Giving Thanks in the Great Outdoors: Big Bear Lake Thanksgiving Weekend 2025!
- Angela Cantoni
- Oct 20
- 4 min read
(Updated for 2025) Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by heading to Big Bear Lake with your loved ones? Forget the traditional turkey roast at home; this year, it's all about trading the city buzz for the serene beauty of the mountains. Imagine cozy cabins, hot cocoa by the fireplace, and a backdrop of snow-kissed pines – that's the recipe for the ultimate Thanksgiving getaway with family at Big Bear Lake! Whether you're a fan of outdoor adventures or simply craving some quality family time, this mountain retreat has something special in store for you. So pack your bags, bring your appetite, and let's embark on a turkey-filled adventure in the alpine wonderland of Big Bear!
Things To Do in Big Bear for Thanksgiving
Ready to laugh, slide, and maybe even scream a little (in a fun way)? Big Bear’s two popular tubing parks — Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain and Big Bear Snow Play — are perfect for kids of all ages. With groomed hills, inner tubes, and conveyor lifts, it's the ultimate snowy playground. Bonus: Night tubing is available Fridays and Saturdays for an extra splash of winter magic under the lights!
Soar above the trees with breathtaking views of the San Bernardino Mountains on this thrilling zipline adventure. Action Zipline Tours offers a safe, high-flying experience that’s perfect for families with older kids looking for an adrenaline rush. Trained guides, scenic backdrops, and a dose of mountain air make this an unforgettable highlight of any Big Bear trip.
Get $35 OFF Zipline Tours. Use code TGSALE when booking online or call to book. actiontourscalifornia.com 909 866-0390
Hop in a rugged 4x4 and hit the dirt trails for an epic off-roading adventure through Big Bear’s backcountry. Whether you're behind the wheel or riding along, this experience is all about adrenaline, rocky trails, and jaw-dropping vistas. It's a great way to explore the wild side of the mountains with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.
Take in the alpine beauty of Big Bear on a professionally guided hike with Big Bear Hiking Adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful nature walk or a more challenging trek, these tours cater to all skill levels and offer insights into the region’s wildlife, geology, and history. Ideal for families who love to move and learn together.
Saddle up for a scenic ride through meadows and forested trails with Baldwin Lake Stables. Their gentle horses and friendly guides make this a relaxing and family-friendly way to explore Big Bear's natural beauty. Little ones will also love the on-site petting zoo featuring goats, donkeys, and more.
Looking for something fun, interactive, and screen-free? Riddle Routes offers a self-guided scavenger hunt that turns Big Bear Village into a puzzle-filled adventure. Using riddles, clues, and teamwork, your family will explore the area while solving challenges together. It’s educational, active, and a total blast!
Get a bird’s-eye view of the mountains, lake, and surrounding forest with a scenic helicopter ride from Helicopter Big Bear. These guided flights offer jaw-dropping perspectives and are an unforgettable treat for families looking to make their trip extra special. Bonus: Kids (and grown-ups) who love aircraft will be thrilled before takeoff even begins!
Throw on your coziest fall costume — turkey hats, fuzzy bear suits, or autumn leaves are all fair game — and take a festive walk through Big Bear Village. Browse charming local shops, grab a hot cocoa or coffee from a café, and snap photos with the mountain-town backdrop. It’s a playful, free-spirited way to soak in the season’s vibes and start your day with some fresh mountain air.
Events
2025 Big Bear Turkey Trot
November 27th, 2025
Work up an appetite this Thanksgiving during the annual Turkey Trot. Walk, jog, or waddle like a turkey on the 3-mile course starting from Dank Donuts. The Big Bear Turkey Trot benefits local food pantries.
The Village Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, November 28th, 2025
The annual Christmas Tree Lighting is at Christmas Tree Corner at the intersection of Village Drive and Pineknot Ave.
Mountain Christmas Boutique
November 28th - December 30th
Get some Christmas shopping in at the Mountain Christmas Boutique arts and crafts event. This year’s boutique features a huge variety of vendors, FREE arts & crafts for children, FREE visits with Santa, and holiday libations and food. Each paid admission receives a raffle ticket to win prizes!
For all the activities at Big Bear Lake, see our Awesome Family Guide to Big Bear and Beyond!
Restaurants that serve Thanksgiving Dinner in Big Bear are as follows:
Alpine Country Cafe
Open until 3 PM with turkey dinner and traditional sides. 909-866-1959
Barnstorm Restaurant
Take out only. Pre-made traditional Thanksgiving meal for 6. Must reserve 2 days in advance. 909-585-9339
Big Bear Lake Brewing Co
Open with regular menu. 909-878-0283
Boneyard Bar & Grill
Open with regular menu and fried turkey legs. 909-878-0401
Country Kitchen
Open until 2 PM with regular menu. 909-878-0364
Dynasty
Open with regular menu. 909-866-7887
Himalayan Restaurant
Open with regular menu. 909-878-3068
Nottingham's Tavern
Open 1 PM - 8 PM with a special menu with prime rib, turkey, chicken masala, shrimp scampi, black forest ham. Reservation only, call 909-866-4644
Old Country Inn
Choose from traditional turkey or prime rib plus sides. 909-866-5600
Pines Lakefront
Open with regular menu and traditional turkey dinner. Reservations preferred. 909-866-5400
Royal Thai Bistro
Open with regular menu. 909-866-2808
Santana & Maverick's
Open 2 PM - 9 PM with turkey, ham, prime rib plus traditional sides. 909-878-0047
We recommend making early reservations for the restaurants. If you don’t want to get out on Thanksgiving Day and stay in your cabin, you can pre-order your food from Barnstorm Restaurant and pick it up on Thanksgiving morning.
To find a great hotel or a cabin, head on to BigBear.com to reserve a cabin or a hotel room.
For any questions or to find information from various lodges, restaurants, shops, recreation, services, and attractions, stop by Big Bear Lake Visitors Center at 630 Bartlett Rd. Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 from 9 am to 5 pm.
For more Winter Family Fun Trip Ideas in Big Bear, Click here!
Comments