A December Weekend in Big Bear With Kids
December 11–13, 2026 · Santa Paws, Village lights, and cabin game night
Start your December weekend in Big Bear with game night at the cabin. On Saturday, take the kids to Santa Paws at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo and walk through the Village lights after dinner. If conditions allow, stop for snow tubing at Big Bear Snow Play or a ride on the Mineshaft Coaster after Sunday checkout.
Friday, December 11 | Settle in and start game night
Keep dinner simple on arrival night. Have one household bring a meal to reheat and another handle breakfast groceries. Once everyone has picked a room, set up a short Skee-Ball or shuffleboard tournament. Pair kids with adults so the younger players can join in, and leave the great room free for anyone who would rather catch up by the fireplace.
Saturday, December 12 | Santa Paws at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo
Visit Big Bear lists Santa Paws from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, 42801 Moonridge Road. Give yourself time to see the animals and take pictures, then head back to the cabin for a break. For an evening outing, the zoo also hosts a separate Wild Lights event. Check our Wild Lights guide and the organizer’s current ticket schedule.
Saturday evening | Dinner and lights in the Village
Book an early dinner if you need one large table. Afterward, walk toward the Christmas tree near Pine Knot Avenue and Village Drive and let the kids pick a shop or a stop for dessert. The Christmas in Big Bear Village guide has ideas for making an evening of it. If the group is worn out from the zoo, take dinner back to the cabin and finish Friday’s tournament.
Sunday, December 13 | Mineshaft Coaster or Big Bear Snow Play
After checkout, if the ride is operating, stop at Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain for the Mineshaft Coaster. Riders control their own speed, so you can take the curves slowly and enjoy the mountain views. Check the operator’s current hours, prices, and rider requirements before heading over, especially if you have younger children in the group.
If your group would rather go snow tubing, head to Big Bear Snow Play after checkout. Check Big Bear Snow Play’s hours, pricing, and rider requirements and confirm tubing is operating before you go. If you need an early start, keep Sunday to breakfast and a quick stop in town. Check current road conditions before driving.
Stay together in Upper Moonridge
Edgar’s Hideaway sleeps up to 16 guests, with a maximum of 12 adults and four children. There is space for up to four cars on site. Before you assign rooms and plan carpooling, take a look at the sleeping arrangements, game room, and cabin photos.
The December 11–13 stay runs from Friday check-in through Sunday checkout. Check Destination Big Bear for availability and the current two-night total.