We decided to walk around the Village on Monday. The skies were blue and the temperatures were wonderful. We stopped in to Himalayan Restaurant and enjoyed three different entrees. Their prices are reasonable.
After lunch we stolled around looking for chocolate. Instead, we discovered Der Weihnacht’s Markt. They are located on Pine Knot, in the heart of Big Bear Lake Village. Here is the video we shot of their fabulous Christmas displays.
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From the Big Bear Lake Chamber of Commerce (MAP):
We have two zipline companies which can take you zipping through the trees, enjoying beautiful views along the way, Call ahead. One takes you to the Johnson Valley, and the other is up at the Cedar Lake Camp area.
We have a company that can take you off-roading in their own vehicle, which will save the wear and tear on yours? Just throw your sandwiches and drinks in the cooler , and they can take you where you want to go. There are set tours, but they can be tailored to suit you, and they are very reasonable. This company takes the studios out to search out movie locations for future films.
If you want to do your own off-roading (
MAP for Moonridge to Sugarloaf), pick up a trail map and have fun! And don’t forget to pick up an Adventure Pass, which permits you to stop on Forest roads.
If you brought your own guns, you can try out the Shooting Range at the weekend.
Scenic Flights of the Valley and mountains are available for you to get a bird’s eye view.
Take the family bowling any time! Glow bowling at night, pool table, arcade games and great French fries. There is a full bar and a 105” tv. Don’t worry if you can’t bowl well, just push a button and the bumpers come up on the lanes.
We have a rescue animal park. The zoo (MAP) has been responsible for returning over 8,000 animals back into the wild! They have all kinds of animals you would expect to see in the mountains and desert areas, such as grizzly bear, black bear, wolves, mountain lions, owls & eagles! On the way there, stop at some great shops along Moonridge Rd., and check out the golf course next door. Did you know that your ball goes further because the air is thinner?
There is a petting zoo and horse riding stables at the east end of the valley. Go for a gentle walk, for the time span you choose. Open year round.
Go up to Snow Summit for a ski lift (YouTube Video) chair ride to the top and hop off and hike around, hop back on to come down. or if you hooked your mountain bike on, on the way up, you can bike down. They have their barbecue going at the top, so it is easy to stick around to enjoy the views.
Stop at the bike rental stores for loads of info. And if you prefer street biking, they can help guide you there also. You can even rent the baby trailers to hook on the back of your bike.
If you like light walking along the shore to vigorous hiking amongst the rocks and trees, we have a trail for you.
The Forest Service runs the Discovery Center over on the North Shore. They run all sorts of activities: canoeing, kayaking, animal tracking, and have a display with animal fur you can touch, a gift shop filled with educational toys and books, and a café that has some outdoor seating with terrific views. People love to go and have their picture taken outside by the huge bronze bear. They run a summer concert series in their outdoor amphitheater and hold stargazing evenings, story-telling, and more……
Water activities include some great charter fishing companies with lake tours, several tour boats (Pine Knot Landing
MAP), parasailing, jet skis, jet boat tours, all kinds of boat rentals, from peddle boats, electric fun boats, to kayaks & canoes, fishing boats and pontoon boats. There are six areas around the lake for various watercraft rentals.
Go for a swim at Swim Beach, cleared of weed, lifeguard on duty, inflatable slide and trampoline in the water, or go to the water slide at Alpine Slide and try the toboggan slide, the go carts, mini golf and arcade games. Meadow park also has a large jungle gym to help the kids burn off some energy.
Be sure to check out our Museum. They have real old cabins, a schoolhouse and even a teepee! All are staged so you can see how it really was.
Our restaurants are all pretty top notch. From special occasion dining to steaks, seafood, bbq, ethnic food and fast food, there is sure to be something for every palette. Only one restaurant on the lake, but several with a view of it. Let’s face it, how could there not be a view of something wonderful in Big Bear?
Shop all around our beautiful valley, from west to east, and don’t forget to enjoy Friday Nights in the Village (
MAP). Family fun with activities, extra vendors, and free entertainment, and Wyatt’s Saloon at the Convention Center for family fun, really good food, and line dancing.
Pick up our information to see what is going on while you are here, and for when you come back!
More Resources;
Santa’s Grand Arrival and Tree Lighting
Festivities begin at approx. 4:30pm
After a long flight from the North Pole, Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive in the Big Bear Valley on November 27th. The evening events in the Village of Big Bear Lake will include, Holiday music and singing with Art Harriman, Tree Lighting Ceremony with the Honorable Mayor of Big Bear Lake, Rick Herrick and Santa’s Grand Entrance. Santa should arrive on a BBLFD fire engine at 5:15pm. After the event Santa and Mrs. Clause will be at the Santa House visiting with children of all ages until 9:00pm. They will be back on Saturday at approx 10:00am. Businesses will be open all evening for your shopping or dining pleasure.
Nov 28 until Dec. 20.2009
Catch Santa in the Big Bear Lake Village
He will arrive at 10:00 am, each weekend Santa will return to the Village in Big Bear Lake. Santa will be available to visit, take Christmas wishes and photos until 4pm. Millener Productions Photography and Old Time Photo will be available for pictures. 909-866-3054.
Nov. 28
The 16th Annual Big Bear City Fire Department Tree Lighting and arrival of Santa. The festivities begin at 5pm. Bring a plate of goodies to share. For more information 909-585-2362.
Dec 20
Sunday, will be the last day for Santa in the Village…as Santa must be on his way.
Breakfast with Santa
Nov. 28
Santa… Helicopter and Breakfast
Saturday morning Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be picked up by Choice Aviation of Chino. Travis Taylor the Chief Pilot will give Santa and Mrs. Claus and sunrise excursion. After the excursion Santa will be landing at the Big Bear City airport. So look to the sky for Santa arrival at 8:00am.
Santa enjoys his hearty breakfast at the Barnstorm Restaurant, located at the Big Bear City Airport and looks forward to visiting children of all ages. 8:00am -9:30am. Bring your camera to the Barnstorm Restaurant. (909-585-9339)
Dec. 5
Breakfast with Santa will be at the Masonic Lodge of Big Bear from 7am until 10am. The cost is $3.00 (kids under 10) and $6.00 for adults. The all you can eat breakfast will include watching Looney Tunes, The Child ID program and Christmas music by Linda Bennett playing Holiday music on the Dulcimer.
Dec 12
Breakfast with Santa at the Masonic Lodge of Big Bear from 7am is until 10am. Breakfast is hosted by the Big Bear Lions Club and sponsored by the Masonic Lodge of Big Bear. The cost is $3.00 (kids 10 and under) and $6.00 for adults. The all you can eat breakfast will include watching Looney Tunes, The Child ID program and lots of hugs from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Dec 12
Bowling with Santa 10is until noon ages 4-10. The bowler must be accompanied by adult. 1 FREE game including shoes. Reservations Required. 909-878-2695
Dec 19
Breakfast with Santa at Amagela’s Coffee House in Fawnskin, (cost) 8am-9:30am 909- 878-0015.
News from Mrs. Claus; looks like Big Bear will have an Ice Rink at the Christmas Tree Lot in the Village, owned by Ice Garden Skating Rink. Look forward to lots of fun for the family!
Grizzly Mountain Gourmet is getting ready to open in the Big Bear Lake Village. We just received this email from Paul, the owner, describing his store;
“We are very excited to be opening our neighborhood market conveniently located in The Village within the next 6 weeks and will be bringing lots of delicious treats to the residents and visitors of Big Bear. Grizzly Mountain Gourmet will feature olives, cheeses, fresh baked breads, cookies, cakes, pies, soups, salads, fresh seafood, unique cuts of meat and game, Serrano ham, premium olive oils, prosciutto, made to order sandwiches, soups, coffees, teas, a juice bar, gourmet chocolates, beer and wines from around the world. We will also offer fun and unusual items for purchase that you can prepare at home as well.
We look forward to seeing you in our store soon and don’t forget we will be “sampling” something delicious every day at the marketplace!”
Watch the progess of the store opening at www.grizzlymountaingourmet.com.
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