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.