Big Bear Alpine Zoo Launches Holiday Lights Event Nov. 6

UPDATE: The Big Bear Alpine Zoo near Los Angeles is set to unveil its first-ever holiday light walk, Alpine Zoo Wild Lights, starting November 6, 2023. With 1.5 million lights illuminating the alpine landscape, this event promises a festive experience for families and visitors looking for something new this holiday season.

The zoo will kick off the celebration with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 5. After that, the light walk will be open every Wednesday through Sunday until January 4, 2024, with extended hours around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Tickets are priced at $20 each, featuring discounts for seniors, students, and veterans; children under two can enter for free. Proceeds from ticket sales will support the zoo’s wildlife rehabilitation efforts and the city’s sustainability initiative, Care For Big Bear.

The trail begins at the Wilderness Gateway, adorned with a stunning 20-foot illuminated archway decorated with gold garland and mistletoe. Visitors will encounter wildlife silhouettes representing local species, setting a magical tone for the evening. The excitement continues at the Mountain Glow Midway, where live music and carolers will perform beneath a dazzling canopy of string lights.

Additionally, the event will feature the Village of Light & Moonridge Coffee Co. Holiday Café, offering warm drinks like cocoa, cider, and cocktails alongside oversized ornaments and a delightful teddy bear display. Visitors will also find the Spirit of Giving Grove, decorated with gold and white lights, and the Veterans Reflection Point, presented by Tractor Supply Co., showcasing red, white, and gold accents.

The festive experience concludes near the mule deer exhibit at Santa’s House & Stables, featuring an impressive 11-foot illuminated sleigh. This event not only highlights the beauty of the zoo but also serves as a gathering place for the community.

Travis Scott, CEO of Visit Big Bear, emphasized the significance of this event:

“Big Bear has wildlife in our DNA, and the Alpine Zoo is at the heart of it. 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.”

The Big Bear Alpine Zoo, originally established in the late 1950s after a devastating wildfire, has become a vital sanctuary for injured, orphaned, and imprinted wild animals. Home to over 85 species, including bears, wolves, raptors, and big cats, the zoo is a cherished destination for nature lovers and families alike.

Don’t miss out on this new holiday tradition! Mark your calendars for November 6 and experience the magic of the Alpine Zoo Wild Lights, where nature meets holiday cheer in a spectacular setting.