Big Bear Alpine Zoo Unveils Holiday Light Walk on Nov 6

UPDATE: The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is set to launch its inaugural holiday light walk, named Alpine Zoo Wild Lights, on November 6. This exciting new event will illuminate the mountain town with 1.5 million lights, creating a festive atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.

Just announced, the Alpine Zoo Wild Lights will feature six themed zones celebrating the unique flora and fauna of the region. The event kicks off with a ceremonial ribbon cutting on November 5 and will be open every Wednesday through Sunday until January 4, with extended hours during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Tickets are priced at $20, with discounts available for seniors, students, and veterans. Children under two can enter for free. Proceeds from ticket sales will support the zoo’s crucial wildlife rehabilitation and conservation programs, as well as the Care For Big Bear sustainability initiative.

The light walk begins at the Wilderness Gateway, showcasing a stunning 20-foot illuminated archway adorned with gold garland and mistletoe. Visitors will then meander through the Mountain Glow Midway, where live music and carolers create a cheerful ambiance beneath a canopy of twinkling lights.

Guests can warm up at the Village of Light & Moonridge Coffee Co. Holiday Café, offering cocoa, cider, and cocktails alongside festive oversized ornaments and a teddy bear display. The experience continues with the Spirit of Giving Grove, featuring gold and white lights, and the Veterans Reflection Point, sponsored by Tractor Supply Co., which will feature patriotic red, white, and gold decorations.

The event concludes at Santa’s House & Stables, near the mule deer exhibit, showcasing an impressive 11-foot illuminated sleigh.

“Big Bear has wildlife in our DNA, and the Alpine Zoo is at the heart of it,” stated Travis Scott, CEO of Visit Big Bear. “With Alpine Zoo Wild Lights, we’re celebrating the animals that call this mountain home while supporting the Zoo’s rehabilitation work and our Care for Big Bear stewardship mission.”

For those unfamiliar with the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, it offers much more than just the holiday lights. Established after a devastating wildfire in the late 1950s, the zoo serves as a compassionate care center for injured, orphaned, and imprinted wild animals. It is home to over 85 species, including bears, wolves, raptors, and big cats, making it a worthwhile destination any time of year.

As the holiday season approaches, the Alpine Zoo Wild Lights promises to be a magical experience for families and friends, creating a sense of community and holiday spirit amid the scenic beauty of Big Bear. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience this unique event that supports local wildlife and brings joy to the community. Be sure to mark your calendars for November 6!