Here’s what’s happening around the AV 🎶 ✨:

    🎅 Snap some photos with Santa at Antelope Valley Mall

    🎬 Settle in for seasonal storytelling at the Holiday Film Festival

    🌿 Start Christmas Eve calmly with Movers & Shakers Moving Club

    🥕 Shop fresh and local at the Canyon Country Farmers Market

    🎄 Experience the magic at the Christmas Light Show Spectacular

Christmas is here, and this week is your last chance to lean into the season before it flies by. Pick a few favorites, make a plan, and don’t let this festive stretch slip past you. The memories are waiting. ✨🎁

Thursday, December 25th

Wild Lights at Big Bear Alpine Zoo: A Mountain Holiday Adventure
Location: Big Bear Alpine Zoo
[Get Directions ➔]

Good day local adventurers, Thomas here with a sparkling mountain holiday experience. Just about 2.5 hours from Lancaster, Wild Lights at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo transforms this unique mountain sanctuary into a festive wonderland of holiday illuminations. Running Thursday through Sunday from November 6th through January 4th, 2026, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., this special seasonal event showcases stunning light displays throughout the zoo's alpine setting.

Please note that Wild Lights focuses on the festive illuminations, and animal viewing opportunities may be limited or unavailable during these nighttime hours—but the magical atmosphere and twinkling lights create an unforgettable holiday experience against the backdrop of Big Bear's mountain charm. At just $20 per ticket (children under 5 and zoo members enter free), this is an affordable and enchanting way to celebrate the season while supporting the only alpine zoo and its rehabilitation mission.

Making it a Full Day:
Since you're spending your evening at the zoo, start your day exploring the charming Village of Big Bear Lake. Begin with breakfast at a local mountain cafe, then stroll through the quaint downtown shops featuring mountain apparel, unique gifts, and local artisan crafts. For outdoor enthusiasts, consider a scenic winter activity: Castle Rock Trail offers an easy 2.6-mile hike with panoramic lake views, or rent equipment for snow play at one of the nearby tubing hills if conditions allow.

For lunch, head to one of Big Bear's cozy mountain restaurants—try Nottingham's Tavern for hearty comfort food or Grizzly Manor Cafe for their famous cinnamon roll pancakes. After lunch, take a leisurely drive around Big Bear Lake's 7-mile shoreline, stopping at scenic overlooks and photo opportunities. If you're visiting during ski season, you could even squeeze in a few afternoon runs at Snow Summit or Bear Mountain before heading to Wild Lights. Time your arrival at the zoo for the 5:00 p.m. opening to maximize your experience before the 9:00 p.m. closing.

Thomas’s Local Tips:

• 🎟️ Reserve in advance – Spaces for Wild Lights are limited, and cancellations are only accepted up to 24 hours before your reservation time. Book early at the zoo's website to secure your preferred date, especially for weekend visits.
   
• 🧥 Mountain cold is real – Big Bear sits at 7,000 feet elevation, and winter evenings can drop well below freezing. Dress in warm layers, bring winter coats, hats, gloves, and insulated boots. The mountain chill is no joke after sunset!
   
• 🍽️ Dinner strategy – Check the zoo's website for food availability during Wild Lights. Consider eating a hearty early dinner in the Village before the 5:00 p.m. start time, or pack hot beverages in thermoses to stay warm while you explore.
   
• 🚗 Mountain driving prep – Winter in Big Bear often means snow and ice. Check road conditions before you leave, and carry tire chains in your vehicle as they may be required. Allow extra travel time for mountain driving conditions.
   
• 🦌 About the animals – Remember that Wild Lights is a holiday lighting event, not a traditional zoo visit. Animal viewing will be limited or unavailable during these nighttime hours. Refer to the zoo's website for specific event details and what to expect.

Nature's calling, it's time to pick up... See you out there!


- Thomas 🥾📷
For more local wildlife and landscapes, check out: @tekksdotco

As Christmas arrives, I just want to take a moment to wish you a very Merry Christmas. 🎄✨
Whether you’re celebrating big or keeping it quiet, I hope your day is filled with warmth, laughter, and moments that feel meaningful in all the right ways.

Thank you for being part of this community and for spending your time exploring everything the AV has to offer with me. However you celebrate, may it be joyful, peaceful, and full of good memories.

From all of us here at AntelopeValley.com, Merry Christmas, and here’s to the magic of the season. 💫🎁

Sage Bloom
Chasing sunsets, good stories, and desert blooms.

P.S. If you’re feeling like stepping out later today, keep an eye out for local Christmas light displays and festive happenings, they’re a beautiful way to end the day and soak in one last dose of holiday magic. 🎄✨