This holiday season, Big Bear Alpine Zoo transforms into a captivating, illuminated-winter wonderland called Alpine Zoo Wild Lights. This stunning walk-through spectacle, which boasts more than 1.8 million colorful LED and solar-power lights debuts on Thursday, November 6 at 5 p.m. Guests are certainly in for a treat, but more importantly all proceeds from Alpine Zoo Wild Lights ticket sales goes directly into funding Big Bear Alpine Zoo’s ongoing wildlife rehabilitation program and Care for Big Bear’s conservation program.
“Our guests are going to be absolutely thrilled with the holiday eye-candy we have on display at Big Bear Alpine Zoo,” said Visit Big Bear CEO Travis Scott. “They’ll even be more thrilled to know that 100 percent of their ticket purchase helps support the zoo’s rehabilitation work and our Care for Big Bear stewardship mission.”
Alpine Zoo Wild Lights is an after-dark experience for all ages to enjoy. The nearly 2 million LED and solar-powered lights that light up the zoo’s walkways create a full spectrum of holiday magic. Visitors journey through four themed light zones, each telling a story that honors the mountain’s wildlife and natural beauty. Highlights include a 100′ pine tree with mass amounts of shimmering-colored lights, a 20′ archway beaming with Christmas cheer, a two-story golden teddy bear, a larger-than-life 20′ walk-through ornament, colossal gift boxes, a group of glowing snowmen, and Santa’s sleigh, which is an interactive 11′ illuminated centerpiece. These highlighted features and more provide ample photo opportunities. Guests can also enjoy pastries, hot cocoa, cider and other seasonal treats from the Moonridge Coffee Company Zoo Café as they explore the zoo’s festive landscape. 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.
The casual walk-around, go-at-your-own-pace experience also gives guests an opportunity to get up close to Big Bear Alpine Zoo’s nocturnal animals. As dusk sets, certain animals’ nocturnal instincts take over at Big Bear Alpine Zoo, which provides an engaging exhibition in itself. Some of the animals that come alive after dark include mountain lions, foxes, raccoons, skunks, ring-tail cats, owls, coyotes, wolves, and bears.
“We’re very optimistic that our Alpine Zoo Wild Lights holiday spectacle will become an annual tradition for many years to come,” added Scott.
Alpine Zoo Wild Lights takes place at Big Bear Alpine Zoo, located at 42801 Moonridge Rd. in Big Bear Lake. Alpine Zoo Wild Lights holiday spectacle kicks off Thursday, November 6, 2025 and goes to January 4, 2026. Hours of operation are Wednesday to Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Expanded holiday hours include Mondays and Tuesdays for Thanksgiving week (Nov. 24-30) and the holiday season (Dec. 22 – Jan. 4), closed on Christmas Day. Admission is $20. The experience is free for children under 5 and members of Big Bear Alpine Zoo.
To learn more about the Alpine Zoo Wild Lights or to purchase tickets online, visit bigbearzoo.org.
For all there is to see and do in beautiful Big Bear Lake or to make lodging reservations, log on to www.bigbear.com.
