Fireside Sāmores, Themed Light Zones and a New Artisan Winter Market Make Big Bear Alpine Zoo the Merriest Spot on the Mountain
Somewhere between a 100-foot pine glowing against the night sky and a fire pit crackling with sāmores, Big Bear officially becomes the North Pole. This holiday season, Big Bear Alpine Zoo transforms into Alpine Zoo Wild Lights, an after-dark, walk-through spectacle with nearly 2 million colorful LED lights. Running Nov. 13, 2026 through Jan. 3, 2027, the experience invites guests of all ages to wander the zoo by twinkle light and celebrate the season mountain style.
Wander Through Themed Holiday Zones
Every turn reveals a new world of light. Rudolphās Storybook Adventure and Candy Cane Lane bring playful color to the path, while the Classic Christmas section dazzles with live entertainment, holiday music and an open fire pit where you can toast your own sāmores. When your fingers need a break from the cold, duck into Twinkle & Toast, a cozy gathering spot serving hot cocoa, libations, pastries and appetizers.
Keep your camera ready. Highlights include a 100-foot pine tree draped in shimmering lights, a 20-foot archway beaming with Christmas cheer, a two-story golden teddy bear, a larger-than-life 20-foot walk-through ornament, colossal gift boxes, a crew of glowing snowmen and Santaās sleigh, an interactive 11-foot illuminated centerpiece made for your next holiday reel.
Shop Local at the Moonridge Winter Market
New this year, the Moonridge Winter Market brings the charm of a mountain holiday village to the experience. Sponsored by the Arts Council of Big Bear Valley, the market showcases a curated collection of local artisans and craftspeople offering original artwork, pottery, handcrafted jewelry, ornaments, seasonal dĆ©cor and distinctive gifts. Whether youāre hunting for stocking stuffers or a special piece for someone you love, itās a chance to meet the makers, support local creativity and take home a little Big Bear holiday magic.
āWild Lights gives people a completely different way to experience Big Bear and the Alpine Zoo during the holidays,ā said Visit Big Bear CEO Travis Scott. āWe wanted to build on what guests loved last year and create even more reasons to stay awhile, gather around a fire, listen to music, find a special gift, enjoy something warm to eat or drink, and experience the wildlife and night sky in a way that feels uniquely Big Bear.ā
Meet the Night Shift
The casual, go-at-your-own-pace stroll also offers a rare chance to get up close to the zooās nocturnal residents. As dusk settles over the mountain, animals including mountain lions, foxes, raccoons, skunks, ringtail cats, owls, coyotes, wolves and bears come alive after dark.
Then, as the holiday colors soften, the Wild Under the Stars area takes on a quieter, celestial glow. Guests walk beneath a canopy of twinkling lights designed to mimic a mountain night sky, while wildlife-inspired scenes shine in shades of blue and cool white. Itās a tribute to the two things that make Big Bear extraordinary: its wildlife and its beautiful alpine night sky.
Lights With a Purpose
Your evening out does some good, too. Proceeds from Alpine Zoo Wild Lights ticket sales go directly toward funding Big Bear Alpine Zooās ongoing wildlife rehabilitation program and Visit Big Bearās Care for Big Bear conservation program.
Plan Your Visit
Alpine Zoo Wild Lights runs Nov. 13, 2026 through Jan. 3, 2027 at Big Bear Alpine Zoo, 42801 Moonridge Rd. The lights are on Thursday through Sunday from 5-8 p.m., with extra nights during Thanksgiving week (Nov. 23-29) and nightly from Dec. 21 through Jan. 3, except Christmas Day. Admission is $20, and entry is free for children under 5 and Big Bear Alpine Zoo members. Donāt miss the free grand opening celebration on Nov. 19. Purchase tickets online, then browse places to stay in Big Bear to turn your night of lights into a full mountain getaway.Ā
Q&A:
Q: When is Alpine Zoo Wild Lights open?
A: It runs Nov. 13, 2026 through Jan. 3, 2027 and is open Thursday through Sunday from 5-8 p.m., plus every night during Thanksgiving week (Nov. 23-29) and Dec. 21 through Jan. 3. Itās closed Dec. 25.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Admission is $20. Children under 5 and Big Bear Alpine Zoo members get in free.
Q: Is there food and drink?
A: Yes. Twinkle & Toast serves hot cocoa, libations, pastries and appetizers, and the Classic Christmas section has an open fire pit for making sāmores.Ā
Q: Whatās new this year?
A: The Moonridge Winter Market, sponsored by the Arts Council of Big Bear Valley, featuring local artisans selling artwork, pottery, jewelry, ornaments and holiday dƩcor.
Q: Will I see any animals?
A: Yes. Many of the zooās residents are nocturnal, so guests may spot mountain lions, foxes, raccoons, owls, coyotes, wolves, bears and more as night falls.
Big Bear Alpine Zoo
42801 Moonridge Rd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
909.584.1299
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