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

Regional Parks hosts Candy Cane Experiment activity at Prado

A group of children with candy canes and chemistry beakers with Candy Cane Experiments and Fun Science for the Whole Family. — 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 at Prado Regional Park, Saturday, Dec. 20, from 12:30-2 p.m. for 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!

Prado is located at 16700 S. Euclid Ave. in Chino. Park admission is $15 per vehicle, and the activity is free for those camping with us.

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.

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

Holiday light displays flank a walking path at Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park at night. — 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. 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

Festive San Bernardino County Library graphic with "Holiday Humbugs" text on a wooden sign, surrounded by ornaments, snowflakes, and holly. — 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:

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

Lucerne Valley Janice Horst Branch
33103 Old Woman Springs Road, 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 Road, 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

Click on image to view video. This holiday season, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo is lighting up the mountains through Jan. 4, 2026.

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.

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

Collage of seven landscape and detail photographs: a sunset over a desert landscape, rugged canyon formations, rolling green hills with a wooden fence, a desert bighorn sheep on a rocky outcrop, a hand selecting a book from a library shelf, a hand touching tree bark, and a dirt path winding through grassy hills. — 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.

Regional Parks host Winter Craft activity at Glen Helen and Yucaipa

Two snowmen flank a picnic table with arts & crafts items covered in snow with trees and snow falling in the background. — Kids and adults can dive into a variety of fun, festive activities — from making sparkling snowflakes and exploring a cool ice experiment to creating charming seasonal paper crafts.

Celebrate the magic of the season with a cozy crafting adventure for the whole family! Join Regional Parks for a cool kind of activity with Winter Crafts at Glen Helen and Yucaipa Regional Parks on Saturday, Jan. 3.

Kids and adults can dive into a variety of fun, festive activities — from making sparkling snowflakes and exploring a cool ice experiment to creating charming seasonal paper crafts. There’s something for every imagination!

Time & Locations

Saturday, Jan. 3

10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Yucaipa Regional Park, 33900 Oak Glen Rd. in Yucaipa.
2-3:30 p.m. at Glen Helen Regional Park, 2555 Glen Helen Pkwy. in San Bernardino

Whether you’re snipping, gluing, or discovering the science of ice, these hands-on experiences are perfect for all ages.

Join us for a joyful day of wintery fun, laughter and family memories. All supplies will be provided while they last.

Park admission is $15 per vehicle and free for those camping with us at Yucaipa. 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.

A trout jumping out of a lake. — 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 host one-day trout derby at Prado with $1,000 cash top prize

Regional Parks is excited to welcome back the one-day trout derby at Prado Regional Park on Saturday, Jan. 10, 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 Avenue near 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.

Additional County Update News – December 18