Big Bear in December is best for skiing, tubing, holiday lights, wildlife viewing, and a warm Village evening.
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Snow conditions can change in a day at 6,700 feet, so the smartest plan for things to do in Big Bear, CA in December pairs one snow activity with one weather-proof backup. Early December is quieter but may have less open terrain; the holiday period brings longer resort hours, heavier traffic, and higher demand.
For December 2026, Big Bear Mountain Resort has marked December 19 through January 3 as its holiday peak period. The resort says 2026/27 winter products will go on sale in November, and daily operations can change with weather and snowmaking.
Guided snowshoe outings, ziplining, and other bookable activities can remove the planning work from a short stay:
What Is Big Bear Like In December?
Big Bear Lake in December feels like a true mountain winter, but natural snowfall is never guaranteed on a specific weekend. Resort snowmaking keeps many paid snow activities more dependable than ungroomed hills and forest trails.
Daytime temperatures often sit near the 40s, while nights commonly fall below freezing. Pack a waterproof outer layer, insulated gloves, warm socks, sunglasses, and shoes with firm traction. A sunny afternoon can turn into an icy evening once shade reaches the roads and sidewalks.
Plan around conditions: check the resort snow report, road controls, and each attraction’s same-day hours before leaving your lodging.
Snow Activities Worth Planning First
Snow Summit and Bear Mountain are the main choices for skiing and snowboarding, while Big Bear Snow Play and the tubing parks suit visitors who want snow without lessons or lift lines. Reserve holiday-period sessions early because December weekends can fill.
Ski Or Snowboard At Snow Summit And Bear Mountain
Snow Summit tends to suit mixed-ability groups and traditional groomed runs. Bear Mountain is the stronger pick for terrain parks and riders who want more freestyle features. A single Big Bear Mountain Resort lift ticket can cover Snow Summit, Bear Mountain, and Snow Valley when each mountain is operating, but opening dates and hours differ.
The published holiday event window for December 19, 2026 through January 3, 2027 runs from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Winter day-ticket prices for that season were not yet posted when this article was researched, so compare the official rate once sales open in November rather than relying on last season’s numbers.
Try Tubing Or Glow Tubing
Big Bear Snow Play runs tubing from November to Easter and uses snowmaking plus nightly grooming. Glow tubing is normally offered on Friday, Saturday, and holiday nights, making it a useful choice after a daytime walk or zoo visit.
Grizzly Ridge Tube Park and Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain add other controlled tubing options. Choose a managed park rather than sledding beside roads or on private land, where visibility, traffic, and hidden obstacles create real risks.
Book A Snowshoe Outing
Guided snowshoe tours operate in winter when snow depth allows. A guide is useful for first-timers because forest access, trail footing, and parking can change after a storm. On low-snow days, swap snowshoes for a clear paved walk near the lake.
Big Bear December Activities: What Fits Each Traveler
Big Bear’s strongest December plan mixes active snow time, one low-cost outdoor stop, and an indoor fallback. The table below shows which activities fit families, couples, beginners, and visitors who do not ski.
| Activity | Format | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Skiing at Snow Summit | Paid snow sport | Mixed-ability groups and lessons |
| Snowboarding at Bear Mountain | Paid snow sport | Freestyle riders and terrain parks |
| Big Bear Snow Play tubing | Paid snow play | Families and non-skiers |
| Guided snowshoe tour | Paid outdoor tour | Beginners who want forest access |
| Mineshaft Coaster | Paid year-round ride | Families, couples, and short visits |
| Big Bear Alpine Zoo | Paid wildlife visit | Cold clear days and animal lovers |
| The Village holiday lights | Free walking stop | Evenings, dining, and gift shopping |
| Stanfield Cutoff birdwatching | Free outdoor stop | Sunrise, sunset, and bald eagle chances |
| The Bowling Barn | Paid indoor activity | Stormy afternoons and families |
Winter Roads And Parking
Winter driving can decide whether a Big Bear day runs smoothly. Carry correctly sized traction devices, know how to install them, keep the fuel tank above half, and avoid scheduling a tight departure immediately after a storm.
California posts R-1, R-2, or R-3 controls as conditions worsen. Four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles may receive an exemption at some levels when fitted with qualifying snow-tread tires, but drivers still need to carry traction devices; review California’s chain-control rules before the climb.
- Arrive before midmorning on ski weekends to reduce parking delays.
- Use marked snow-play areas rather than roadside pullouts.
- Leave extra braking distance on shaded roads, where ice lasts longer.
- Check State Routes 18, 38, and 330 before choosing a route.
Where To Stay For Faster Mornings
Moonridge works well for Bear Mountain and the zoo, while the Snow Summit area cuts the morning drive to that resort. The Village is the better base for restaurants, holiday lights, and a walkable evening.
Compare lodging locations against the activities you plan to do most:
Non-Skiing Plans For Cold Days
Big Bear has enough December activities to fill a weekend without skiing. Wildlife, holiday lighting, a mountain coaster, and indoor games make strong backups when wind, crowds, or limited terrain change the first plan.
Visit Big Bear Alpine Zoo
Big Bear Alpine Zoo rehabilitates injured, orphaned, and imprinted wildlife. Winter hours are normally 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; heavy snow can delay opening, and the zoo closes on Christmas Day. Call ahead on storm mornings.
The official 2026 holiday calendar also lists seasonal zoo programming. Event details can shift, so treat special dates as an add-on rather than the only reason for the visit.
Ride The Mineshaft Coaster
The Mineshaft Coaster at Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain operates year-round, weather permitting. Riders control their speed on a mile-long track with turns, tunnels, bridges, and corkscrews, so it works for thrill-seekers and cautious first-timers in the same group.
Walk The Village After Sunset
The Village turns on its holiday lights after the late-November tree-lighting ceremony. An evening loop along Pine Knot Avenue and Village Drive pairs easily with dinner, hot drinks, and shopping, and it does not depend on fresh snow.
Watch For Winter Birds At Stanfield Cutoff
Stanfield Cutoff crosses the eastern end of Big Bear Lake and is one of the area’s easier wildlife stops. The U.S. Forest Service notes that winter visitors may see bald eagles, along with pelicans, coots, herons, and mergansers. Bring binoculars and stay off any lake ice.
Keep An Indoor Backup
The Bowling Barn has 16 public lanes, bumper bowling, and nightly glow bowling. Big Bear Retro Arcade offers more than 40 arcade and pinball machines. Either option can rescue a windy afternoon without turning the day into a long drive.
How Many Days Do You Need?
A Big Bear December trip needs two nights and two full days to cover the main activities without forcing every stop into one rushed schedule. One day works for a single snow activity plus The Village, while three days gives weather flexibility after a storm.
- One day: choose skiing, tubing, or the zoo, then finish in The Village.
- Two days: add a second snow activity, wildlife stop, or indoor backup.
- Three days: leave one block open for changing snow and road conditions.
A Two-Day December Plan
A balanced Big Bear weekend uses the clearest morning for the slopes and keeps flexible activities for later. This order also reduces the chance that road delays erase a prepaid afternoon reservation.
- Day one morning: ski or snowboard at Snow Summit or Bear Mountain, or choose tubing for a lower-skill snow day.
- Day one afternoon: ride the Mineshaft Coaster if it is operating, then warm up with bowling or arcade games.
- Day one evening: walk The Village lights and eat nearby rather than driving across town again.
- Day two morning: visit Big Bear Alpine Zoo or join a snowshoe outing when conditions allow.
- Day two afternoon: stop at Stanfield Cutoff for birds and lake views, then leave before temperatures and traffic worsen.
For the easiest December trip, reserve one anchor activity, keep one indoor fallback, and make every outdoor plan conditional on that morning’s snow report and road controls.
References & Sources
- California Department of Transportation.“Chain Controls / Chain Installation.”Explains California traction-device definitions and chain-control access rules.