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A banner reading 'Things to Do in San Bernardino County' featuring a vibrant design with blue and gold accents. On the right, a woman and a laughing child enjoy a sunny day at an outdoor event with tents in the background. The San Bernardino County logo is included, along with stylized tree silhouettes.

Wild About Trivia: Animal-themed trivia night at the museum

Set against a soft pink background, black-and-white birds perch along a branch with cartoon speech bubbles. Text includes SBCM and Pour House Trivia presents,” “All Things Animals,” “Teams up to 8 people!,” and “Ages 16 and up welcome!”
Bring your family and friends to the library’s family-friendly trivia night.

San Bernardino County Museum invites the community to an evening of wild, animal-themed fun at Trivia Night on Friday, Nov. 21. The museum will host extended hours from 5 to 9 p.m., with trivia beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m. indoors with Pour House Trivia California.

Calling all animal lovers, nature enthusiasts and trivia buffs—this special edition of Trivia Night will put your knowledge of creatures big and small to the test. From curious critters to mighty megafauna, get ready for rounds that will have you roaring with laughter. Gather your herd, flock or pack of up to eight players or register solo and we’ll help you join a team. Trivia Night is free with 50% off the general admission ticket price.

Whether you’re planning a fun date night or looking for a memorable evening with friends, enjoy a cozy indoor setting, friendly competition, and extended evening access to the museum’s galleries. Light refreshments will be available for purchase. Guests are also welcome to bring their own dinner to enjoy during the event.

The San Bernardino County Museum is located at 2024 Orange Tree Lane, at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $10 (adult), $8 (military or senior), $7 (student), and $5 (child ages 6 to 12). Children five and under are admitted free. Museum members receive a 50% admission discount. Parking is free and the museum is accessible to people with disabilities. For more information, visit museum.sbcounty.gov or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

The San Bernardino County Museum’s exhibits of regional, cultural and natural history and the museum’s other events and programs reflect the Board of Supervisors’ commitment to the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.


Fall fur a new best friend this November

Free adoptions from now through November 22 at the Devore and Big Bear Animal Shelters. Meet your new pet and take home a loving companion.

From now through Nov. 22, there will be free adoptions at the Devore and Big Bear Animal Shelters. Fall fur the new addition to your family and prepare for warm autumn cuddles and cozy winter snuggles.
 
Visit our meet-and-greet areas to spend time with our pets and see if they’re the perfect match for you. Each qualifying adoption includes spaying or neutering, a microchip, and age-appropriate vaccinations.
 
To help ease your transition to pet parenthood, MetLife Pet Insurance offers 30 days of complimentary pet insurance.

To learn more about how you can help support the Devore and Big Bear Animal Shelters—or to view details about MetLife’s adoption benefit—please visit arffund.org.


Yucaipa Regional Park hosts Bear Necessities learning activity 

Learn more about the types of bears native to our region on Saturday, Nov. 22. 

Join us at Yucaipa Regional Park on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. as we explore some “beary” important safety tips and tricks when a bear is nearby and how to identify the different types of bears native to our region.

Forget about your worries and your strife when you learn some “paws-itively” wild facts about bears native to North America. We will also talk about how to respect to our furry wildlife neighbors. It’s a fun way to learn about bear biology and just how necessary conservation is when recreating outdoors. Plus, we will conduct a field experiment. Join us!

It would be unbearable without you! Admission is $15 per vehicle and free for those camping with us. All ages are welcome, including leashed pets. All supplies will be provided while they last.

Yucaipa Regional Park is located at 33900 Oak Glen Rd. in Yucaipa. Park hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring the whole family, pack a lunch and explore the great outdoors before or after the activity.

For more information on Regional Parks, visit parks.sbcounty.gov, or follow parks on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected with the latest park news and events.


Glen Helen Regional Park hosts Bear Necessities learning activity 

A brown bear with cub and black bear with a tree and mountains in the background with the text “Bear Necessities, a Bear Learning Experience.”
Learn more about the types of bears native to our region on Saturday, Nov. 22. 

Join us at Glen Helen Regional Park on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. as we explore some “beary” important safety tips and tricks when a bear is nearby and how to identify the different types of bears native to our region.

Forget about your worries and your strife when you learn some “paws-itively” wild facts about bears native to North America. We will also talk about how to respect to our furry wildlife neighbors. It’s a fun way to learn about bear biology and just how necessary conservation is when recreating outdoors. Plus, we will conduct a field experiment. Join us!

It would be unbearable without you! Admission is $15 per vehicle. All ages are welcome, including leashed pets. All supplies will be provided while they last.

Glen Helen Regional Park is located at 2555 Glen Helen Pkwy. in San Bernardino. Park hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring the whole family, pack a lunch and explore the great outdoors before or after the activity.

For more information on Regional Parks, visit parks.sbcounty.gov, or follow parks on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected with the latest park news and events.


Regional Parks, Calico Ghost Town will be open on Thanksgiving Day

Spend Thanksgiving Day at Regional Parks, fishing, hiking, biking or just relaxing. Park hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All Regional Parks, including Calico Ghost Town will be open on Thanksgiving Day. Whether you want to fish, bike ride, camp, hike or just want to explore our historic ghost town, Regional Parks is the pre-Thanksgiving dinner destination to be.

Cucamonga-Guasti, Glen Helen, Mojave Narrows, Prado and Yucaipa Regional Parks are pet-friendly and have plenty of open green space to relax and unwind with family and friends. Pack a picnic or come out to fish. Trout season kicks off on Wednesday, Nov. 26, with 830 pounds of stocking at each park mentioned above.

If you want to explore a historic silver mining town, we have that too at Calico Ghost Town in Yermo. Learn about how miners lived and worked in the 1880s. The Calico House Restaurant will be serving up its traditional turkey dinner with all the fixin’s too!

Park hours & locations

7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Admission is $20 per vehicle.

  • Yucaipa Regional Park: 33900 Oak Glen Rd. in Yucaipa
  • Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park: 800 N. Archibald Ave. in Ontario
  • Glen Helen Regional Park: 2555 Glen Helen Pkwy. in San Bernardino
  • Mojave Narrows Regional Park: 18000 Yates Rd. in Victorville
  • Prado Regional Park: 16700 Euclid Ave. in Chino
  • Yucaipa Regional Park: 33900 Oak Glen Rd. in Yucaipa
Spend Thanksgiving Day at Calico Ghost Town. The Calico House Restaurant will be serving up its traditional turkey dinner with all the fixin’s. Calico will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Calico Ghost Town: 33600 Ghost Town Rd. in Yermo

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more on Regional Parks and Calico Ghost Town, visit parks.sbcounty.gov. Follow parks on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected with the latest park news and events. Stay connected to Calico by following the official Calico Ghost Town Facebook page.


Regional Parks opens trout season with first stocking Thanksgiving week

Cucamonga-Guasti, Glen Helen, Mojave Narrows, Prado and Yucaipa Regional Parks will be stocked with 830 pounds of trout each week through the end of March.

Trout season opens Wednesday, Nov. 26, at Cucamonga-Guasti, Glen Helen, Mojave Narrows, Prado and Yucaipa Regional Parks, with each park receiving 830 pounds of trout plants, totaling 4,150 pounds every week through the end of March. Regional Parks will be open on Thanksgiving Day.

Due to inclement weather that may occur on scheduled stocking days, the planned dates may change.

The lakes that are stocked are closed to fishing on stocking days, except for the lake at Prado Regional Park.

Fishing fees

  • $15 for adults
  • $5 for kids ages 4-14
  • Holiday fishing: $20 all ages
  • Fishing Pass: $125/year (A $180 value. Pass excludes holidays & special events.)

Each Regional Park will receive one double-stocking of 1,660 pounds during the season.

  • Thursday, Jan. 8: 1,660 pounds. at Prado
  • Thursday, Jan. 29: 1,660 pounds at Guasti & Yucaipa
  • Thursday, March 12: 1,660 pounds at Mojave Narrows
  • Thursday, March 19: 1,660 pounds at Glen Helen

Normal stocking days are every Thursday during the season except when it falls on a holiday.

Park hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Christmas Day when all Regional Parks are closed.

A fishing license is required for ages 16 and older. To purchase a fishing license, visit www.licenses.wildlife.ca.gov/internetsales.

For more park fishing information and/or more stocking dates, visit parks.sbcounty.gov/park-fishing. Follow parks on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected with the latest park news, weekly stockings and events.


County Library invites the community to Session 5 Programs

Fall into learning with San Bernardino County Library’s Session 5 Programs!

Autumn is the perfect time to cozy up with a good book, learn something new or spend quality time with family — and your local County Library has you covered. Now through November 22, libraries across the region will host Session 5 Programs, a new lineup of fun, free and educational activities designed to engage readers, learners and creators of all ages.

Each session brings a fresh mix of opportunities to explore, discover and connect with the community. Families can enjoy early literacy programs and storytimes; teens can dive into creative challenges and tech workshops; and adults can join book discussions, attend lectures or try something hands-on through maker or art activities.

“Our library programs are about more than reading — they’re about bringing people together,” said County Library Program Coordinator Elizabeth Williams. “Session 5 is a chance for the community to come in, learn something new, and enjoy the welcoming space that the library provides for everyone.”

Highlights of the season include:

  • Storytimes and Family Reading Events – Nurture early literacy and spark imagination in young readers.
  • STEAM & Maker Programs – Encourage innovation through hands-on experiments and creative projects.
  • Arts, Crafts and Cultural Programs – Celebrate creativity and community through guided workshops.
  • Special Seasonal Events – Celebrate with Monster Mayhem events with themed activities for all ages.
  • Book Clubs and Craft Activities – Participate in lively book discussions and explore your creativity through hands-on craft projects.

Whether you’re looking for a place to read, create or connect, the library offers something for everyone this season. For more information about the San Bernardino County Library system, visit library.sbcounty.gov, call 909-387-2220 or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

The San Bernardino County Library system is a dynamic network of 32 branch libraries that serve a diverse population over a vast geographic area. The County Library strives to provide equal access to information, technology, programs and services for all people who call San Bernardino County home. 


Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Parks kicks off the holiday season with a Holiday Walk of Lights festival 

Cucamonga-Guasti Holiday Walk of Lights begins on Friday, Nov. 28 through December 30 from 5 -9 p.m. Admission is $20 per vehicle.

Join Regional Parks this holiday season as Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park transforms into a weekend winter wonderland! The Holiday Walk of Lights will be open on weekends only from Friday, Nov. 28 through Sunday, Dec. 21, from 5–9 p.m. Then, starting Monday, Dec. 22 through Tuesday, Dec. 30, the event will be open every night, from 5–9 p.m., except on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, when all Regional Parks will be closed.

More than 100 holiday displays and a 100-foot light tunnel will allow visitors to catch the spirit of the season as they walk through with family and friends to the sound of holiday music.

Santa Claus and his elves will make their stop at Guasti for the little visitors and family photos on Saturday, Dec. 20 and Sunday, Dec. 21, from 6-9 p.m.

Holiday Walk of Lights schedule

Hours: 5-9 p.m.

  • Nov. 28-30
  • Dec. 5-7
  • Dec. 12-14
  • Dec. 19
  • Dec. 20: Santa & Elves 6-9 p.m.
  • Dec. 21: Santa & Elves 6-9 p.m.
  • Dec. 22-24
  • Dec. 26-30

Arts & crafts and free hot cocoa and apple cider will be available while supplies last. All ages are welcome. Leashed pets are welcome too!

Admission is $20 per vehicle. Cucamonga-Guasti is located at 800 N. Archibald Ave. in Ontario.

For more information on Regional Parks, visit parks.sbcounty.gov, or follow parks on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected with the latest park news and events.


Calico Holiday Fest returns with Santa, the Grinch and annual tree lighting

Calico Ghost Town transforms into a holiday festival on Saturday, Nov. 29, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Join us on Saturday, Nov. 29, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., as Calico Ghost Town transforms into a holiday festival with Santa, the Grinch, Christmas caroling, an ugly sweater contest, and the annual tree lighting that is sure to amuse the merriest of little spirits in this picturesque Old West mining town.

Festivalgoers can sing along or simply listen to their favorite holiday melodies. There will be a reading of the favorite “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” contests for the whole family, crafts for kids, holiday-themed attractions, gunfighter shows by the Calico Mountain Volunteers and more.

Avoid the lines and parking nightmares at shopping malls and browse our specialty arts & craft shops for that hard-to-buy-for relative, neighbor or friend. Some of our shops will be offering special discounts for holiday shopping. Get a glimpse of some of our stores on YouTube.

Santa will arrive at 1 p.m. with a cheery “Ho! Ho! Ho!” for photos with the children and story time before the Calico Christmas tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. After the tree lighting, Lil’s Saloon will be providing complimentary cookies and hot chocolate.

There will be plenty of festive foods available for purchase through our vendors, Lil’s Saloon, Silver Rush Burger and Calico House Restaurant.

Calico will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is $10 per adult, $5 children ages 4-11, and 3 years, and under are free. Leashed pets are also welcome.

Calico Ghost Town offers full and partial camping at the park. Reservations may be booked by calling 877-387-2757 or emailing parks@parks.sbcounty.gov. Cabins, bunkhouses and RV trailer rentals are also available.

Calico Ghost Town is located off I-15 at Ghost Town Rd. in Yermo, about 13 miles north of Barstow off Interstate 15.

For more information on Regional Parks, visit parks.sbcounty.gov, or follow parks on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected with the latest park news and events. Follow the Calico Official Facebook page to see the latest events at Calico.


County Library celebrates Family Literacy Month with basket giveaway  

A person in glasses smiles while holding a large gift wrapped in green cellophane with orange ribbon.
Jenova Dillon from the Wrightwood Branch Library, last year’s November gift basket winner, proudly poses with her prize.

In honor of Family Literacy Month this November, the San Bernardino County Library system is encouraging families to check out books, foster learning at home and enjoy a chance to win one of four exciting family-themed baskets. 

Patrons who check out 30 items from any library branch during November and present their receipt to library staff will receive an entry into the library’s family basket giveaway. Each basket is carefully curated to encourage family fun, learning and creativity. 

The four available baskets include: 

  • Art Family Fun Basket – perfect for budding artists and creative projects 
  • Movie/Game Night Family Fun Basket – for cozy evenings filled with laughter and entertainment 
  • Outdoor/STEM Family Fun Basket – designed for hands-on science, exploration and active play 
  • Foodie Family Fun Basket – featuring treats and activities for the culinary-inclined family 

“November is the perfect time to celebrate families and the joy of reading together,” said Library Program Coordinator Elizabeth Williams. “We’re thrilled to offer families an extra incentive to explore our collections, spend quality time together, and participate in fun, educational activities at home.” 

The giveaway is open to all library patrons throughout the month of November. Patrons who earn an opportunity drawing ticket may then choose the family basket they wish to be entered to win. 

For more information about the San Bernardino County Library system, visit library.sbcounty.gov, call 909-387-2220 or follow us on Facebook or Instagram

The San Bernardino County Library system is a dynamic network of 32 branch libraries that serve a diverse population over a vast geographic area. The County Library strives to provide equal access to information, technology, programs and services for all people who call San Bernardino County home. 


Free legal and county services coming to Chino on Dec. 3

The Mobile Defense Program RV is heading to Chaffey College’s Chino Campus on Wednesday, Dec. 3.

The San Bernardino County Public Defender’s Office is bringing free legal assistance to Chino through its Mobile Defense Program on Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 12:30 to 4 p.m. at the Chaffey College Chino Community Center.

The Mobile Defense Program delivers access to justice and county resources directly to residents. Attendees can receive help with record-clearing and mobile court services for San Bernardino County Superior Court cases, including requests to recall bench warrants, re-enrollment in required classes and assistance resolving outstanding fines. Pre-registration is required for mobile court services.

Additional support will be provided by the San Bernardino Superior Court Self-Help Center and the Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino, offering guidance on family law, housing issues, landlord-tenant matters and other civil legal needs.

County departments, including Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Behavioral Health, Child Support Services, Human Resources and the Transitional Assistance Department, will also be on-site with services and resources. Community partners such as Chaffey Rising Scholars, God’s Pantry and M.A.P. will offer job readiness support, housing assistance, wellness resources and reentry programs.

Registration is open to all attendees on the day of the event, though mobile court services require advance pre-registration.

Visit the Public Defender’s Office Eventbrite page to register or go to PD.SBCounty.gov to learn more.


Beat the Holiday Humbugs at your local County Library

Grumble, groan, and gripe your way to your local San Bernardino County Library branch for Holiday Humbugs in December.

Feeling a little more “Bah, Humbug” than “Ho, Ho, Ho” this season? Your local San Bernardino County Library has the cure. With the launch of its Holiday Humbugs December events, patrons are invited to chase away the grumps, grinches and gloomy moods through the magic of books.

The challenge is simple: check out 15 items—from novels and cookbooks to audiobooks and digital downloads, library card holders will earn a winter-themed plushie. Each participant who completes the challenge will also be entered into the drawing which might land them the grand prize, a special holiday surprise sure to warm even the frostiest heart!

“This time of year, can be hectic, and sometimes overwhelming,” said County Library Program Coordinator Elizabeth Williams. “The Holiday Humbugs events are our way of reminding the community to take time for themselves, enjoy a good story, and discover the joy that reading can bring.”

Each participating County Library branch will feature seasonal programming, including holiday-themed games, craft stations and family activities designed to spark cheer and creativity. Each library branch is offering a unique experience for everyone. The Holiday Humbugs reading events are free and open to all ages.

Bah-humbug! Fine—here’s where all the holiday hoopla is happening:

Crestline Branch
 24105 Lake Gregory Dr., Crestline
 Wednesday, Dec. 3
 3 – 5 p.m.

Barstow Branch
 304 E. Buena Vista St., Barstow
 Saturday, Dec. 6
 2 – 4 p.m.

Loma Linda Branch
 25581 Barton Rd., Loma Linda
 Monday, Dec. 8
 3 – 5 p.m.

Needles Branch
 1111 Bailey Ave., Needles
 Tuesday, Dec. 9
 3 – 5 p.m.

Apple Valley Newton T. Bass Branch
 14901 Dale Evans Pkwy., Apple Valley
 Tuesday, Dec. 9
 3 – 6 p.m.

Chino Hills James S. Thalman Branch
 14020 City Center Dr., Chino Hills
 Tuesday, Dec. 9
 3 – 6 p.m.

Cal Aero Preserve Academy Branch
 15850 Main St., Chino
 Wednesday, Dec. 10
 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Montclair Branch
 9955 Fremont Ave., Montclair
 Friday, Dec. 12
 4 – 5:30 p.m.

Wrightwood Branch
 6011 Pine St., Wrightwood
 Saturday, Dec. 13
 12 – 2 p.m.

Joshua Tree Branch
 6465 Park Blvd., Joshua Tree
 Saturday, Dec. 13
 1 – 2 p.m.

Yucca Valley Branch
 57271 29 Palms Hwy., Yucca Valley
 Saturday, Dec. 13
 1 – 3 p.m.

Muscoy Baker Family Learning Center
 2818 Macy St., Muscoy
 Saturday, Dec. 13
 2 – 4 p.m.

Rialto Branch
 251 West 1st St., Rialto
 Saturday, Dec. 13
 2 – 4 p.m.

Running Springs Branch
 2677 Whispering Pines Dr., Running Springs
 Saturday, Dec. 13
 2 – 4 p.m.

Grand Terrace Branch
 22795 Barton Rd., Grand Terrace
 Monday, Dec. 15
 3:30 – 6 p.m.

Big Bear Lake Branch
 41930 Garstin Dr., Big Bear Lake
 Tuesday, Dec. 16
 4 – 6 p.m.

Fontana Lewis Library and Technology Center
 8437 Sierra Ave., Fontana
 Tuesday, Dec. 16
 4 – 7 p.m.

Lake Arrowhead Branch
 27235 Highway 189, Blue Jay
 Tuesday, Dec. 16
 4 – 5:30 p.m.

Yucaipa Branch
 12040 5th St., Yucaipa
 Tuesday, Dec. 16
 4 – 6 p.m.

Bloomington Branch
 18028 Valley Blvd., Bloomington
 Wednesday, Dec. 17
 2 – 4 p.m.

Chino Branch 
 13180 Central Ave., Chino
 Wednesday, Dec. 17
 4 – 6 p.m.

Highland Branch
 12040 5th St., Yucaipa
 Wednesday, Dec. 17
 4 – 7 p.m.

Phelan Memorial Library
 9800 Clovis Rd., Phelan
 Wednesday, Dec. 17
 4 – 6 p.m.

Hesperia Branch
 9650 7th Ave., Hesperia
 Thursday, Dec. 18
 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Lucerne Valley Janice Horst Branch
 33103 Old Woman Springs Rd., Lucerne Valley
 Thursday, Dec. 18
 3 – 5 p.m.

Mentone Senior Center and Library
 1331 Opal Ave., Mentone
 Thursday, Dec. 18
 2 – 5 p.m.

Twentynine Palms Branch
 6078 Adobe Rd., Twentynine Palms
 Saturday, Dec. 20
 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Adelanto Branch
 11497 Bartlett Ave., Adelanto
 Saturday, Dec. 20
 2 – 4 p.m.

Don’t let the humbugs win—read your way to cheer at the library this holiday season!

For more information about the San Bernardino County Library system, visit library.sbcounty.gov, call 909-387-2220 or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

The San Bernardino County Library system is a dynamic network of 32 branch libraries that serve a diverse population over a vast geographic area. The County Library strives to provide equal access to information, technology, events and services for all people who call San Bernardino County home.


Honoring service, celebrating community: The heart of the Behavioral Health Commission Tea 

Text: “Behavioral Health Commission Presents Winter Wonderland Tea” surrounded by snow.
Join us for the Behavioral Health Commission’s Winter Wonderland Tea — a morning of gratitude, recognition, and community connection.

Each year, the Behavioral Health Commission’s Winter Wonderland Tea brings together staff, clubhouse members and the community for a morning of gratitude, reflection and celebration. It’s a special moment in the year when we pause to honor those who dedicate their time and energy to supporting the wellness and recovery of others across San Bernardino County.

The tea is more than an event — it’s a tradition of appreciation. It represents the spirit of service that drives our department and the compassion that connects our behavioral health community. It’s a chance to reflect on another year of meaningful work, to recognize those whose dedication often happens quietly behind the scenes, and to remind one another why this work matters so deeply.

Every person in attendance plays a part in shaping a culture of hope and belonging. Whether you’re a staff member, commissioner, clubhouse peer or resident, the tea serves as a reminder that behavioral health is built on connection — the kind that strengthens teams, inspires recovery and helps communities thrive.

As we gather this December, the Winter Wonderland Tea invites us to celebrate the progress we’ve made together, honor the stories of resilience within our department, and look ahead with renewed purpose. It’s a space to slow down, express gratitude, and acknowledge that each contribution — big or small — helps make San Bernardino County a place of healing and hope.

We encourage all staff and partners to join in this uplifting celebration. Come share in the laughter, stories and inspiration that make this event a cherished Behavioral Health tradition.

Event details:

  • Date: Dec. 4
  • Time: 9 a.m. – noon (Doors open at 9 a.m., program starts at 10 a.m.)
  • Location: DoubleTree San Bernardino, 285 E. Hospitality Ln.
  • RSVP: www.eventcreate.com/e/bhc-holiday-tea

Let’s come together to celebrate another year of service, connection and community — because gratitude is what keeps our mission thriving.


Big Bear Alpine Zoo debuts its first-ever holiday light experience 

This holiday season, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo is lighting up the mountains with a brand-new event that’s sure to become a Southern California favorite. Alpine Zoo Wild Lights — the zoo’s first immersive, nature-based holiday light walk — is happening now through Jan. 4.

Produced by Visit Big Bear and hosted at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, Alpine Zoo Wild Lights transforms the zoo’s pathways into a winter wonderland of color, wildlife and community spirit. Nearly two million LED and solar-powered lights will illuminate the alpine night sky, creating an unforgettable after-hours experience for families and visitors of all ages.

Visitors will journey through four themed light zones, each telling a story that honors the mountain’s wildlife and natural beauty. Highlights include a 100-foot illuminated pine tree, a two-story golden teddy bear, a walk-through 20-foot ornament, and Santa’s sleigh centerpiece, perfect for family photo ops.

Guests can also enjoy seasonal treats like cocoa and cider from the Moonridge Coffee Co. Zoo Café as they explore the glowing “Village of Light.”

The experience concludes in the Care for Big Bear – Dark Sky Grove, a tranquil, solar-powered installation that celebrates Big Bear’s ongoing efforts to reduce light pollution and preserve its pristine night skies.

“Big Bear has wildlife in our DNA, and the Alpine Zoo is at the heart of it,” said Travis Scott, CEO of Visit Big Bear. “With Alpine Zoo Wild Lights, we’re celebrating the animals that call this mountain home while supporting the zoo’s rehabilitation work and our Care for Big Bear stewardship mission. Just as important, this is for our community — a place for neighbors to gather after dark, celebrate the season, and help our small businesses shine.”

Time Out Los Angeles recently featured the new event as a must-see holiday experience, calling it “a new holiday event bound for L.A.’s closest alpine escape.” The article praised the zoo’s unique blend of festive lights and conservation storytelling, noting the attraction’s transformation into a glowing celebration of Big Bear’s natural charm and wildlife heritage.

As the governing body of the Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors approved a revenue-sharing partnership with Visit Big Bear to launch the inaugural Alpine Zoo Wild Lights event in support of the zoo’s mission. Through this agreement, the district is providing venue access and staffing, while Visit Big Bear manages the event marketing, décor and ticketing operations. The event is expected to generate approximately $340,000 in ticket revenue, with Visit Big Bear covering staffing costs and donating 20% of net proceeds to benefit the zoo.

This collaboration supports the Countywide Vision by strengthening partnerships with regional organizations to promote tourism, economic development and community engagement. With its scenic mountain setting, rescue-focused mission and dedication to environmental education, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo continues to shine as a beloved county destination — now illuminated brighter than ever for the holiday season.

For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, visit bigbearzoo.org or www.bigbear.com.

Kids look up at a large illuminated bear sculpture at Big Bear Alpine Zoo’s Wild Lights display.
family looking up at lights at Big Bear Alpine Zoo’s Wild Lights display.
Wolves in dark with lights in distance at Big Bear Alpine Zoo’s Wild Lights display.
Group of people walking at night with lights at Alpine Zoo’s Wild Lights display.
Aerial view of Big Bear Alpine Zoo’s Wild Lights display.

Additional County Update News – November 20, 2025