December is the coldest month in Big Bear!
The holiday season is here and the temperatures are below freezing in the mountains! It’s time for you to get up to the mountains and play in the snow. We have only had one big snowstorm so far this season, but the cold temperatures allow for great snowmaking conditions. Bear Mountain Resort is open and is making snow every night covering the slopes from top to bottom.
Due to the COVID19, we are not experiencing a standard December in Big Bear. Although the Mountain Resorts are open and most outdoor activities are happening as normal. It is always best to check the current Pandemic restrictions before you embark on your mountain adventure to stay prepared.
Top Events happening in Big Bear in December
Skiing and Snowboarding
Open November to April
Bear Mountain Resort & Snow Summit Resort
A one-day lift ticket will give you access to both Bear Mountain (for advanced slopes) and Snow Summit (for beginner slopes) properties. With over 400 acres of rideable terrain and tons of areas for beginners to practice and get their bearings, now is the time to get out there and learn to ski or snowboard. For the classic mountain winter experience, check out these award-winning terrain parks.
$5 OFF YOUR ROOM at ITH Big Bear Hostel! When you show your lift ticket.
Geminid Meteor Shower
December 13th – 14th
The Geminid Meteor Shower is one of the best meteor showers of the entire year offering around 120-160 meteors per hour flying across the sky! The meteor shower is caused by the object 3200 Phaethon, which is thought to be a Palladian asteroid with a “rock comet” orbit. This would make the Geminids, together with the Quadrantids, the only major meteor showers not originating from a comet.
To see the Geminid Meteor Shower look fairly low in the east-northeast sky around 9 p.m on the night of December 13-14 (Sunday evening until dawn Monday).
Snow Tubing
Open December to March
Alpine Slide
This is sledding on steroids. Race down the slopes in an inner tube, ride the Magic Carpet moving walkway back to the top, and keep going! On Friday, Saturday, and holiday nights there is even a glow tubing event that incorporates neon lights turning into flashing colors as you speed down the slopes. This is fun for all ages and a great way to get your exercise laughing in the snow.
Snowshoeing
Open All Winter
Action Tours California
There is no better way to explore the forests and find new trails than to stomp through the mountains on foot. Rent a pair of snowshoes down in the village and set your own course through the winter woods. Experience the silence and magic of forests in the wintertime. It will be transportingly serene to find your own way.
Cross Country Skiing
Open All Winter
Forest Service Roads
If you are looking for the ultimate workout happening in Big Bear in December, then you should try cross country skiing. There a miles of forest service roads that surround Big Bear and offer the perfect terrain for cross country skiing.
Action Zipline & Segway Tours
Open Year Round
Action Tours California
Sail through the air and take in the Big Bear Mountains from above. This is a scenic way to learn about the specific nature of Big Bear National Forest while enjoying the thrill of flying on 9 different choice zip lines. Get a new kind of high with this high altitude fun!
Holiday Festivities in the Village
This little village in the heart of Big Bear Mountain places you in a winter wonderland during this time of the year. It is the perfect place to enjoy the holidays by window shopping, grabbing a delicious meal or simply enjoying the twinkling Christmas lights trimming the trees in the sparkling snow. After all the activities playing hard in the snow requires you to rest and relax well too.
Weekly Local Events in Big Bear:
Wednesdays: Wyatt’s Country Wednesdays
Everyday – Virtual Yoga Classes from Mountain Yoga Center
Big Bear is Southern California’s ultimate four seasons mountain town. Plan on having a fantastic time with whichever experiences you embark on and enjoy your time in the mountains.
Check out upcoming Big Bear events for your next adventure.
For Big Bear’s live music scene, check out The Cave for the best venue and upcoming shows.
If you have any questions about other events happening in Big Bear, please contact our receptionist at the Big Bear Retreat Center and Hostel.
