the holidays

at Bear Lake Reserve

Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the mountains and the spirit of the holiday season with a variety of activities, events, and adventures for all ages to enjoy.

’tis the season for celebration

From Christmas crafting and community gatherings to our New Year’s celebration and annual Polar Plunge, it’s sure to be an unforgettable holiday season at Bear Lake Reserve. Check out our plans below as we prepare to end an incredible 2024 on a high note!

tuesday, december 30th

Birdhouse Workshop
Winter Birdhouse Workshop

Time: 1PM-2PM 
Location: Downstairs Lakeclub

Join us at the Lake Club from 1PM-2PM for a Winter Birdhouse Workshop. With help from our Activities team, you’ll have everything you need to build and decorate your own birdhouse – perfect for giving our backyard birds extra shelter during the cold winter months. All supplies are provided; just bring your creativity and enjoy a relaxing, hands-on afternoon.

Cozy Camp-In Cinema

Time: 5PM-7PM
Location: Downstairs Lake Club

Wind down the kiddos with a snug night at our Cozy Camp-In Cinema. We’ll transform the downstairs into an indoor campsite with tents and a comfy camp-in vibe while we watch Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl

Popcorn, snacks, and water will be provided – just bring your cozies pjs, blankets, favorite stuffed pals and settle in for a fun, family-friendly movie night at Bear Lake Reserve. 

wednesday, december 31st

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Kids New Years Eve Pajama Party

Time: 7PM-10PM 
Location: Downstairs Lakeclub

Join us for a cozy Kids New Year’s Eve Pajama Party from 7-10PM on New Year’s Eve. Kids are invited to wear their favorite PJs and enjoy a supervised, activity-filled evening featuring a snack bar, sparkling juice, and plenty of fun.

  • Board games and craft stations
  • Nintendo Switch Tournaments
  • A kid-friendly movie throughout

At 10PM, kids will head upstairs to reunite with parents to watch the ball drop together, wrapping up the night with a family countdown to the New Year.

Fire & Ice New Year’s Eve Celebration

Time: 7PM-12AM
Location: Lake Club

Ring in 2026 in style at our Fire & Ice New Year’s Eve Celebration! The Lake Club will be transformed with striking fire and ice décor, creating a festive and elegant atmosphere across all rooms.

Cocktail Hour & Raw Bar | 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Kick off the evening in the Taproom with a raw bar featuring oysters on the half shell, shrimp cocktail, and an array of passed hors d’oeuvres. Be sure to enjoy James’ specialty cocktail poured through the 2026 New Year Ice Sculpture Luge for good luck as we ring in the new year!

Dinner | 7:00 – 8:30 PM (by reservation only)

Sit down to a semi-set menu with fresh, seasonal choices:

  • Choice of Starters:
    • Roasted Red Pepper Soup w/ Creme Fraiche Drizzle
    • Salad Nicoise
  • Choice of Entrees:
    • Roasted Sliced Herb-Crusted Prime Rib of Beef with Au Jus, Horseradish Cream, Parmesan Escalloped Potatoes & Brussels Sprouts
    • Wasabi-Crusted Chilean Sea Bass with Zesty Rice & Brussels Sprouts
    • Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage Sauce, Grated Parmesan & Crushed Walnuts (optional protein add-on)

Dessert & Celebration | 8:00 PM – Midnight

Return to the Taproom for a decadent dessert buffet, consisting of bite sized sweet treats!

Entertainment & Festivities

  • DJ Charlie spins from 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Early Bird Balloon Drop with champagne toast at 10:00 PM for those that like to celebrate an Early Mountain Midnight
  • Midnight countdown and champagne toast to welcome 2026

Pricing

  • $130 per couple + tax & tip
  • $70 per individual + tax & tip
  • 50% non-refundable deposit required

RENTAL GUESTS, PLEASE CALL THE LAKE CLUB AT 828-293-7414 FOR GUEST PRICING

Celebrate the New Year with an unforgettable night of elegance, flavor, and fun at the Lake Club!

thursday, january 1st

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Good Luck Lunch

Time: 11AM-1PM
Location: Lake Club

Start the New Year on a delicious and tradition-filled note at our Good Luck Lunch! Join us for a comforting, thoughtfully curated menu inspired by classic New Year’s Day favorites—each dish symbolizing prosperity, health, and good fortune for the year ahead.

Menu Highlights Include:
Lentil Soup
House-Made Cornbread
Seasoned White Rice
Black-Eyed Peas
Collard Greens
Pork & Sauerkraut
Mashed Potatoes
Fruit Salad
Maple Miso Smoked Salmon

Gather with friends and neighbors, enjoy a relaxed midday meal, and toast to a happy and prosperous 2026.

Price: Owner: $25++ per person | Guest: $35++ per person

Bear Lake Annual Polar Plunge

Time: 1PM-1:30PM
Location: Beach

There’s no better way to start off 2026 than with a refreshing plunge in Bear Creek Lake! Be a part of one of our community’s greatest traditions as we jump in the lake.

BLR Dining web
BLR Dining web
BLR Dining web

dining at bear lake reserve.

Our menus feature a variety of tantalizing appetizers, savory entrees, and decadent desserts for all tastes and preferences. Our beverage menu also features a hand-picked selection of fine wines, thoughtfully crafted cocktails, and a wide selection of local and imported beers.

Make reservations at the Lake Club and treat yourself to a taste of the mountains.