If you are planning a getaway for Thanksgiving with your family, we suggest spending Thanksgiving weekend in Big Bear Lake this year. Big Bear Lake is the most popular spot in Southern California to see autumn's beauty in November, and it is a great spot to celebrate Thanksgiving.
On Thanksgiving morning, join the Annual Big Bear Turkey Trot for a 3, 6 or 9 mile family-friendly run. The first 400 participants receive an event shirt and commemorative ornament at the event. Go dressed in your best turkey, bear, or autumn costume. After your run, go for a walk in the village and check out the shops or grab a coffee at a local eatery or a coffee shop.
On Friday night, November 23rd between 5pm to 8pm, catch Santa and Mrs. Claus and listen to Christmas Carolers at Santa’s Grand Entrance and Tree Lighting Festival in The Village (Pine Knot Blvd and Village Drive).
On Saturday morning, take the kids snow tubing. Snow play is geared for kids of all ages. Big Bear has two snow play fun parks: The Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain, just west of Big Bear Village, and Big Bear Snow Play, which is located on the east end of Big Bear Blvd. Snow tubing areas are also open for night tubing on Fridays and Saturdays.
On Sunday, visit the petting zoo at Baldwin Lake Stables or go horseback riding at Baldwin Lake Stables (46475 Pioneertown Rd. Big Bear City, California 92314), which is surrounded by equestrian ranches and the National Forest.
Other activities to enjoy are, Action Zipline Tours, Helicopter Rides, and Jeep Experience.
Restaurants that serve Thanksgiving Dinner are as follows:
The Pines Lakefront, 909-866-5400
Nottinghams Restaurant, 909-866-4644
Peppercorn Grille, 909-866-5405
Bone Yard, 909-878-0401
Royal Thai Cafe, 909-866-2808
Masala Craft, 909-273-0636
Oakside Restaurant, 909-866-5555
Captain's Anchorage, 909-866-3997
Dynasty, 909-866-7887
Himalayan Restaurant, 909-878-3068
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 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 9am to 5pm.
