New Year’s Eve in Big Bear Lake: Events, Weather & Local Tips

Updated for New Year’s Eve 2025–2026
This guide is reviewed and updated each year to reflect current weather, snow conditions, events, and travel considerations.

New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest — and most misunderstood — times to visit Big Bear Lake. Every year, we see visitors arrive expecting deep snow, fireworks, easy dinner reservations, and rideshares that simply don’t exist.



This guide is written from a local perspective, with realistic expectations so you can plan ahead and actually enjoy the night.

Snow & Weather Conditions This New Year’s Eve

This winter has brought lighter natural snowfall than usual, and the current system arriving around New Year’s is expected to be a mix of rain and snow, rather than a major storm.

That means:

• Snow coverage around town will be limited
• Conditions may change quickly after sunset
• Roads may be wet or icy depending on elevation and timing

The ski resorts remain open thanks to snowmaking, but visitors should understand the difference between ski conditions and town conditions. If you’re unfamiliar with winter driving here, it’s worth reviewing Big Bear’s winter driving rules and common chain mistakes before heading up the mountain.

Driving to Big Bear on New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve traffic into Big Bear Lake is consistently heavy — even in low-snow years.

Expect:

• Delays on all mountain routes
• Chain controls if conditions change
• Stop-and-go traffic entering town mid-afternoon and again late at night

Chain requirements are enforced at checkpoints, not at the bottom of the mountain, and driving with chains when they’re not required can actually cause damage. Knowing which route you’re taking — and what to expect on each one — makes a huge difference during holiday weekends.

The Main Event: Snow Summit’s Torchlight Parade

The main event of New Year’s Eve in Big Bear Lake is the 61st Annual Torchlight Parade at Snow Summit.

Here’s what to know:

• Free to attend and open to all ages
• Live music begins around 6 PM
• The torchlight parade typically starts between 8:30 and 9 PM
• More than 200 skiers and snowboarders descend the mountain carrying torches

There are no fireworks in Big Bear Lake for New Year’s Eve, which makes this event the highlight of the night.

Best Places to Watch the Torchlight Parade (Local Perspective)

Watching from Snow Summit is popular — but not always the best experience if you’re trying to avoid crowds and traffic.

Alpine Pedal Path (North Side of the Lake)

One of the best views comes from the Alpine Pedal Path on the north side of the lake.

From here, you get:

• A wide, unobstructed view across the lake
• A full look at the mountain glowing as riders descend
• Far fewer crowds than the resort base area

It’s cold, quiet, and one of the most scenic ways to watch the parade.

The Back of the Vons Parking Lot (Local Secret)

Not glamorous — but effective.

There’s a clear line of sight to Snow Summit, easier parking, and a faster exit once the event wraps up. Locals have been using this spot for years to avoid the chaos closer to the resort.

Dining on New Year’s Eve: Plan Ahead

Most restaurants in Big Bear Lake are open on New Year’s Eve, but this is one of the busiest dining days of the entire year.

What to expect:

• Reservations fill early
• Walk-ins often face long waits
• Traffic into the Village can be slow

If you’re staying in a cabin, cooking at home is often the least stressful option. Big Bear has only two grocery stores, and shelves are frequently cleared out during holiday weekends. Long checkout lines are common — especially if you’re shopping last minute.

Bringing food with you or planning meals in advance can save hours of waiting.

Food Delivery, Rideshares & Getting Around Town

Delivery apps and rideshares technically operate in Big Bear Lake, but expectations should be realistic — especially on New Year’s Eve.

• Food delivery often experiences long delays or pauses
• Restaurants may stop accepting delivery orders entirely
• Uber and Lyft drivers are extremely limited

If you manage to get a rideshare, you’re one of the lucky few.

The most reliable ways to get around:

• Walking
• Biking (weather permitting)
• Using the local trolley system

Big Bear Lake is a small mountain town, and transportation options are limited during peak holidays.

No Fireworks on New Year’s Eve

This is one of the most common questions we hear.

There are no fireworks on New Year’s Eve in Big Bear Lake due to fire safety and forest regulations. The torchlight parade is the primary nighttime celebration.

Winter Activities Still Available

Even with limited natural snow, winter activities are still happening:

• Skiing and snowboarding at Snow Summit, including night sessions
• Sledding in designated areas and nearby National Forest locations
• Scenic winter walks around the lake and trails
• If snow play is part of your plan, it helps to know where sledding is actually allowed, which areas are free, and what conditions to expect before heading out.
  

Final Local Tips for New Year’s Eve in Big Bear Lake

• Arrive earlier than you think you need to
• Don’t rely on rideshares or last-minute delivery
• Plan groceries and meals ahead of time
• Dress warmly near the lake — it gets colder than you expect
• Choose viewing spots that allow for an easy exit

New Year’s Eve in Big Bear Lake can be memorable and beautiful — if you plan for the reality, not the brochure version.

Final Tips From Locals

• Bring chains even if you think you won’t use them.
• Practice installing them at home in daylight.
• Keep gloves, a towel, and a headlamp in your car.
• Don’t rely on chain installers to be there.
• Don’t stop randomly to put chains on — wait for the checkpoint.
• Start early to avoid the worst traffic.
• Always re-check conditions before leaving Big Bear.