Lake Arrowhead in December
December is when Lake Arrowhead's winter usually starts: the first big storms tend to arrive this month, but snow is never guaranteed. Big Bear Mountain Resort, which runs Snow Valley, says November 21 is the earliest it may open and that it isn't a confirmed date. Santa's Village is in its holiday season, the Forest Service campgrounds are closed, and the sun sets around 4:40pm. Carry chains: storms bring chain control.
The facts
- Season
- First big storms usually arrive in December; snow varies year to year
- Check before you go
- The forecast, roads.dot.ca.gov for chain control, and each venue's site for opening status
- Drive from Lake Arrowhead
- ~1.5–2 hrs from LA/OC; much longer in an active storm
Getting there
Get directions →Will there be snow?
Often, but plan for either. Lake Arrowhead Village sits around 5,200 feet. December is when the first big storms usually arrive, but some years stay dry through the holidays. Snow here is storm-driven, so watch the forecast and aim for a day or two after a storm, when there's fresh snow and the roads have been cleared. The month-by-month pattern is in Lake Arrowhead in the snow.
Skiing, tubing and snow play
Snow Valley: Big Bear Mountain Resort says November 21, 2026 is the earliest date its resorts may open for the 2026–27 season. It is not a confirmed opening date, and the resort says it most likely won't know until around mid-November, when it can turn on snowmaking. See the Snow Valley guide.
Tubing: tubing and snow-play tickets at Snow Valley's Coyote Creek Tube Park go on sale November 2, 2026. Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park hasn't posted a 2026–27 opening; when it runs, it's cash only. Both are compared in the snow play guide.
Sledding without a park ticket: the Forest Service's snow-play areas along Highway 18 list no fee except an Adventure Pass to park when there's snow. See free sledding near Lake Arrowhead.
What's open and what's closed
Santa's Village in Skyforest is in its holiday season. In December it opens Thursday through Sunday until December 19, then every day from December 20 to 31 except Christmas Day. Details are in Christmas in Lake Arrowhead.
The Lake Arrowhead Queen boat tour runs its winter schedule (Labor Day weekend to Memorial Day weekend), with departures at 11am, 12:30, 2 and 3:30pm. Call (909) 336-6992 to confirm a specific date. See the Arrowhead Queen guide.
Camping: Recreation.gov calendars checked October 19 showed the last 2026 nights at all three Forest Service campgrounds near the lake falling in October (Dogwood's on October 24), so none are open in December; they reopen in spring. See camping near Lake Arrowhead. A cabin is the usual winter stay; see where to stay.
Short days
December has the shortest days of the year. NOAA's solar tables for Lake Arrowhead give sunset at 4:39pm on December 1, 4:43pm on December 21 and 4:49pm on December 31, with sunrise between 6:37 and 6:55am. Plan snow play and hikes for the middle of the day, and leave time to get down the mountain before dark.
Parking and traffic
Big Bear Mountain Resort's paid parking dates in December 2026 are December 4–6 and 11–31. On those dates, buy a Snow Valley parking ticket online at least 24 hours ahead; without one you're denied parking, because Snow Valley has no offsite lots. The Snow Valley parking guide has the details.
Storm weekends bring the heaviest traffic. Most chain controls are R2: chains are required on every vehicle except 4WD or AWD with snow tires on all four wheels, and those vehicles must still carry chains. Check roads.dot.ca.gov before you leave and read the chains & road conditions guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does it snow in Lake Arrowhead in December?
Often. December is when the first big storms usually arrive, but some years stay dry through the holidays, so watch the forecast before your trip.
Is Snow Valley open in December?
It depends on the weather. Big Bear Mountain Resort says November 21, 2026 is the earliest it may open for the 2026–27 season, and that date is not confirmed.
What time does it get dark in Lake Arrowhead in December?
Early. NOAA's tables give sunset between 4:39pm and 4:49pm through December, so plan to drive down before dark.
Can you camp near Lake Arrowhead in December?
Not at the three Forest Service campgrounds near the lake; they're closed until spring. Most winter visitors rent a cabin.
Do I need chains to drive to Lake Arrowhead in December?
During and after storms, often yes. Under R2 chain control, every vehicle needs chains except 4WD or AWD with snow tires on all four wheels, and those must still carry them. Check roads.dot.ca.gov before you leave.
Facts on this page last verified October 20, 2026. Fees, hours, and access rules change seasonally — confirm with the official source before a long drive.