If there’s any single most popular December activity in Big Bear, it tends to be skiing.
A large percentage of Big Bear visitors, particularly during the Christmas season, spend a lot of time at Snow Summit or Bear Mountain — Southern California’s two famous ski resorts with over 1,000 acres of well-maintained skiable terrain that serves skiers of all proficiency levels.
Skiing newbie? It’s still fairly easy to enjoy this winter sport, given the ample beginner-friendly terrain here.
Bear Mountain & Snow Summit activities
Skiing’s not the only activity that pulls hundreds of tourists to our ski resorts. Other Big Bear December activities available at the resorts include snow tubing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and sledding.
For an unforgettable experience, try night skiing or snowboarding at Snow Summit. The slopes are illuminated for this nighttime activity, allowing you to enjoy the excitement of riding beneath the stars.
When organizing your trip to Big Bear in December, consider reserving a place to stay with Sky High Cabins. We offer a large selection of vacation rentals that are conveniently located close to Bear Mountain and the Snow Summit, offering quick access to the slopes.
If you’d rather pursue other (and warmer) activities even closer to your lodging, we’ve got plenty to do and see on your December vacation, such as:
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Strings & Jingles – Friday, December 6th, 2024
Talented local string groups, like the Mountain Top Strings of California, Lighthouse Youth Orchestras, and Bear Valley School String Programs, will perform at this annual holiday concert that takes place at Big Bear Performing Arts Center.
The groups will play the best Christmas carols and classical pieces to put you in a festive mood.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $11 for students, and $13 for seniors, and the show will run from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Purchase your concert tickets here.
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Santa Claws at Big Bear Alpine Zoo – Saturday, December 14th & 21st, 2024
All year long, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a top draw for weekend visitors, making it one of Big Bear’s top attractions.
The zoo is well-known for its commitment to wildlife rehabilitation, offering shelter to 80+ injured, orphaned, and endangered animal species, including black bears, mountain lions, gopher snakes, bobcats, snow leopards, box turtles, coyotes, and fallow deer.
Each animal has a unique tale to tell, and many are undergoing rehabilitation in preparation for their eventual return to the wild.
During the Santa Claws event, visitors can meet Santa Claus and learn about the zoo’s wildlife while listening to the Big Bear High School Carolers sing holiday tunes.
The event will take place on both Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and is definitely an excellent plan for a family outing if you bring the kids along for your Big Bear Christmas vacation.
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Bald Eagle Count and Celebration 2024
America’s national bird, the bald eagle, is typically linked to lakes because they hunt ducks and fish.
To avoid frozen lakes and harsher weather in Alaska and Canada, ducks migrate from the north to the south during the winter, and bald eagles follow their food source, increasing their numbers in southern California.
Bird watchers, families, and nature lovers get a rare chance to see these wintering eagles in their natural environment at the annual Bald Eagle Count and Celebration event, taking place on the second Saturday of every month from December through March.
This is among the most popular wildlife observation activities organized In Big Bear.
Beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Big Bear Discovery Center, participants will go on a guided hike into the San Bernardino National Forest to find and count bald eagles – which were once in danger of going extinct because of habitat degradation and poaching – from various vantage points. NOTE: advance signup is not required, according to the Forest Service website.
To assist the U.S. Forest Service monitor eagle populations and evaluate conservation initiatives, participants are requested to record their bald eagle sightings as well as any behavioral observations they make.
Local naturalists give a one-hour lecture about bald eagles at the Discovery Center after the count, which begins at 11:00 a.m.
The bald eagle’s history from near extinction to its current position as a threatened species, its migration patterns, the reasons it spends the winter in Big Bear, its nesting and mating practices, and its continuous preservation efforts are all explained in the presentation.
It’s free to attend the Bald Eagle Count and Celebration 2024.
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Snow Summit’s 60th Annual New Year’s Eve Party and Torchlight Parade – Tuesday, December 31, 2024
You shouldn’t miss this event if you want to say goodbye to 2024 in a memorable way.
The fun starts at 6 p.m. with the spectacular Torchlight Parade, where 200+ skiers and snowboarders descend the slopes of the San Bernardino Mountains while brandishing fiery red torches that cast a river of luminous light against the snowy background.
This enchanted display, which is free to watch, sets the mood for an enjoyable evening.
The Snow Summit 60th Annual NYE Party will continue until 10 p.m., featuring a live DJ spinning upbeat music, band performances, dining options, drinks, fireworks, and a party atmosphere perfect for dancing and toasts.
The slopes at Snow Summit will be accessible throughout the day, allowing you to ski and take part in other winter sports before the evening entertainment.
After the mountain celebrations wrap up, descend to Big Bear Village, where local restaurants, pubs, and live music venues keep the holiday cheer alive, ensuring your New Year’s party lasts into the wee hours of the morning.
The December activities listed above are just a small portion of what Big Bear has to offer.
Weather permitting, you can also hike one of the many trails in the area that offer stunning views, or leisurely walk through Big Bear Village to take in the sparkling holiday lights and explore the distinctive boutiques and souvenir shops to find gifts and mementos for your trip.
Consider a helicopter tour for a more adventurous experience, which provides an amazing overhead view of Big Bear Lake, the neighboring mountains, and pristine wilderness.
Additionally, from December 19 to 22, 2024, you can catch a live performance of Charles Dickens’s beloved holiday tale, The Ghost of Christmas Past, at the Big Bear Performing Arts Center.
To discover more events that will make the most of your Big Bear December trip, click here.
Choose Sky High Cabins to Save Money on Your Big Bear Christmas Getaway
Generally speaking, Big Bear isn’t the most affordable in December, when hundreds of people come for the holidays, driving up accommodation prices.
However, you don’t have to spend a fortune on your Christmas trip.
By booking your December vacation rental directly with Sky High Cabins, you’ll avoid the inflated cleaning, service, and hidden fees that third-party vacation rental websites like Airbnb or VRBO frequently charge. These fees can raise the cost of lodging by 50% or more.
We provide some of Big Bear’s finest cabins that cater to every group size and tastes, all at competitive and transparent prices.
Choose from large lakeside properties ideal for family get-togethers, pet-friendly retreats to take your animal pals on vacation, or ski cabins near Big Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. Our vacation rentals come with hot tubs, fireplaces, fully functional kitchens, and other amenities for the perfect cozy winter stay!
Our dedicated staff offers individualized service to make your visit truly exceptional. Take a look at the hundreds of cabin options available from Sky High Cabins here – and book yours now to save on your Big Bear December holiday.
For assistance, contact us by phone at 909-366-0706 or via our online form.
