Even though winter temps stay mild compared to the rest of the country, holiday magic is in the air across Southern California. This December, kick-off the holiday season with tree lightings from the mountains to the desert. Take a photo with Santa before he gets too busy preparing for the big day. Grab a great seat to catch festive decorations and bright light displays during annual holiday parades. Everywhere you look, you can find fun, food and festivities.
Check out the events below and see where you can enjoy the merriment of the holiday season in the mountains of Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, Wrightwood; the cities of Ontario and Redlands and the desert community of Twentynine Palms.
BIG BEAR
Merry Valley Farms Holiday Celebration
Bear Valley Farms transforms for the holiday season, bringing back Merry Valley Farms. Now through December 24, visitors can create their own magical holiday memories on the 30-acre mountain farm with seasonal crafts, photos with Santa, hay/sleigh rides, festive food and more.
When: Now – December 22, 2018 | Fridays & Saturdays
Where: 1601 East Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear, CA 92314
Cost: $15
Big Bear Village welcomes annual visitors up to the mountains to enjoy the decorative downtown setting, shopping, food and a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus every weekend.
When: Now – December 22, 2018 | Every Saturday and Sunday
Where: The Christmas Tree Lot in the Village at Pine Knot and Village
Cost: Free
Santa has made his way to SoCal before the holidays. While you take a break from skiing the slopes, grab your friends and family to snap a photo with Santa at Snow Summit.
When: December 15 & 22, 2018 | 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: 880 Summit Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Cost: Free
REDLANDS
Downtown Redlands Christmas Parade
The highly anticipated annual Christmas parade is back in Redlands. The holiday season is finally here with the production of the annual Downtown Redlands Christmas Parade. Holiday magic is in the air as decorated floats and live performances flow through the streets with merriment and cheer.
When: December 1, 2018
Cost: FREE
The historic Kimberly Crest House opens its doors and shares in the merriment of the season with the 2018 Christmas Tree Lighting. Be delighting by the sounds of holiday carols, hot cider and ginger cookies as the historic estate is illuminated in color marking the start of the holiday season.
When: December 2, 2018
Where: 1325 Prospect Drive Redlands, Ca 92373
Cost: Optional Kimberly House Tour – $5
ONTARIO
Christmas on Euclid – Annual Craft Fair and Festival
In Ontario, Historic Euclid Avenue is transformed into a whimsical winter wonderland! Decorated in warm lights, the craft fair and festival brings out the magic of the season. Families can enjoy the holiday market, live performance, ice skating and more. Santa will make an appearance as visitors indulge in food, fun, holiday games, carnival rides and reindeer games. Throughout the day several live performances will entertain the crowd at Ontario Town Square including local high school bands and dancers plus holiday music by a Mariah Carey tribute artist in the afternoon will round out the activities.
When: December 5, 2018
Cost: FREE
Christmas on Euclid Sing-A-Long
The Christmas on Euclid holiday experience continues on with a Sing-A-Long. Join in for a night of holiday cheer and sing-along with seasoned carolers to your favorite holiday tunes.
When: December 15, 2018
Where: R. Jack Mercer Community Bandstand | N Euclid Ave, Ontario, CA 91762
Cost: Free
LAKE ARROWHEAD
Blue Jay Christmas Parade in Blue Jay
In a grand fanfare, the Blue Jay Christmas Parade is back this holiday season. Prepare for a procession of decorated floats, marching bands and holiday cheer to celebrate this magical time of year in the San Bernardino Mountains.
When: December 1, 2018
Cost: FREE
TWENTYNINE PALMS
Twentynine Palms Light Parade and City Tree Lighting
The city of Twentynine Palms is kicking off the holiday season by hosting the Twentynine Palms Light Parade. The holiday festivities start with a a tree lighting of the official City Christmas Tree in the park at City Hall. Along the route, viewers will see decorated light displays and seasonal inflatables accompanied by holiday music and a spectacular appearance for Santa flying directly from the North Pole in a helicopter!
When: December 4, 2018
Where: 6136 Adobe Road, 29 Palms, CA. 92277
Cost: FREE
WRIGHTWOOD
Mountain High Resort is in the holiday spirit and to celebrate, they are offering a FREE ticket to every “Santa” on Santa Sunday, in the name of charity. Skiers can register for the event with a donation and zoom down the slope in their best red and white Santa suit. To participate in Santa Sunday, guests are required to pre-register prior to the event and donate a minimum of $20 to Protect Our Winters (POW). Quantities are limited to the first 100 Santas. Receipts for online donation must be presented at registration in order to claim your day ticket. Protect Our Winters is a nonprofit charity supporting the climate advocacy group for the snow sports community. They are building a movement against climate change.
When: December 16, 2018
Where: 24510 State Highway 2, Wrightwood, CA 92397
Cost: $20 Donation
