The Christmas season is one of the most magical times of the year in the mountains. Where better to get into the Christmas spirit than at Big Bear’s Christkindlmarkt? Enjoy Christmas shopping, decorating your own Gingerbread cookie, and dancing the night away with one of So Cal’s best German bands.
This year, Christkindlmarkt has added more fun for the family including “build your own Hot Cocoa”, “decorate a Christmas Cookie,” “make a holiday ornament”, and winter games. Contests include the popular Gift Wrapping, Christmas Steinholding, and Holiday Log Sawing. The Markt will once again feature the Die Sauerkrauts, one of Oktoberfest fans’ favorite bands. Die Sauerkrauts play not only a huge variety of German music, but also classic rock hits. Big Bear’s “2022 Carnegie Kids and the Unaccompanied Minors” will join the event on Saturday with a holiday blast of Christmas caroling.
The popular “Wishing Tree” will return where guests place their Christmas wish in a clear ornament and hang it on the “Wishing Tree.” Each evening the Wishing Tree is lit up displaying the ornaments! Visitors will also enjoy photo ops with the Christkindl, the German equivalent of Santa Claus. Of course, St. Nicholas will also be on hand.
Tasty German fare includes Grilled Bratwurst, Curry Wurst, the infamous Brat Burger, and German Pancakes. German libations include homemade Gluhwein and hot Apple Cider. A full service bar will be available as well. In house restaurant Wyatt’s Grill & Saloon will also offer American favorites including burgers, flatbreads, chili, and street tacos.
The Big Bear Christkindlmarkt takes place on Friday and Saturday, December 16 and 17. Admission and memories are FREE. Gates open on Friday at 4:00 p.m. and the fun continues through 10:00 p.m. On Saturday, gates are open from 2:00 p.m. through 10:00 p.m. This is a rain, snow, or shine event featuring both indoor and outdoor activities. The Christkindlmarkt is located at the Convention Center at Big Bear Lake at 42900 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA. For complete details and schedule of events, log onto www.bigbearevents.com or call (909) 585-3000.