Thanksgiving Turkey Trot in Big Bear

Lace up for one of Big Bear Lake’s most beloved Thanksgiving Day traditions — the Big Bear Turkey Trot! Hosted by Open Air Big Bear, this family-friendly event invites runners, walkers, strollers, and costume lovers to enjoy a festive morning filled with laughter, fitness, and community. Whether you’re jogging for pie or sprinting for a medal, this celebration in the heart of the Moonridge Corridor is the perfect way to start your holiday.

A person dressed as a pilgrim running in the Turkey Trot, a race held in Big Bear, California.
A woman giving a piggyback ride to a child during the Turkey Trot race in Big Bear.
People of all ages participating in the Turkey Trot, a footrace, at Big Bear, California.

Find a Big Bear Cabin Rental

Celebrate Thanksgiving with a Run in the Mountains

Start the holiday with a fun and memorable experience. The Turkey Trot is all about good vibes, giving back, and creating traditions. With scenic views, festive cheer, and activities for all ages, it’s one of Big Bear’s most beloved seasonal events.

Event Highlights

  • Scenic 3-Mile Fun Run: Jog or walk through a pine-lined route that loops around Moonridge and passes the zoo.
  • Costume Contest: Come dressed in your best Thanksgiving getup—turkeys, tutus, or anything creative.
  • Danksgiving Finish Line Party: Enjoy live music, festive drinks, and community vibes after your run.
  • All Ages Welcome: Stroller-friendly and free for kids under 5 with a signed waiver.
  • Race Perks: Paid racers get a custom race shirt, bib, medal, and are eligible for fun awards and prizes.

Thanksgiving Turkey Trot – Big Bear Lake FAQs

Answer: Absolutely! Children under 5 can participate for free with a signed waiver, and strollers are welcome along the route.

Answer: Yes! In fact, costumes are encouraged. There will be a contest after the race for the most festive and creative outfits.

Answer: Yes, the Turkey Trot is a rain, snow, or shine event. No refunds are offered, so come prepared for mountain weather.

Thanksgiving Turkey Trot: Destination Big Bear!

Start your holiday with fresh mountain air and festive energy at Big Bear’s favorite Thanksgiving fun run. The Turkey Trot brings together families, friends, and runners of all ages for a morning of movement, music, and seasonal cheer in the scenic Moonridge neighborhood.

  • Organizer: Open Air Big Bear

  • Venue: Dank Donuts

  • Location: Big Bear Lake, CA

  • Address: 42612 Moonridge Rd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

  • Dates: November 27, 2025

  • Time: 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

  • Tickets:  Click here to book your tickets

  • More Info:  Click here

Find a Cabin Rental in Big Bear for the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

Pet Friendly Rentals in big bear man on beach with dog
Luxury Rentals in Big Bear collection image of high-end kitchen
Lakefront Rentals in Big Bear a high-end living room with lakefront view
Big Bear Cabins with Hot Tub outside
0 days
0 hours
0 min
0 sec

Event Details

  • Start Date 11/27/2025 8:00 AM
  • End Date 11/27/2025 11:00 AM
  • Status COMPLETED
  • Location Big Bear Lake, CA
  • Venue Dank Donuts
  • Address 42612, Moonridge Road, Big Bear Lake, California, 92315
  • More Info: Click here

Add to Calendar

Event Map

The Latest

Red and white pontoon boat with people enjoying a relaxing outing at Big Bear Lake, surrounded by scenic forested hills.

Big Bear Boating Opening Day

Big Bear Boating Opening Day Big Bear Lake boating season begins again which brings back the thrill of returning to the water. The Big Bear Boating Opening Day event begins all lake activities which include peaceful pontoon cruises and fishing...

A giant fish sculpture with a cartoon fisherman on a boat at Big Bear Lake, promoting fishing and outdoor activities.

Captain John’s Marina

Captain John’s Marina: A Relaxing Boating Experience on Big Bear Lake A relaxing experience of Big Bear Lake is available for your mountain getaway through Captain John’s Marina which provides the best lakeside experience in Fawnskin. The marina serves as...

A stream of red wine is being poured into a clear wine glass against a dark background at Big Bear

Big Bear Lake Village Wine Walk

Big Bear Lake Village Wine Walk Get ready, wine lovers! Destination Big Bear is thrilled to announce the return of the highly anticipated Big Bear Lake Wine Walk this June. This premier Big Bear event which takes place in the...

A group of runners crosses the starting line at the "Open Air Big Bear" race event, with a blue archway marking the beginning of the course.

Memorial Day 5K Run in Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake Memorial Day 5K Run Get ready to lace up and hit the trails at one of the most scenic high-altitude races in Southern California! The Memorial Day 5K Run at Big Bear Lake is a family-friendly event...

Event Details

    0 days
    0 hours
    0 min
    0 sec
  • Start Date 11/27/2025 8:00 AM
  • End Date 11/27/2025 11:00 AM
  • Status COMPLETED
  • Location Big Bear Lake, CA
  • Venue Dank Donuts
  • Address 42612, Moonridge Road, Big Bear Lake, California, 92315
  • More Info: Click here

Add to Calendar

Upcoming Events

A promotional flyer in green, yellow, and white for Wyatt's Grill & Saloon St Patrick's Day Party The Mountain's Biggest Irish Party! with flags strung up behind the words in yello and green

Big Bear Lake St. Patrick’s Day

03/14/2026

4:00 PM

Wyatt's Grill & Saloon

Big Bear Lake, CA

42900 Big Bear Blvd Big Bear Lake, California 92315

Snowboarders celebrating under a giant Red Bull Roll the Dice inflatable dice at Bear Mountain during a snowy event in Big Bear.

Red Bull Roll The Dice | Big Bear

03/28/2026

9:00 AM

Bear Mountain Resort

Big Bear Lake, CA

43101 Goldmine Drive, Big Bear Lake, CA, 92315

Red and white pontoon boat with people enjoying a relaxing outing at Big Bear Lake, surrounded by scenic forested hills.

Big Bear Boating Opening Day

04/01/2026

8:00 AM

East Public Launch Ramp

Big Bear Lake, CA

Big Bear Lake, CA

A person in a suit skis across a pond of water at the Bear Break pond skimming event at Big Bear Mountain Resort, with spectators watching from the snowy slope.

Bear Break | Big Bear Spring Break Party

04/04/2026

8:30 AM

Bear Mountain Resort

Big Bear Lake, CA

43101 Goldmine Drive, Big Bear Lake, CA, 92315

An image of a plate with a cooked steak, roasted potatoes, and a side salad, with a lit fireplace in the blurry background.

Restaurant Week in Big Bear

04/05/2026

8:00 AM

Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake, CA

652 Pine Knot Ave, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

A group of people dressed in banana costumes runs into the freezing cold water at the Polar Plunge in Big Bear, with spectators watching from the snowy shoreline.

Big Bear Polar Plunge

04/18/2026

11:00 AM

Veterans Park

Big Bear Lake, CA

40870 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

Large white letters spelling out "#SPARTAN" with a smaller sign for "Snow Summit" and a large bear claw logo in the background at Big Bear.

Spartan Race in Big Bear

05/16/2026

7:00 AM

Big Bear Mountain Resort

Big Bear Lake, CA

880 Summit Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA, 92315

Four friends in traditional German attire are raising their steins and smiling at the Maifest festival in Big Bear.

Big Bear Maifest

05/23/2026

1:00 PM

Big Bear Lake Convention Center

Big Bear Lake, CA

42900 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

A person is basting chicken wings on a grill at Big Bear.

Big Bear Lake BBQ Festival

05/23/2026

12:00 PM

Meadow Park

Big Bear Lake, CA

41220 Park Ave, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

A group of runners crosses the starting line at the "Open Air Big Bear" race event, with a blue archway marking the beginning of the course.

Memorial Day 5K Run in Big Bear Lake

05/24/2026

7:30 AM

The Village

Big Bear Lake, CA

40641 Lakeview Drive, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

A red trolley bus with gold trim and arched windows, known for being a popular mode of transportation and tour vehicle in Big Bear.

Big Bear Fishing for 50K Trout Derby

05/30/2026

6:00 AM

Marina Riviera

Big Bear Lake, CA

40770 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

A stream of red wine is being poured into a clear wine glass against a dark background at Big Bear

Big Bear Lake Village Wine Walk

06/20/2026

2:30 PM

The Village

Big Bear Lake, CA

645 Pine Knot Ave, Big Bear Lake, CA, 92315

Highlander Adventure comes to Big Bear Lake

Highlander Hiking Event Comes to Big Bear

06/23/2026

7:00 AM

Garstin Trailhead Parking Lot

Big Bear Lake, CA

41798, Garstin Drive, Big Bear Lake, California, 92315

A runner participates in the Hoka Kodiak Ultra Marathons at Big Bear, with the race logo superimposed on the natural landscape.

Kodiak Ultra Marathons

10/08/2026

9:00 AM

Big Bear Village

Big Bear Lake, CA

40729 Village Drive, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315