Things to do in San Bernardino County – Welcome to San Bernardino County

A Very Merry Merced: Holiday Open House at the Maria Merced Williams and John Rains House

*Celebrate the season at “A Very Merry Merced” on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 4–7 p.m. at the María Merced Williams & John Rains House in Rancho Cucamonga.*

San Bernardino County Museum invites the community to step back in time for A Very Merry Merced, a festive holiday open house at the historic Maria Merced Williams and John Rains House. This 1860s brick residence — one of the region’s cherished landmarks — provides a warm and welcoming setting for an evening of seasonal celebration.

Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the decorated home and take part in an array of family-friendly holiday activities, including live entertainment, festive piano music, Christmas music provided by the VA Strings, hands-on crafts for children, and seasonal treats served on the cozy porch. Families are also invited to capture a classic holiday moment with Santa.

Event highlights include:
• Guided tours of the decorated historic home
• Live entertainment, music and caroling
• Holiday crafts and creative activities for children
• Seasonal treats and warm beverages available for purchase
• Photos with Santa for a memorable holiday keepsake

A Very Merry Merced offers a joyful opportunity to gather with family and friends, enjoy the season and celebrate the traditions that make this historic site a beloved part of the region’s heritage.

For more information about this event or the County Museum, visit museum.sbcounty.gov.

Devore and Big Bear Animal Shelters host ‘Home for the Pawlidays’ adoption event

*Celebrate the season with free adoptions and holiday fun at our Home for the Pawlidays event.*

Join San Bernardino County Animal Care on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Devore and Big Bear Animal Shelters for our “Home for the Pawlidays” adoption event!

Snap a festive photo with Santa and Buddy the Dog Elf, browse local pet vendor booths, and enjoy coffee from Cafe Angeles, which will be on-site. Plus, the first 30 adopters will receive a free drink and pup cup sponsored by the Animals aRe First Fund (ARFF)!

It’s also the perfect time to spread a little holiday cheer — donate toys, treats or cozy blankets to help fill our kennel stockings for pets spending the season in our care.

Save the date and make a shelter pet’s holiday wish come true! For more information, please visit animalcare.sbcounty.gov.

San Bernardino County Children and Family Services host free Holiday Coat Giveaway event for youths

San Bernardino County Children and Family Services invites you to our Holiday Coat Giveaway on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Victor Valley College, building 44, located at 18422 Bear Valley Rd. in Victorville.

Free winter coats will be provided to the first 300 youth who attend, with a variety of sizes available. This is a free public event open to everyone in our community.

Join us for festive holiday fun including photos with Santa, hot chocolate, live music and family-friendly activities. Arrive early to secure your spot and make it a memorable day for the whole family.

Regional Parks hosts Candy Cane Experiment’s activities throughout December

*Join us as we experiment with three different liquids to discover which ones make candy canes fizz, fade or disappear. Will they dissolve? Will they change color? There’s only one way to find out!*

Get ready for a sweet science adventure the whole family will love! Join Regional Parks for Candy Cane Experiments, a hands-on holiday activity where kids (and grown-ups!) become scientists for the day.

We’ll test candy canes in three different liquids to discover which ones make them fizz, fade or disappear. Will they dissolve? Will they change color? There’s only one way to find out!

Bring your curiosity, your holiday spirit and your love for learning. This festive, family-friendly activity is perfect for all ages and guaranteed to spark excitement and smiles.

Come make memories, explore the magic of science and kick off the season with some candy-coated fun!

Dates and Locations

Saturday, Dec. 13, from 12:30-2 p.m.

Mojave Narrows Regional Park

18000 Yates Rd., Victorville

Saturday, Dec. 20, from 12:30-2 p.m.

Prado Regional Park

16700 S. Euclid Ave., Chino

Park admission is $15 per vehicle, and the activity is free for those camping with us at Mojave Narrows and Prado.

Park hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Regional Parks offer fishing, hiking trails, biking paths, disc golf, picnic shelters and playgrounds with plenty of open space to explore the great outdoors. Leashed pets are welcome too!

For more information on any Regional Parks amenities, camping or events, visit parks.sbcounty.gov. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected on the latest park news and events.

Code Enforcement holds community cleanup in Johnson Valley

*Free disposal of accumulated trash, e-waste, tires and on-site confidential document shredding will be available for Johnson Valley residents on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 8 a.m. to noon.*

San Bernardino County Code Enforcement and Solid Waste Management divisions will be providing bulky trash collection containers for the FREE disposal of accumulated trash, e-waste, tires and on-site confidential document shredding for unincorporated residents only. No business materials will be accepted. Free disposal services will end at noon or when the equipment is full.

This program is limited to the residents of the unincorporated county area.
We cannot accept commercial or industrial waste from businesses. Please remember to safely secure and properly cover your loads prior to traveling to the event.
If you are bringing waste tires, please limit your load to a maximum of 9 tires. (State law prohibits hauling of more than 9 tires, unless an exemption is granted. Please call us for more information). Tires on rims WILL be accepted.

PLEASE NOTE: YOU ARE REQUIRED TO UNLOAD YOUR OWN WASTE MATERIALS.

If you have oversized, loose or hard-to-handle loads, you may be turned away to dispose of your waste materials at your own expense.

WE WILL ACCEPT household trash, bulky items, green waste and vehicle tires (we DO NOT accept concrete).

The Urban Conservation Corpswill be present to accept electronics (TVs, computer monitors, VCRs, stereos, cell phones and more)

WE CANNOT ACCEPT HAZARDOUS WASTE. This includes household and auto batteries, motor oil and oil filters, antifreeze, gasoline, drain cleaner, pesticides, fertilizers, fluorescent lights, wood preservatives, pool and hobby supplies, auto/furniture polish, paint thinners, paint products, medications or similar products.

For current information, locations and times for the disposal of Household Hazardous Waste,please call the Household Hazardous Waste Program at 800-645-9228 or 909-382-5401

When: Saturday, Dec. 13
Time: 8 a.m. – noon (or earlier if equipment fills up)
Where: Johnson Valley Improvement Association
50567A Quail Bush Rd., Johnson Valley

If you have questions regarding this event, please call Land Use Services Staff Analyst De Leon Luna at 909-383-2133.

Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park extends hours with nighttime holiday light walk

*Cucamonga-Guasti Holiday Walk of Lights runs through Dec. 30 from 5 -9 p.m. Admission is $15 per vehicle.*

Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park is excited to extend its park hours on select evenings from 5-9 p.m. this holiday season to welcome visitors to experience an evening in the park with holiday light displays, free hot cocoa, cider and art & crafts for the kids while spending time outdoors with family and friends.

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.

“We are excited to bring this new festive holiday experience to Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park, offering families and the community an opportunity to enjoy the park in the evening with holiday lights, music and refreshments,” said Regional Parks Director Beahta Davis.

Night fishing will be available in the small lake during the event. Lakes are stocked every Thursday with trout. The park fishing permit fee is separate from the event admission price. A fishing license is required for anyone over the age of 16. For more park fishing info and fees, visit parks.sbcounty.gov/park-fishing.

The Holiday Walk of Lights will be open on weekends only through Sunday, Dec. 21, from 5–9 p.m. Then, from 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.

Holiday Walk of Lights schedule

Hours: 5-9 p.m.

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

“We look forward to seeing many families come and visit our park during this seasonal event and hope to see them return to enjoy the park’s amenities and activities throughout the year,” Davis added.

Event admission is $15 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.

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:

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

Wrightwood Branch
6011 Pine St., Wrightwood
Saturday, Dec. 13
Noon – 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
7863 Central Ave, Highland
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.

Big Bear Alpine Zoo holiday light experience continues through December

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, 2026.

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.

Borrow a free state parks day-use pass with your county library card

*With your free state parks day-use pass,explore in the diverse landscapes of California – canyons, mountains and winding trails await!*

San Bernardino County Library would like to remind residents that free day-use access to California State Parks is just a library card away. Through a continued partnership with the California State Library and California State Parks, cardholders can borrow a California State Library Parks Pass from participating County Library branches and enjoy some of the state’s most celebrated outdoor destinations at no cost.

The California State Library Parks Pass program allows residents to check out a pass just as they would a book— granting entry to over 200 participating state parks for one vehicle and its occupants. Cardholders can borrow a pass from their local branch and enjoy scenic hiking trails, beaches, historic sites and nature preserves — all at no cost.

“Our library card opens doors not only to knowledge but also to unforgettable outdoor experiences,” said County Librarian Melanie Orosco. “We want to make sure every household in our community knows that these park passes are here for them — completely free and easy to use.”

Residents are encouraged to make a visit to their local library as part of every outdoor adventure. Complement your park visit with materials from the library’s robust collections — nature guides, California history books, wildlife education and more — to enhance each trip with learning and discovery.

How to borrow a parks day-use pass:

Visit your nearest County Library branch.
Use your library card to check out a State Library Parks Pass.
Enjoy a day of exploration at participating California State Parks.
Return the pass so others may enjoy our state’s natural wonders.

The County Library is proud to support active lifestyles, environmental appreciation and equitable access to California’s rich natural heritage.

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.

Regional Parks host one-day trout derby at Prado with $1,000 cash top prize

*Regional Parks one-day derby will award $1,000 in cash for the top-heaviest fish caught, $500 for second place and $250 for third place.*

Regional Parks is excited to welcome back the one-day trout derby at Prado Regional Park on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Gates open at 6:30 a.m. and pre-paid derby fees are encouraged. Derby fees are $20 per person and $15 per vehicle. A fishing license is required for all participants ages 16 years and older.

To pre-pay the derby fees, visit https://bit.ly/3XgaY7Q.

PRADO LAKE CLOSURE FOR DERBY STOCKING
For the derby, 1,660 lbs. of trout, including lightning trout, will be stocked on Friday, Jan. 9. Due to the derby stocking, the lakes will be closed to the public for fishing on Friday, Jan. 9, and will reopen for fishing after the derby ends at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10.

Derby cash prizes will be awarded for:
• First place: $1,000
• Second place: $500
• Third place: $250

Participants will receive a wristband and packet with derby entry forms and rules. The derby is rain or shine, and no refunds will be given.

Regional Parks will have a weigh-in station available and encourages participants to allow plenty of time to weigh and enter their fish prior to the 1 p.m. cut-off time. Winners do not need to be present to claim their prize(s). Winners will be announced at approximately 1:15 p.m. at the Regional Parks weigh-in station area.

Prado Regional Park is located at 16700 S. Euclid Ave., in Chino. Park hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The park is closed on Christmas Day. All prepaid participants will enter the park from Johnson and Pine Avenues, just east of Euclid Avenuenear the Prado Park Equestrian Center.

For seasonal stocking dates and fishing license information, visit parks.sbcounty.gov/park-fishing. For derby forms, park map and rules, visit parks.sbcounty.gov/fishing-derby.