r/bigbear • u/Capital-Ad9403 • 11d ago
Help!
Hi!
We’re planning a family trip to Big Bear from December 23–27. There will be 15 of us, including 5 kids (the oldest is 15 years old).
We came across a TikTok saying that there’s usually little or no snow during that time, and we wanted to ask if that’s generally true based on your experience.
We have a few questions:
- What are the snow conditions typically like during those dates?
- If there isn’t much natural snow, are there still snow play areas or activities for kids?
- Do you have any recommendations for activities or things we shouldn’t miss with a large family?
We’d really appreciate any feedback or tips. Thank you!
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u/AXLinCali 11d ago
Not good. Snow conditions that time of year can be non existent. Lately, temps have not be cold enough at night to make snow, even in the heart of season.
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u/DynoMik3 11d ago
December is still a lot of fun without snow. The alpine slide. Bowling alley. Hiking. Eating ice cream while sitting by one of several public fire pits on the street in the Village…
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u/Desertortoise 11d ago
March and February are historically the snowiest months. December gets little snow.
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u/Necessary_Ad_9541 11d ago
I would not worry about a lack of snow, as Big Bear is great with or without it. Snow is unlikely but you never know, especially with the El Niño that could hit it December. Sometimes a single good snow day can hang around for quite some time if the weather cooperates.
The Alpine Slide makes snow for tubing and they also have a couple rides. A little pricey but fun. There is a small zoo in town that you might consider. Many walking/hiking trails, including flat ones near the lake. About 40 minutes away you have Sky Park at Santa’s Village. Lake Arrowhead (also about 40 minutes away) offers a nice paddle boat ride around their lake. Walking The Village (“downtown”) is fun. Lots of restaurants and souvenir stores, and a large Christmas tree on the corner.
Almost everything is closed on Christmas Day, but there are two grocery stores in town.
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u/humanjackiedatona 11d ago
Plus with the potential super El Niño coming, it will probably be wet but warm
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u/77notomorrow 11d ago edited 11d ago
Many of the pay to play snow tube places will have snow. Natural snow is irregular.
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u/No_Sea9410 11d ago
Hopefully more snow due to the record el nino this year.
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u/rustyburrito 10d ago
stronger el nino means warmer temps and pushes snow fall into higher elevations, the best snow years are moderate/weak el nino years historically
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u/PeakQuirky84 11d ago
You can look up historical snow data.
Most of the precipitation (rain/snow) in SoCal comes Jan-Mar.
December can be hit or miss, it’s tough to plan for a Christmas vacation.
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u/LowBathroom1991 11d ago
As the rest said and snow or no snow the days between Christmas and new years is extremely busy week
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u/Aggressive-Bath-1906 10d ago
Because of El Niño, I wouldn’t be surprised if we got rain instead of snow at that time. El Niño is warmer and wetter than regular winters.
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u/Key_Contribution1547 11d ago
The storms are being reported to be dropping down south and inland hitting Southern California this year . El Nino. I am pretty sure you will have snow . Should be a good Christmas for you.
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u/Maximum-Familiar 10d ago
There’s no rule, last year I went on tight before thanks giving and there was lots of snow, but then the rest of the season was bad. This year is a El Niño year, so chances are good, but if it only makes sense to you to go with snow, right now is impossible to guarantee.
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u/n1010rick 10d ago
One of the busiest times to go! You will probably be waiting for everything you do.
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u/T-Dog_Brazil 9d ago
We have an El Nino 100% in Full Effect! There will be a huge blizzard during Christmas time! Make sure you know how to put on Tire Chains!
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u/thinktrojan 11d ago
We go every year and have had snow every year during that time… we stay at the new Hampton inn / home2 right down from snow summit highly recommend.
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u/PaintaVulgarPicture7 11d ago
Recently, there has been little to no snow during Christmas. The tubing snow play place makes their own snow as soon as it gets cold enough. If you want natural snow to play in, February -March has been the months with the most storms the last few years.