For many families, the holiday season begins with a tree lighting ceremony. They’re usually held the weekend after Thanksgiving, and Big Bear’s is no exception. If you’re lucky enough to be spending the holiday season in Big Bear, make sure you plan to kick your holiday off with the festive Big Bear Christmas Tree lighting.
Christmas in the Village
The tree lighting ceremony is part of Christmas in the Village, and it starts things off. The Village is picturesque no matter what time of year, but during the holidays, this cute little mountain town turns into something right out of a vintage holiday card. The village overflows with bright, colorful decorations, holiday lights twinkling as they hang between the trees lining the streets, and that beautiful, white blanket of snow covering it all.
Lighting the Tree
The Big Bear City Fire Department puts on the popular Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony every year. On the last Friday in November, at 5pm, they light the tree, and the entire town lights up. Santa and Mrs. Claus make their grand entrance, and kids can get their pictures taken with Santa, or posing with one of the big carved bears around town. Live music and carolers throughout the village add to the holiday vibe. You can find the tree, and hot coffee and cider, at the corner of Village and Pine Knot.
And while you’re wandering around the Village admiring all the decorations and getting into the holiday spirit, don’t forget to stop in at one of Big Bear’s souvenir shops for cute stocking stuffers and Big Bear-themed gifts to take home. The Brown Bear Gift Shop has been selling Big Bear souvenirs, novelties and local food goods since 1924 and is certainly worth a stop.
In fact, why not sleep in? Then grab a late breakfast or early lunch at Grizzly Manor Café or the Teddy Bear Restaurant, spend the afternoon wandering through the shops, join in the caroling and live entertainment (usually starting around 5pm), watch Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive around 6pm, then enjoy a late dinner and a few local craft brews at Big Bear Lake Brewing Company or the Peppercorn Grille, before you head back to your Big Bear cabin on the lake.
Big Bear City Tree Lighting
Be sure to check the city’s webpage to verify times and to get more up-to-date information on the tree lighting ceremony. Or, just give us a call! We can help you select the best lake-front cabin for your holiday stay here in Big Bear too.
