Celebrate Christmas With the Animals at Lions Tigers & Bears

Lions Tigers & Bears is hosting its annual Christmas with the Animals Fundraiser at the Alpine sanctuary, and if you’ve been looking for a holiday event that’s genuinely unique, watching 60 rescued exotic and domestic animals open their special holiday presents delivers something you won’t find anywhere else.

The celebration includes the sparkling Festival of Lights, raffles, holiday tunes, a visit from Santa, food trucks, hot chocolate, and seasonal goodies.

What Makes This Special

The main attraction is watching the rescued animals open their holiday presents. These are big cats, bears, and other animals that have been rescued from abuse, neglect, or abandonment, and seeing them interact with enrichment gifts creates moments that are both heartwarming and educational.

It’s not just cute – it’s meaningful, because you’re celebrating with animals that got a second chance at life.

The Festival of Lights adds atmosphere throughout the 142-acre sanctuary in Alpine, and the fresh winter air makes the evening feel properly seasonal. Combined with holiday tunes and Santa’s visit, you’re getting full festive vibes in a setting that most people never experience.

Food, Raffles, and Community

Food trucks, classic hot chocolate, and seasonal goodies keep everyone fed throughout the evening.

The raffles add an element of fun while supporting the sanctuary’s mission of rescue, rehabilitation, and lifelong care for animals. When you attend this fundraiser, you’re directly contributing to the ongoing operations that make Lions Tigers & Bears possible.

The event brings together kindness, community, and the spirit of the season in a way that feels authentic rather than manufactured. This is Southern California’s only accredited big cat and bear sanctuary, and their Christmas celebration reflects the care they put into everything they do.

See you there!

Reserve your spot, head to Alpine, and celebrate Christmas with rescued animals in a setting you won’t find anywhere else in San Diego.

📆 Saturday, December 13, 2:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 24402 Martin Way, Alpine
🎟️ Reserve your spot here
ℹ️ More info here

See you there, San Diego!

Event Map

The Latest

Glide into Halloween With a Haunting in Venice Cruise

Spooky season is creeping into Coronado Cays, and The Gondola Company is marking the occasion with A Haunting in Venice Cruises. Inspired by the eerie...

Taste Six Wines and Three Courses at Blank Slate’s Expert-Led Pairing Dinner

There are dinners, and then there are dinners where someone explains exactly why that glass of wine is making everything taste better. The Wine and...

Kaloust Guedel‘s Where Time Bends Softly

See Kaloust Guedel Bend Time at Oceanside Museum of Art

Experience the unique visual language in Kaloust Guedel's Exhibition at Oceanside Museum of Art, where history meets the present.

Twinkling lights and décor at Lala's Pink Themed Christmas

Step into Lala-Land’s Pink Christmas Wonderland

Little Italy is getting a serious dose of holiday cheer, thanks to the return of Lala-Land. Starting at the end of November, Lala transforms into...

Taste the Art at OMA’s Dinner Experience at 24 Suns

Oceanside Museum of Art is teaming up with 24 Suns for a dinner experience unlike anything else on the calendar, inspired by artist David Adey’s...

A festive street scene during Trick-or-Treat on India Street

Trick-or-Treat Your Way Through Little Italy

Get ready for a spooktacular evening in Little Italy as one of the neighborhood’s favorite traditions returns: Trick-or-Treat on India Street. Little ghouls, goblins, witches,...