New Year's Eve Torchlight Parade at Snow Summit

The New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade at Snow Summit turns Big Bear Lake’s night sky into a glowing spectacle on December 31, 2026, as skiers and snowboarders descend the main slope carrying flaming torches from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This is one of Big Bear’s most photogenic traditions: a line of flickering lights snaking down the mountain while spectators watch from the base lodge and surrounding village. The parade is free to watch, drawing hundreds of families and couples who bundle up in the cold to witness the glowing procession before heading to dinner or private celebrations. Snow Summit sits on the south side of Big Bear Lake, just minutes from the Village, making it easy to combine the parade with a festive night out.

Arrive by 6:30 PM to claim a good viewing spot near the base lodge or along the outdoor deck, where you’ll have unobstructed sightlines up the slope. The parade typically starts at the summit around 7:00 PM, with skiers making a synchronized descent that takes 15-20 minutes from top to bottom. December 31st temperatures at Big Bear hover in the low 20s after sunset, so dress in heavy winter layers, insulated boots, and bring hand warmers to stay comfortable while standing outside. The event is family-friendly, and kids love the drama of the torches against the dark mountainside. If Snow Summit has good snow coverage, you can ski or ride during the day before the parade begins, though lift operations usually close by 4:00 PM on New Year’s Eve to prep for the evening event.

Parking at Snow Summit fills early on holiday nights, so consider walking from nearby accommodations or using rideshare services to avoid the hassle. After the parade ends around 9:00 PM, head to Big Bear Village for dinner reservations you’ve hopefully made weeks in advance. Locals love The Peppercorn Grille (founded 1996) for upscale Italian and steaks, or try Maggio’s Pizza & Pasta (founded 1989) for a more casual, family-friendly vibe. Both offer New Year’s Eve specials and stay open late for the holiday. If you’re looking for a livelier scene, check out the bars along Big Bear Boulevard, where you’ll find live music, champagne toasts at midnight, and plenty of fellow revelers ringing in the new year.

For lodging, book cabins or condos on the South Shore near Snow Summit on Lake.com, giving you a short walk or drive to the parade and easy access to skiing if you’re staying multiple days. The torchlight parade is weather-dependent: heavy winds or poor visibility can cancel it, so check Snow Summit’s website or social media the day of the event for confirmation. If the parade is scrubbed, the resort usually offers indoor festivities at the base lodge, or you can pivot to a quiet lakeside dinner with firework views over the water at midnight. Either way, Big Bear on New Year’s Eve brings mountain magic, whether you’re watching skiers glow down the slopes or toasting the year by a crackling fire.