Festival of Lights

The Festival of Lights at Big Bear Lake is the place to experience the beautiful winter illumination, as it is the time when log cabins, neighborhoods, and small businesses create a very festive atmosphere. The Festival of Lights event give the city a magical look and keeps the fun and good times going throughout the winter season. If you go for a short weekend trip or a longer stay, Big Bear creates an enchanting winter experience that makes one feel holidays are meant to be celebrated in Big Bear and with us, at Destination Big Bear.

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What Makes the Festival of Lights So Special

The Festival of Lights is not simply a matter of lighting up the place, it is about bonding. The illuminations speak to the individual people who have set them up, and all the town dwellers unite to make it a little bit more special. The inventiveness of the light decorations is beyond imagination. There are houses that adhere to the simplicity and the elegance of the past while others that go for the grandness of the movie-style holiday scenes.

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What to Expect This Season

Big Bear turns into a winter wonderland as soon as the first snow falls and décor starts to light up the area. This is a self-guided occasion giving you the full freedom to explore that way and at the pace that suits you the best. Just collect a tour map and a voting ballot from the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center and get ready for a ride through the happiest displays of light that you have ever seen.

What to expect next:

A trio of joy-filled display categories:
- Classic Alpine Christmas – Picture yule trees with garlands, candles, and the gentle glow of nostalgia all around, plus, that irresistible, deliciously warm and sweet charming stock.
- Cinematic Spectacle – Large and very, very bold, and immersive arrangements that seem like a holiday movie set.
- Tis the Spirit of the Season – Exhibits that show the world: through faith, culture, community and, simply, kindness.

Business card for Jazzy Bear Ride Service in Big Bear, showing their hours of operation and contact information.

Take the Tour with Jazzy Bear

Do you want to see the lights without going by car? A ride service within the area presents a holiday-themed guided tour of the finest lights around Big Bear Lake. Passengers will have the opportunity to vote for their preferred display and participate in a raffle for a holiday trip that covers accommodation, meals, and recreation.

The Big Bear Visitor Center can provide information about the tour and tickets — booking in advance is a must.

Festival of Lights – Big Bear Lake FAQs

1. Where do I vote for my favorite displays?

Answer: Get a free map and ballot from the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center. After that, just drop off your ballot at the center when you are done — also, remember to tag @visitbigbear and use #BigBearChristmas for the prize drawing.

2. Will I have to pay to enter the Festival of Lights?

Answer: Not at all — the event is totally free for everyone. It is a self-guided tour, allowing you to discover at your preferred speed. You won’t need to pay for maps and ballots, and the displays are all over the town.

3. Will I be able to see the lights without my car?

Answer: Definitely — a local ride service is providing a guided Festival of Lights tour for those who do not wish to drive. Check with the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center for details and tickets that need to be bought in advance.