Bakersfield CALM Zoo Holiday Lights!

November 30, 2024-January 4, 2025, 5:30 p.m. Closes 10 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays; 9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays
Closed December 25

10500  Alfred Harrell Highway
Bakersfield,  CA 
$18, $12 child, Jingle Terrace Live December 8-23, 2023

Enjoy the 21st annual HolidayLights at CALM, a Kern County tradition!  During the pandemic the event switched to drive-thru but now is back as the walk-through holiday experience that people enjoy most.

7 acres of paths
3 million lights
200+ displays
4 shows choreographed to music
1 interactive display
1,260 volunteers, 40 per evening
50,000+ annual visitors

Josh Barnett Lightasmic (lightasmic.com) did his first show at age 8. He produces the annual CALM Holiday Lights event, usually beginning light installation in August or September.

The annual event at California Living Museum features a holiday lights extravaganza among all native-Kern County plants and trees.  John Barnett's Lightasmic is a lighting effects company producing professional lights displays for theme parks, zoos, resorts and custom festivals and events. This assures a professional appearance making your visit to this holiday, ticketed lights festival a warm and welcoming experience to delight the family.

• Light shows are held with music, providing a magical, entertaining celebration with lots to see, do and taste
• Santa is available for pictures
• Candy Cane Express train 
• Food & snacks sold by teen program partner, Teen Challenge
• Museum store is also open for souvenir shopping  
• Christmas Trees on site this year!

HolidayLights at CALM is back. Last year, some 60,000 people marveled at 2-3 million lights and more than 65 displays.   

The show, presented by CALM and the CALM Foundation, will add new displays (including an interactive display), however, crowd-pleaser such as the elephant herd, are expected to return. Winter Wonderland, Dinosaurs and the California Wildlife display are returning crowd pleasers. Food service is provided by community organizations featuring new, expanded menus and possibly those fantastic apple dumplings! You are also welcome to bring your own treats and picnic among the lights.

This event is much more than lights! Look for the Candy Cane Express to be chugging along the railroad tracks. The 40-foot Merry-Go-Round may also be return for young and old to ride. Gift Store features nature-related merchandise that has something for everyone including holiday items. The success of this event is made possible through the dedicated work of the HolidayLights committee and the outpouring of volunteer effort from this community.

Bakersfield enjoys a rich heritage and many traditions celebrated in the city, with some sponsored by the municipality such as the Easter Egg Hunt and annual Halloween

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.