Big Bear Thanksgiving 2026: A Cozy Family Weekend of Turkey Trots, Tree Lighting & Snow
Picture this: someone else is handling the turkey, the kids are bundled up in beanies, and the biggest decision of the day is whether to hit the tubing hill before or after pie. That is the magic of a Big Bear Thanksgiving. Big Bear Lake swaps the city buzz for pine-scented air, crackling fireplaces, and a village that officially flips the switch on the holiday season the moment Thanksgiving arrives.
We refreshed our Big Bear Thanksgiving guide for 2026 with the events confirmed so far, the family adventures worth booking, and the local restaurants to call about holiday hours. A few things, like ski resort opening day, are still up to Mother Nature, so we clearly flag what is confirmed and what is still to be announced.
Why Spend Thanksgiving Weekend in Big Bear?
Thanksgiving hands most LA families a rare four-day weekend. LAUSD schools are closed Thursday, November 26, and Friday, November 27, 2026, which makes it the perfect window for a mountain getaway without pulling anyone out of class.
According to Visit Big Bear's Thanksgiving page, Thanksgiving Day marks the start of Big Bear Lake's "twinkle season," when lights start glowing around town. Late November weather can be crisp and sunny one day and snowy the next, so think of fresh snow as a bonus rather than a guarantee. Pack layers, waterproof gloves, and a sense of adventure.
New to the mountain? Our Awesome Family Guide to Big Bear and Beyond covers year-round activities, so you can plan the rest of your trip.
Big Bear Thanksgiving Events 2026
Dank Donuts (race-day check-in)
42612 Moonridge Rd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Thursday, November 26, 2026
Start time: To be announced
Work up an appetite before the feast. Visit Big Bear describes the Turkey Trot as a family-friendly 3, 6, or 9-mile fun run or walk where all ages are welcome, and the race benefits local food pantries. The town's Thanksgiving page mentions a 3-mile course, so double-check the distance options when you register.
Registration is open on the Big Bear Turkey Trot RunSignup page, and signing up on race day costs $5 more. Early packet pickup runs Tuesday through Thursday, November 24 to 26, from 4 to 6 PM at The Yellow Post, 546 Pine Knot Ave. Race-day pickup starts at 8 AM at Dank Donuts.
Parent tip: Turkey hats and silly costumes are practically tradition. Bring a stroller blanket and a thermos of cocoa for little ones who plan to cheer from the sidelines.
Christmas Tree Corner, Village Dr & Pine Knot Ave
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Friday, November 27, 2026
Time: To be announced
The City of Big Bear Lake hosts this hometown kickoff to the holidays right in the heart of The Village. Families gather at the corner of Village Drive and Pine Knot Avenue to watch the big tree glow for the first time. Arrive early for a good spot, and plan to stroll the shops afterward while the lights twinkle overhead.
Big Bear Convention Center
42900 Big Bear Blvd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Current-year dates: To be announced.
This arts and crafts fair is a Thanksgiving weekend tradition for holiday shoppers. The 2026 dates, hours, and admission have not been announced yet, so check the official event page before you go. It is a fun, cozy break if the kids need to warm up between outdoor adventures.
Looking for more lights? Visit Big Bear's Season of Lights guide rounds up the town's holiday glow. Dates for Alpine Zoo Wild Lights 2026 have not been announced.
Snow Tubing and Snow Play Over Thanksgiving Weekend
Snow tubing is the headline activity for many families, but timing matters. Tube park openings depend on the weather and snowmaking, and none of the parks have announced their 2026 opening dates yet. Call ahead before you promise the kids a tubing day. For more options across Southern California, see our best places for snow play near Los Angeles.
42825 Big Bear Blvd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 585-0075
This family favorite offers snow tubing and glow tubing in winter, plus go-karts and a ropes course year-round. Winter opening dates, hours, and prices have not been posted yet, so give them a call before you drive over. Visit Big Bear lists evening glow tubing on Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays from 5 to 9 PM once the season is underway.
800 Wildrose Ln
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
909-866-4626
Alpine Slide uses snowmaking to keep its tubing hill in shape and runs evening sessions on select Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays. Groomed lanes and a lift back to the top mean more sliding and less trudging, which every tired parent appreciates.
Grizzly Ridge at Snow Summit, 880 Summit Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Coyote Creek at Snow Valley, 35100 CA-18, Running Springs, CA 92382
2026-27 opening dates: To be announced
The resort's two tube parks require riders to be at least 42 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 270 pounds, and tickets must be purchased at least one day in advance. The resort says opening day is "still strictly in Mother Nature's hands." Last season, both tube parks opened in December, so have a backup plan for Thanksgiving weekend.
More Family Adventures in Big Bear
41693 Big Bear Blvd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
909-866-0390
Soar over the San Bernardino Mountains on a nine-run zipline tour that takes about three hours. Tours run year-round, start from $125, and are open to ages 8 and up. In winter, Action Tours also offers guided snowshoe tours for ages 10 and older.
42011 Big Bear Blvd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 420-5828
Hop into the Big Bear Jeep Experience or the 12-passenger Tourzilla rig for a bumpy, giggle-filled ride through the backcountry. Call ahead to confirm the holiday schedule, prices, and minimum ages for younger riders.
909-855-9395
Guides lead private and public hikes, plus seasonal snowshoe hikes when conditions allow. It is a great way for kids to learn about local wildlife while burning off some pre-feast energy. Note that bookings are nonrefundable, so check the forecast before you reserve.
(909) 585-6482
Trail rides, a petting zoo, and pony rides for children who weigh 70 pounds or less make this a sweet stop for younger kids. The stables are closed Mondays and Tuesdays, and hours can vary with the weather, so call for pricing and availability.
Want a bird's-eye view of the lake? Helicopter Big Bear offers tours year-round with 10 different options. Call for pricing, and let aviation-loving kids know they might spot the lake, the dam, and snowy peaks from above.
Stroll Big Bear Village
Some of the best moments are free. Put on your coziest layers (turkey hats encouraged), wander the shops, grab hot cocoa, and snap family photos by the big tree at Village Drive and Pine Knot Avenue. It is an easy way to start the day or wind down after a busy afternoon.
Where to Eat Thanksgiving Dinner in Big Bear
Restaurant holiday hours and menus change every year, and 2026 Thanksgiving plans have not been posted yet. Call ahead, ask about special menus, and reserve early, because Thanksgiving tables in Big Bear fill up fast. Here are local spots to call:
Alpine Country Cafe: 909-866-1959
Barnstorm Restaurant: 909-585-9339
Big Bear Lake Brewing Co.: 909-878-0283
Boneyard Bar & Grill: 909-878-0401
Country Kitchen: 909-878-0364
Dynasty: 909-866-7887
Himalayan Restaurant: 909-878-3068
Nottingham's Tavern: 909-866-4644
Old Country Inn: 909-866-5600
Pines Lakefront: 909-866-5400
Royal Thai Bistro: 909-866-2808
Santana & Maverick's: 909-878-0047
Parent tip: Rather stay cozy in your cabin? Ask whether a restaurant offers pre-ordered holiday meals to go. Staying in LA instead? Browse our family-friendly Thanksgiving restaurants in Los Angeles or see what's open on Thanksgiving Day in LA.
Big Bear Thanksgiving Tips for Parents
Check the roads before you go. Use Caltrans QuickMap for real-time traffic cameras, lane closures, and road conditions. Carry tire chains if snow is in the forecast, since chain controls can go up quickly on mountain highways.
Book lodging early. Thanksgiving is one of Big Bear's busiest weekends. Start with our 8 cozy Big Bear Lake cabins for families or search lodging on Visit Big Bear.
Reserve activities ahead. Resort tubing tickets must be bought at least a day in advance, and ziplines and tours often sell out on holiday weekends.
Dress in layers. Mornings can be freezing even when afternoons are sunny. Waterproof gloves and extra socks are lifesavers for snow play.
Stop by the visitor center. The Big Bear Lake Visitor Center at 630 Bartlett Rd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315, can help with maps, lodging, and activity ideas once you arrive.
Takeaway
A Big Bear Thanksgiving gives your family a little bit of everything: a Turkey Trot to earn your pie, a hometown tree lighting, crisp mountain air, and maybe a snowy tubing run if the weather cooperates. Lock in lodging and dinner reservations early, keep an eye on snow reports, and leave room in the schedule for hot cocoa and village strolls. For more winter fun, check out our best places to see holiday lights in Los Angeles.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Big Bear Thanksgiving
1. When is the 2026 Big Bear Turkey Trot?
The Big Bear Turkey Trot is on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, 2026. The start time has not been announced, so check the RunSignup page for updates.
2. Will there be snow in Big Bear over Thanksgiving?
Maybe. Late November can bring fresh snow, sunshine, or both. Snow tubing parks rely on natural snow and snowmaking, so call ahead to confirm they are open.
3. Are Big Bear Mountain Resort's tube parks open Thanksgiving weekend?
The 2026-27 opening dates have not been announced. Last season, both resort tube parks opened in December, so plan on Big Bear Snow Play or Alpine Slide as backups.
4. What are the height and weight limits for snow tubing at Big Bear Mountain Resort?
Riders must be at least 42 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 270 pounds, and tickets must be purchased at least one day in advance.
5. Do Big Bear restaurants serve Thanksgiving dinner?
Many local restaurants open on Thanksgiving, but hours and menus change each year. Call ahead and reserve early, since holiday tables fill quickly.
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