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!