This section focuses on family-friendly events that are sponsored by county departments including the County Library, County Museum, Regional Parks and more.
Day of the Dead Arts Fest: A night of culture, art and community
The San Bernardino County Museum, in partnership with Arts Connection – The San Bernardino County Arts Council and Inland Empire Latino Arts Association, invites the community to the Day of the Dead Arts Fest on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 4 to 8 p.m., at the museum in Redlands. The evening event will be a vibrant celebration of life, art and memory through creative expression and cultural tradition.
Guests will enjoy an experience filled with color, music and connection — featuring regional artists, live performances, artisan and food vendors, and opportunities for reflection and participation. Visitors are invited to contribute to a community altar (ofrenda) by bringing images or small mementos in honor of their loved ones or pets. The festival will also feature paper floral crafts and a collaborative art project where guests can create and contribute to a shared work of art.
The festival is part of the County Museum’s ongoing exhibition “Journeys: Movement, Memory, and Belonging,” which explores creativity as a catalyst for community, inclusion and understanding.
Guests will receive 50 percent off general museum admission during the event. Regular admission rates are $12 for adults, $9 for military and seniors, $9 for students, and $5 for children ages 6-12. Children 5 and under are free.
The San Bernardino County Museum is located at 2024 Orange Tree Lane in Redlands.
The County Museum’s exhibitions and programs of regional, cultural and natural history reflect the Board of Supervisors’ commitment to the Countywide Vision — celebrating arts, culture, and education to create a high quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Visit museum.sbcounty.gov for event updates and a full schedule of activities.
County Library celebrates November with Family Fun Basket Giveaway
Reading together could lead to a little extra family fun this November as the San Bernardino County Library celebrates Family Literacy Month with its Family Fun Basket Incentive, offering customers a chance to win one of four themed prize baskets.
From Nov. 1-30, customers who check out 30 items from any San Bernardino County Library branch can present their checkout receipt to staff to receive an opportunity drawing entry. Customers can then select one of four themed baskets they would like a chance to win.
Each basket combines books with activities, games and other surprises designed to encourage families to read, explore and spend time together:
- Once Upon an Adventure – A fantasy-inspired collection for families ready to escape into imaginative worlds and embark on their next reading adventure.
- Dreamy Reads – A cozy collection featuring bedtime stories, comforting activities and a tent perfect for creating a special family reading nook.
- Ready, Set, Game! – A gaming-inspired collection packed with books, games and family-friendly entertainment for the gamers in the household.
- Passport to Reading – An around-the-world adventure featuring books, activities and discoveries that encourage families to explore new places and cultures together.
“Family Literacy Month is a wonderful opportunity to remind families that reading together can be both meaningful and fun,” said Library Program Coordinator Elizabeth Williams. “Whether families are discovering a new story, playing a game or exploring the world together, these baskets are designed to extend that sense of discovery beyond the library and into the home.”
The November incentive builds on the success of the library’s previous Family Fun Basket Giveaway while continuing to encourage customers to explore the wide variety of books and materials available across the County Library system.
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.
us on Facebook and Instagram for news and updates.
Wild Lights returns to brighten the Big Bear Alpine Zoo for the holiday season
The mountains are about to glow again.
After a successful inaugural season, Wild Lights is returning to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo Nov. 13 through Jan. 3, bringing millions of twinkling lights, larger-than-life displays and holiday magic back to the mountains.
The season will kick off with a grand opening celebration on Nov. 19 with free admission, giving the community a chance to experience Wild Lights and celebrate the start of the holiday season together.
Produced by Visit Big Bear and hosted at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, Wild Lights transforms the zoo after dark into an immersive, nature-inspired holiday light walk for families, residents and visitors of all ages.
Nearly two million LED and solar-powered lights illuminate the zoo’s pathways and displays inspired by Big Bear’s wildlife and natural beauty. Last year’s experience featured four themed light zones and memorable attractions, including a 100-foot illuminated pine tree, a two-story golden teddy bear, a walk-through 20-foot ornament and Santa’s sleigh.
The celebration also gives visitors another reason to discover the Big Bear Alpine Zoo and its unique mission. Unlike a traditional zoo, the facility rehabilitates injured, orphaned and imprinted wildlife, releasing animals that can safely return to the wild and providing a permanent home for those that cannot.
Wild Lights was created through a partnership between Visit Big Bear and the Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District, governed by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. The collaboration brings together tourism, recreation and wildlife education while supporting the zoo and creating a special holiday experience for the Big Bear community.
Whether you’re starting a new family tradition, planning a mountain getaway or looking for a festive night under the stars, Wild Lights offers a chance to experience the Big Bear Alpine Zoo in a whole new light.
For event hours, tickets and additional information, visit bigbearzoo.org or bigbear.com.
Join the November SBC LevelUP Live FAQ Session
Ready to explore career opportunities with San Bernardino County? Join us for the next SBC LevelUP Live FAQ Session from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, November 19, to learn more about the county hiring process and how to prepare for your next opportunity.
During this free virtual session, San Bernardino County Human Resources staff will share helpful tips on finding job openings, navigating GovernmentJobs.com, completing applications and understanding what happens after applying.
Attendees will also learn how to prepare for interviews and have the opportunity to get their questions answered directly by Human Resources staff.
Whether you’re a first-time applicant, student, community member or current county employee looking to advance your career, SBC LevelUP provides helpful resources and guidance to support your career goals.
How to join
To participate in the live session, visit the SBC LevelUP Live FAQ Session event page and select “Join FAQ Session.”
For additional resources on preparing for a San Bernardino County career, visit the SBC LevelUP webpage.
County Library invites families to meet the night shift at Galaxy Nights: Moonlit Wanderers
When the sun goes down, some of the High Desert’s most fascinating residents are just getting started.
The San Bernardino County Library invites families to venture into the wild side of the night during “Galaxy Nights: Moonlit Wanderers” on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Lucerne Valley Janice Horst Branch Library.
The latest installment of the library’s “Galaxy Nights” series will shine a light on the creatures that crawl, slither, hop and roam after dark, giving guests an up-close look at nocturnal wildlife while celebrating the natural world beneath the High Desert night sky.
And yes, even the neighborhood’s most notorious trash-can tourist is invited.
Live animal encounters will introduce guests to an opossum, king snake and pixie frog, offering families an opportunity to learn more about the unique adaptations and behaviors that help these animals thrive when much of the rest of the world is asleep.
“Opossums may have a reputation for crashing the occasional garbage-can dinner party, but animals like these play an important role in our ecosystem,” said Library Events Coordinator Jenni McCormick. “Moonlit Wanderers gives families a chance to look beyond the stereotypes, meet some incredible animals up close and discover just how fascinating our nighttime neighbors really are.”
The evening continues the library’s popular “Galaxy Nights” series, which combines wildlife, astronomy and hands-on learning to encourage families to explore the connections between the world around them and the universe above.
Guests can also enjoy wildlife-themed crafts, partner booths, food vendors and circulation prizes throughout the evening. Whether visitors come for the slithering stars, the hopping headliners or a certain marsupial with a taste for after-hours adventures, there will be plenty to discover.
Following the success of August’s “Galaxy Nights: Wildlife After Dark,” “Moonlit Wanderers” continues the County Library’s effort to transform an evening at the library into an immersive experience where science, nature and curiosity collide.
Gather the family, leave the garbage cans at home and prepare for a night that promises to be a little wild.
“Galaxy Nights: Moonlit Wanderers” is free and open to all ages. The event will take place at the Lucerne Valley Janice Horst Branch Library, 33103 High Desert State Scenic Highway, Lucerne Valley.
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 serving a diverse population across a vast geographic area. The County Library is committed to providing equitable access to information, technology, programs, and services for all San Bernardino County residents.
Calico Ghost Town rings in the holiday season with Annual Holiday Fest
The holidays are heading to the Old West! Calico Ghost Town will transform into a festive holiday destination during its annual Holiday Fest on Saturday, Nov. 28, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., bringing Santa Claus, Christmas carolers, live entertainment and the annual Christmas tree lighting to the historic silver-mining town.
Families can enjoy a full day of holiday activities surrounded by the picturesque landscape and historic buildings of Calico. Festivalgoers can sing along to favorite holiday melodies, enjoy a reading of the classic “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” and catch live music, animal shows and performances by the Calico Mountain Gunfighters.
The celebration will also feature an ugly sweater contest, games and activities, arts and crafts, Christmas carolers and a special appearance by the Grinch.
Santa Claus is coming to Calico
Santa will make his way to town with a cheerful “Ho! Ho! Ho!” and will be available to meet families and pose for holiday photos. As evening approaches, Santa will help bring the festivities to a memorable close with the annual Calico Christmas tree lighting at 5:30 p.m.
Following the tree lighting, guests can stop by Lil’s Saloon for complimentary cookies and hot chocolate while enjoying the holiday atmosphere throughout town.
Find a unique gift in the Old West
Skip the crowded shopping malls and spend the day browsing Calico’s specialty shops for unique arts, crafts and gifts. Visitors may just find the perfect present for that hard-to-shop-for relative, neighbor or friend while supporting Calico’s local merchants.
Guests can also enjoy festive food and refreshments available for purchase from event vendors and Calico favorites, including Lil’s Saloon, Silver Rush Burger and Calico House Restaurant.
Make it a holiday getaway
Holiday Fest runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 4-11 and free for children ages 3 and younger. Tickets may be purchased in advance at bit.ly/4p02crx.
Want to extend the holiday fun? Calico Ghost Town offers full and partial hookup camping. Cabins, bunkhouses and RV trailer rentals are also available. Camping reservations can be made at parkreservations.sbcounty.gov.
Calico Ghost Town is located just off Interstate 15 at Ghost Town Road, approximately 10 miles north of Barstow, at 36600 Ghost Town Road in Yermo.
For more information about Holiday Fest, visit parks.sbcounty.gov/calico-holiday-fest.
Follow Regional Parks on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected on the latest news and events. Follow Calico Ghost Town on the Calico Ghost Town Official Facebook page.
Holiday Walk of Lights annual event returns to Cucamonga-Guasti in December
The holiday season will shine a little brighter at Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park as the annual Holiday Walk of Lights returns in December, inviting families to experience the park after dark with festive light displays, holiday activities and seasonal treats.
On select evenings, the park will extend its hours from 5 to 9 p.m., giving visitors an opportunity to stroll through colorful holiday light displays while spending time outdoors with family and friends. Guests can enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and cider, holiday music and arts and crafts for children throughout the event.
“We are excited to bring this annual 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.
Santa is coming to Guasti
Santa Claus will make a special stop at Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park on Saturday, Dec. 19, from 6 to 9 p.m. Families are invited to visit Santa and capture their own holiday photos during the evening.
The Holiday Walk of Lights will take place during the first three weekends of December, with the final week continuing through Christmas Eve. The park will be closed on Christmas Day.
Holiday Walk of Lights schedule
Hours: 5–9 p.m.
- Dec. 4–6
- Dec. 11–13
- Dec. 18–24
- Dec. 19: Photos with Santa, 6–9 p.m.
Cast a line under the holiday lights
Visitors can also enjoy night fishing at the park’s small lake during the event. The lakes are stocked with trout every Thursday, offering anglers another way to enjoy an evening at the park.
The park fishing permit fee is separate from Holiday Walk of Lights admission. A valid California fishing license is required for anglers age 16 and older. For park fishing information and current fees, visit parks.sbcounty.gov/park-fishing.
“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 Regional Park 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.
County Library and Children’s Fund team up again to make the holidays brighter for local children
The San Bernardino County Library is helping spread holiday cheer once again through its partnership with Children’s Fund, inviting residents to make the season brighter for local children through the annual Celebration of Giving Toy Drive.
Community members are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys at participating library branches this holiday season. All library donations must be received by Tuesday, Dec. 8, allowing library staff time to collect and deliver the gifts to Children’s Fund for distribution to children and youth throughout San Bernardino County.
“Our libraries are places where communities come together, and this partnership gives our residents a meaningful way to share kindness and generosity during the holiday season,” said County Librarian Melanie Orosco. “Every toy collected represents more than a gift — it is a reminder to a child that their community is thinking of them and wants their holiday season to be special.”
Donated toys will support Children’s Fund’s annual Celebration of Giving, which provides holiday gifts to thousands of children and youth experiencing difficult circumstances throughout San Bernardino County, including those impacted by poverty, homelessness, abuse and neglect, as well as children in foster care.
Residents who would like to participate but are unable to visit a library branch may also contribute online through Children’s Fund. Community members can purchase requested gifts through the organization’s Amazon Wishlists or make a monetary donation directly through the Children’s Fund website. Gifts purchased online may also be shipped directly to Children’s Fund at 348 W. Hospitality Lane, Suite 110, San Bernardino, CA 92408.
Through this partnership, residents can easily turn a routine library visit into an opportunity to give back. Whether stopping by to check out books, attending a program or accessing library resources, customers are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy and help ensure local children have something special to open this holiday season.
Toy collection boxes will be available at participating library locations throughout the High Desert, Mountain and Valley communities. Please note that toy donations will not be collected at the library’s joint-use branches: Summit Branch Library, Kaiser Branch Library and Cal Aero Preserve Academy Branch Library.
Residents are encouraged to visit library.sbcounty.gov/library-locations to find their nearest participating branch and confirm hours of operation before dropping off a donation.
The deadline to donate new, unwrapped toys to participating branches is Tuesday, Dec. 8.
County Library invites residents to join this countywide effort and help fill library collection boxes with more than toys — with hope, joy and a little holiday magic for children across San Bernardino County.
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.
Additional County Update News – November 12, 2026
- Dogs from Newberry Springs animal welfare investigation now available for adoption
- El Niño Response Spotlight: Protecting your furry family members
- Volunteers needed for San Bernardino County’s annual homeless count
- San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs helps veterans navigate disability benefits at no cost
- From service to skilled careers: Workforce partnerships power veterans’ next mission
- Pioneertown draft ordinance now available for public review
- Community vision continues at Desert View Conservation Area
- Celebrate the renovated playground at Glen Helen Regional Park
- Discover three new career spotlights on SBC LevelUp
- SBC Through Your Eyes: Loch Leven to Angelus Oaks Trail
- Submit your photos and videos of the county’s destinations, nature and cityscapes
- San Bernardino County history: Baseline Road
- Pet of the Week: Blue Jay