December is always a magical time in Big Bear. We expect to see some snow, but its been cold enough that Bear Mountain and Snow Summit have both been making snow, so the skiers have good machine groomed conditions. There’s also plenty to keep you busy off the slopes as well.
Fans of live theater will want to get tickets to the final weekend of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat.” It closes this weekend, so be sure to check if tickets are still available. Call the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center at (909) 866-4970.
Christmas in Big Bear Village a real wonderland. Santa and Mrs. Claus can be found here each weekend through December 24th, so bring the kids and their lists down for Santa to review. Village merchants get in the spirit as well with lots of colorful decorations and some great ideas for gifts and unique creations by local artisans.
While Big Bear’s population tends to swell during the winter, it’s also a favorite cold-weather destination for bald eagles. This creates a unique opportunity for volunteers to join with the Forest Service to conduct the annual Bald Eagle count. Volunteers are needed to help count the majestic birds who arrive in Big Bear each year. The Forest Service will provide a brief orientation and point you to a vantage point to watch for these amazing birds. Get more details at this link: http://mountainsfoundation.org/events/2016/11/21/bald-eagle-celebration
We can think of no better way to get into the true spirit of Christmas than to participate in the 2nd annual Messiah singalong at the Big Bear Performing Arts Center. This is a time to join hands and hearts and rejoice over the real meaning of the season. And sing along with a great orchestra and choir in the process. It’s certain to be an absolutely heavenly experience. There are two performances on December 17th at 2pm and 7pm. Seating is limited, so be sure to purchase your tickets in advance at this link.
While we love spending time each December in Big Bear, we have some other great destinations to choose from as well. Check out all our Big Bear vacation rentals at this link, and if you’re in the mood for a getaway elsewhere check out our vacation rentals in Nuevo Vallarta, Mammoth Mountain, Park City, Southern California Beaches, and La Quinta. No matter what city you are visiting, staying in a Five Star Vacation Rental property allows you to experience the absolute best in luxury accommodations. We would be glad to help you plan your getaway to Big Bear or elsewhere, so if you would like more information, you can reach out to us by calling 310-780-3411.
Big Bear is a year-round destination, but winter is when the fun gets hip deep. Literally. And we’re just one short week away from the start of ski season. There’s no better way to work off your Thanksgiving dinner than spending Friday on the slopes. You’ll have to hurry, though. Last we checked, we only had a couple of vacation rental cabins in Big Bear still available for the holiday weekend. You can search for available properties at this link: 
Oktoberfest makes its annual “why-wait-for-October?” arrival on September 10th this year. Feel free to call it “Septemberfest” if you must. The fun will the same regardless. It runs weekends until the end of October.
September 10th will see the arrival of the hugely popular Young Eagles program at the Big Bear airport. This event is intended to acquaint kids with the thrill of civilian aviation. Aimed at kids ages 8-17, it offers many their first free flight in a private airplane. The pilots will spend time with participants explaining the different parts of the aircraft to teach them the basics of flight and how the planes work. The free flight that follows is the essence of excitement. This is something every parent should do for their kids. And it’s free. This takes place on the second Saturday of each month through September. More info on their website: 
Where do you go when you want an exotic beach getaway that’s close to home…but not too close? It isn’t a trick question, and yes, such a place exists. The cool sandy beaches of Mexico’s Nuevo Vallarta may be exactly what you’re looking for. With flight times out of LAX averaging three hours, it’s clear why this locale is such a popular pick for luxurious yet accessible vacations. The beach boasts warm, white sand contrasted by clear blue water and the lush greenery that covers the ground.
When your family decides to plan a vacation getaway, what are the most important elements? It varies a bit from family to family, but there are some common features that pretty much every family wants. In this week’s blog, we’re featuring our Big Bear vacation rental, “
The last gasps of summer are echoing around our homes. They take the form of rushed mornings, conflicting schedules, and the recognition that life would be simpler if we had a fleet of cars with drivers for the little ones. If school hasn’t already started back up for your family, it soon will. Even if you had a family vacation over the summer, Labor Day is a great way to have one last hurrah before fully settling in with the new schedule when school gets in full swing.
The Busy Bears Annual Quilt Show at Big Bear Middle School in on September 6th this year from 10am to 5pm. This annual event showcases some of the most amazing and creative works of stitchery you’ll find anywhere. It’s a great opportunity to see this centuries-old craft close up, and many of the quilts are on sale with proceeds benefiting local Big Bear charities. It’s a unique opportunity to walk away with an instant family heirloom lovingly crafted by a local artisan. There’s a $5 admission fee to benefit the charities. Visit their website for more info: 
Sometimes unlocking the mysteries of life is as simple as taking a closer look at everyday items around us. We look at trees, and we see metaphors for strength through strong roots. Many flowers rise early, follow the light all day, and gently close each night. Even our computer keyboards can offer insights.
In the lower left and right corners of most keyboards is the “Ctrl” key, which stands for “Control.” This is one of the best things about a Five Star Vacation Rental. Unlike subjecting yourself to the confinement of a hotel, with our vacation rentals, you’re in control. Feel like eating something in the middle of the night? No problem. All our units come with full kitchens. Just stock them up with your favorites upon your arrival, and you can pull on your robe and slippers for a midnight snack whenever you wish. Try doing that at a hotel. Want to bring along the kids, but still have some privacy for the adults? Give the kids their own bedroom just down the hall, without the bother of strangers walking just outside in the hallway. Many of our properties have full decks with barbecues as well. Try grilling a couple of steaks in your room at the hotel, and you’ll soon be facing the wrath of the local fire department.
We are constantly amazed at the amount of effort that goes into creating a true work of luxurious craftsmanship. Things that come easy are seldom great, and great things never come easy. Our cabins and estates are a prime example of this adage. Take a look at our newest property for a great example.
This estate cabin boasts 5 bedrooms, 5-1/2 baths, and three fireplaces spread over a sprawling 5500 square foot floorplan. The huge master suite upstairs is furnished with a king size bed and has its own fireplace. It’s a lakefront property as well, so you can wander out on the back deck and enjoy views of the lake spread out in front of you. Two additional bedrooms are outfitted with private baths, so this is an ideal destination for larger groups or multiple families.
You can view all of our Big Bear vacation rentals at 
Living in Southern California has a lot of amazing benefits, but even with our moderate temperatures, the summers can feel a bit extreme at times. And the constant discussions about the drought only serve to make the warm weather feel even hotter. Well, we’ve got a great solution for you. Getaway to Big Bear, and leave behind worries about the heat and the drought. We’ve got plenty of water, and our temperatures are always milder than down the hill. Here are a couple of great options:
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Want to enjoy an even larger “pool?” Our “Grand Lakefront in Big Bear,” 