring them up in a cooler.
Shop as soon as you arrive · Bring specialty ingredients from home, since local shelves can run low before the holiday
Cooking at 6,750 Feet
A Few High-Altitude Tips
Cooking in the mountains is a little different. At Big Bear’s elevation, water boils at about 199°F instead of 212°F. That means potatoes and pasta take longer to cook, and liquids evaporate faster. Your turkey may need more time than the package suggests, so rely on a meat thermometer rather than the clock and cook it to 165°F in the thickest part. Baked goods can also behave differently at altitude. Look for a high-altitude version of your pie and stuffing recipes, or plan on a little trial and error.
Start the turkey earlier than you would at home and give yourself a buffer before dinner
Make the Cabin the Main Event
The best part of a Big Bear Thanksgiving is the time between the big moments. Light the fireplace and put the game on. Break out a puzzle or a board game while the turkey roasts. Take a gratitude walk under the pines before dinner. After the meal, head to the hot tub under a cold, starry sky. On Friday, make leftover sandwiches and pack them for a scenic drive.
Traveling with a big group? Browse our Thanksgiving cabins and hot tub cabins to find room for everyone at the table.
Where to Stay: Friendsgiving Before the Holiday
Coupon Code FALL26 · Valid September 21 – November 19, 2026
25% Off Midweek Stays
Want a mountain feast without the holiday crowds? Bring your friends up the week before Thanksgiving for a midweek Friendsgiving. Book a stay of two nights or more made up entirely of Sunday through Thursday nights, ending by November 19, and use code FALL26 to take 25% off your base lodging rate. The code must be applied at booking, applies to base lodging only, can’t be combined with other offers, and doesn’t apply at a handful of properties. Book on bigbearvacations.com, or call (877) 417-6504 and we’ll confirm which cabins qualify.
FALL26 isn’t valid for Thanksgiving week · For holiday-week stays, browse our Thanksgiving cabins or call us
Thanksgiving Trip Tips
- Book dinner reservations, take-out orders, and Turkey Trot registration as early as you can.
- Arrive by Tuesday or early Wednesday, and shop for groceries right away.
- Carry chains or approved traction devices. Late-November storms can bring chain controls on all three highways.
- Check our Weather & Roads page before you drive up and before you head home.
- Pack for cold. Thanksgiving days can be sunny and mild or in the 30s, and nights are usually below freezing.
- Leave early on Sunday. Traffic down the mountain builds through the afternoon.
- Coming back for the snow? Read our guide to what to expect in Big Bear in winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
What is there to do in Big Bear Lake on Thanksgiving weekend?
The Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, the Mountain Christmas Boutique on Friday and Saturday, and the Christmas Tree Lighting in The Village on Friday evening are the big events. Fill the rest of the weekend with Village shopping, a winter walk, a scenic drive, and long, cozy nights at the cabin.
FAQ
Are restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Big Bear?
Yes. Several local restaurants have traditionally served Thanksgiving dinner, and some offer take-out holiday meals. Hours and menus change each year, so call ahead and reserve early.
FAQ
Is Big Bear busy over Thanksgiving?
Very. Thanksgiving weekend is one of the most popular times of the year at the lake. Grocery stores are busiest early in the week, Thanksgiving Day itself is usually quiet in town, and Friday and Saturday pick up again with holiday shopping and the Tree Lighting.
FAQ
Will it snow in Big Bear for Thanksgiving?
It might. Late November can bring early storms, but some years stay dry and mild. Check the forecast the week of your trip, and bring chains either way.
FAQ
Can I use FALL26 for Thanksgiving week?
No. FALL26 covers Sunday-through-Thursday stays from September 21 through November 19, 2026, which makes it a great fit for a Friendsgiving the week before. For Thanksgiving week, call (877) 417-6504 and we’ll help you find the right cabin.
Host Your Friendsgiving in the Mountains
25% off midweek stays through November 19 with code FALL26. Gather your people before the holiday rush.
See the Fall Getaway OfferWritten by the Big Bear Vacations Team — your local experts in Big Bear Lake cabin rentals, powered by Casago. We live here, we celebrate Thanksgiving here, and we’re here to make your holiday trip unforgettable.
