Big Bear Lake, CA
Just one hour and twenty minutes from Palm Springs, Big Bear is transforming into a winter wonderland this holiday season with Alpine Zoo Wild Lights, the first immersive, nature-based holiday light walk in the San Bernardino Mountains.
Set within the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, the experience celebrates wildlife, community, and the preservation of the region’s alpine wilderness — brought to life with nearly two million LED and solar-powered lights.
Produced by Visit Big Bear and hosted at the Alpine Zoo, the event benefits Care for Big Bear and supports the zoo’s wildlife rehabilitation and conservation programs.
A Celebration of Light and Community
The festivities begin November 5 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce. The event will feature community leaders, local residents, and invited guests gathering for an evening of music, lights, and first-look festivities.
Public admission opens the following night, November 6, when Alpine Zoo Wild Lights officially debuts. The illuminated experience will run Wednesday through Sunday evenings through January 4, 2026, with expanded hours during Thanksgiving week (Nov. 19–30) and the holiday season (Dec. 17–Jan. 4). The event will be closed on Christmas Day.
“Big Bear has wildlife in our DNA, and the Alpine Zoo is at the heart of it,” said Travis Scott, CEO of Visit Big Bear. “With Alpine Zoo Wild Lights, we’re celebrating the animals that call this mountain home while supporting the Zoo’s rehabilitation work and our Care for Big Bear stewardship mission. Just as important, this is for our community — a place for neighbors to gather after dark, celebrate the season, and help our small businesses shine.”
Four Zones of Wonder
The experience features four themed light zones, each telling a story about Big Bear’s wildlife, community, and mountain spirit.
- The Wilderness Gateway & Great Pine – Guests are greeted by a towering 100-foot illuminated pine and a glowing archway leading to a two-story golden Teddy Bear — one of the season’s signature photo moments.
- The Village of Light & Moonridge Coffee Co. Zoo Café – A community plaza alive with glowing ornaments, lighted trees, and warm holiday treats, where visitors can enjoy cocoa, pastries, and spiked cider.
- The North Pole Path – Oversized ornaments, illuminated snowmen, and Santa’s 11-foot sleigh create a family-friendly wonderland.
- The Care for Big Bear – Dark Sky Grove – A peaceful solar-lit finale, designed to highlight the community’s Dark Sky Initiative and commitment to preserving Big Bear’s natural night environment.
A Collaborative Community Effort
This inaugural event is made possible by a coalition of local partners, including Big Bear Valley Recreation and Parks District, Big Bear Chamber of Commerce, Big Bear Disposal, KBHR, Big Bear Valley Electric Service, S. Porter Inc., BrightLife Designs, Moonridge Coffee Co., Sessions Retreat & Hotel, and Freedom Arts Studio.
Together, they’ve created an event that blends holiday celebration with environmental consciousness — illuminating both the landscape and Big Bear’s shared sense of purpose.
Event Details
- Dates: November 6, 2025 – January 4, 2026
- Hours: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Location: Big Bear Alpine Zoo
- Tickets: $20 Adults | Free for Alpine Zoo Members and Children under 5
For more information, visit http://www.bigbear.com.
