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If you’re looking for something a little different to do this holiday season, something that’s fun, family-friendly, and supports a great cause, we’d love to welcome you to our accredited sanctuary in Alpine, California. At Lions Tigers & Bears, this is a very special time of the year, and our two holiday events bring together everything we care about most: animals, community, and connection.

Every November and December, we host two of our most anticipated celebrations:

• Our Thanksgiving Turkey Bash, and
• Christmas with the Animals fundraiser

Both make spending the holidays at San Diego’s only fully accredited exotic animal sanctuary such a unique experience. You’ll get to see wild animals up close, learn their stories, and help raise vital funds for their care, all while creating lasting memories with your loved ones.

Thanksgiving Turkey Bash

Our Thanksgiving for families event takes place the weekend after Thanksgiving (Friday and Saturday, November 28th and 29th, starting at 10 a.m.). The Thanksgiving Turkey Bash gives visitors a rare look at how our big cats and bears enjoy their very own Thanksgiving feast.

The event offers a rare look at how our big cats and bears enjoy their very own Thanksgiving feast. It’s a day filled with energy and curiosity as visitors gather to watch the animals receive a well-deserved treat. They also learn more about the animals’ backgrounds and how far they’ve come since arriving at our accredited sanctuary.

If you’re looking for a new holiday tradition that brings family, nature, and wildlife together, this event is a perfect fit. You’ll join other animal lovers for a guided educational visit that begins at 10 a.m., where you’ll see the sanctuary in action and experience the joy of giving back to one of San Diego’s most trusted animal charities.

During the tour, you’ll see the sanctuary up close and watch the animals dig into their special Thanksgiving meal, a highlight that always brings smiles (and plenty of happy roars).

Tickets start at $30 for adult members and $15 for children (12 and under). For non-members, it’s $60 per adult and $35 per child. If you’d like to make the day even more memorable, you can Feed with a Keeper (a limited opportunity for guests aged 18 and older to assist a keeper to deliver part of the feast to a big cat or bear). The cost is $130 for members or $160 for non-members, and spots do fill-up quickly.

Christmas with the Animals

As December rolls around, we keep the holiday spirit alive with our exotic animal sanctuary fundraiser which this year falls on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

This event brings a warm, festive atmosphere to the sanctuary, with holiday lights, cheerful music, and plenty of activities for families. As a guest, you’ll get an opportunity to see our resident animals unwrap their Christmas presents between 3 and 4 p.m. The gifts are a mix of treats, scents, or toys that help stimulate their instincts and keep them engaged.

Throughout the evening, you can explore our Festival of Lights, grab a drink from the full bar, enjoy hot cocoa by the fire, and listen to Christmas music while taking in the peaceful surroundings of the San Diego countryside. We’ll also have a delicious food truck on-site, raffle prizes, and a special visit from Santa Claus himself, making this one of the most memorable Christmas events for kids in the San Diego area.

Tickets are available for both members and non-members:

• Members: $30 per adult (13+), $15 per child (3–12)
• Non-members: $50 per adult, $20 per child
• Guests 18 and older can add the Feed with a Keeper experience for $130 (members) or $150 (non-members).

This holiday event is an unforgettable experience that captures the true meaning of the season.

Why We Celebrate

At Lions Tigers & Bears, every celebration has meaning. The holiday season is our way of sharing that meaning with you.

Events like the Thanksgiving Turkey Bash and Christmas with the Animals bring people and rescued wildlife together in a way that few holiday events for kids in San Diego can. They let you see what sanctuary life is really about. You witness the care, the dedication, and the love that go into giving these animals a safe, and peaceful forever home.

Your visit, ticket, or even the smallest donation helps us raise funds that are necessary for animal welfare and sanctuary upkeep. It provides food, shelter, and medical care for animals who once faced uncertain futures. Each guest, family, and volunteer who joins us helps us support a great cause that changes lives every single day.

When we gather for the holidays, we celebrate the season and second chances as well. Every happy roar, every paw print in the dirt, and every moment shared with our animals is a reminder of what your generous donations make possible.

At Lions Tigers & Bears, the holiday season is all about connection and giving back to the rescue animals who depend on us. The experience is made so much better by bring your family and friends, and sharing that joy with the people you love.

Make This Holiday Season Meaningful and Unforgettable

If you are planning how to spend the holidays with your loved ones, consider joining us for one or both of these special events. The Thanksgiving Turkey Bash and Christmas with the Animals offer a chance to escape the season's rush and experience something that truly matters.

Even if you cannot attend in person, there are still plenty of ways to help. Giving Tuesday is the perfect time to donate, sponsor one of our rescued animals, or send a gift from our wishlist. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, helps us continue our mission of rescue, education, and lifelong care.

Start a New Holiday Tradition

This year, trade the city's noise for the calm of the countryside. Bring your family, friends, or someone special to Lions Tigers & Bears, and spend a day surrounded by nature and wildlife. These San Diego holiday events for kids and families are designed to bring people together and remind us what the season is all about.

Tickets for both events are limited and tend to sell out early, so it’s best to buy tickets today to ensure you do not miss out. You can join us at 24402 Martin Way, Alpine, CA 91901, and be part of something truly special.

• Get Tickets for the Thanksgiving Turkey Bash
• Get Tickets for Christmas with the Animals

From all of us at Lions Tigers & Bears, thank you for being part of our community and helping us make the holidays brighter for the animals and everyone who loves them.