Experience the magic of the holiday season in Bakersfield, CA, where festive events and community gatherings create an unforgettable atmosphere for locals and visitors alike. Delight in the dazzling Christmas Town at CALM, where over 3 million LED lights illuminate the night sky. Enjoy the spectacle of the Bakersfield Christmas Parade, which fills downtown with twinkling floats and festive melodies.
Immerse yourself in the rustic charm of Holidays at Murray Family Farms, featuring tree-cutting, hayrides, and delicious seasonal treats. Whether you are looking to marvel at lights, enjoy a spirited parade, or savor some country holiday fun, Bakersfield offers a warm and welcoming holiday experience.
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The Top Christmas Events in Bakersfield
- Christmas Town at CALM
- Bakersfield Christmas Parade
- Holidays at Murray Family Farms
- Bakersfield Holiday Lights at CALM
- Bakersfield Nutcracker Ballet
- Kern County Museum Christmas Experience
- Bakersfield Christmas Town Express
- Holiday Gift Boutique
- Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert
- Christmas at The Marketplace
Bakersfield Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Town at CALM
What to Expect:
Over 3 million LED lights synchronized to holiday music
Description:
Bakersfield's California Living Museum transforms into a dazzling spectacle each winter. Over 3 million LED lights illuminate the night, synchronized to beloved holiday tunes. Visitors can ride the colorful carousel, a cherished tradition since the event's inception in 2002. The display showcases local wildlife habitats, blending education with holiday cheer. As you stroll through the glowing pathways, the crisp winter air carries the scent of pine, reminding you of the natural beauty CALM preserves year-round.
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Bakersfield Holiday Lights at CALM
What to Expect:
Wildlife-themed light displays integrated with zoo exhibits
Description:
CALM's holiday lights event seamlessly blends wildlife education with seasonal cheer. Illuminated animal sculptures guide visitors through the zoo's pathways, creating a unique after-dark experience. Guests can observe nocturnal animals in their habitats, adding an educational twist to the light display. The event features a towering Christmas tree adorned with ornaments representing endangered species, highlighting CALM's conservation efforts. As you explore, the soft hoots of the zoo's resident owls provide a natural soundtrack to the evening. This event has been enlightening visitors about local ecosystems since its inception in the early 2000s.
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Bakersfield Holiday Lights at CALM
Bakersfield Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Gift Boutique
What to Expect:
Showcases locally made artisanal gifts and crafts
Description:
Bakersfield's Holiday Gift Boutique shines a spotlight on the city's vibrant artisan community. This curated market features an array of unique, locally crafted gifts, from hand-blown glass ornaments to small-batch gourmet treats. Shoppers can watch live demonstrations by skilled craftspeople, gaining insight into traditional and modern techniques. The air is filled with the aroma of freshly baked goods from local bakeries. This event, which began as a small craft fair in the 1980s, has grown into a significant platform for Bakersfield's creative entrepreneurs, supporting the local economy during the holiday season.
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Bakersfield Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Bakersfield Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Locally produced with a cast of Bakersfield dancers
Description:
The Bakersfield Nutcracker Ballet brings Tchaikovsky's timeless masterpiece to life with a distinctly local flair. Featuring a cast of talented Bakersfield dancers, this production showcases the city's thriving arts community. The performance incorporates unique set designs inspired by Bakersfield landmarks, creating a familiar yet fantastical backdrop for the classic tale. Audience members are treated to the graceful movements of the dancers, accompanied by the rich sounds of a live orchestra. This annual tradition has been nurturing local talent and captivating audiences since its first Bakersfield performance in 1962.
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Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert
What to Expect:
Combines classical holiday music with contemporary local compositions
Description:
The Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Concert elevates the season with a harmonious blend of traditional favorites and innovative local compositions. This musical celebration features the full symphony performing beloved classical pieces alongside new works by Bakersfield composers, creating a unique auditory experience. The concert often includes collaborations with local choirs and guest soloists, showcasing the depth of Bakersfield's musical talent. Audience members are treated to the rich, resonant tones of the orchestra filling the concert hall. This annual event, a staple of Bakersfield's cultural calendar since the 1950s, continues to evolve while honoring musical traditions.
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Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert
Bakersfield Other Holiday Activities
Bakersfield Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
One of the largest nighttime parades in California
Description:
Bakersfield's streets come alive with the glow of twinkling floats during this annual nighttime spectacle. As one of California's largest evening parades, it draws thousands of spectators to downtown. Marching bands fill the air with festive melodies, while elaborately decorated floats showcase local creativity. You can wave to Santa as he makes his grand appearance at the parade's finale. This tradition, dating back to 1983, has become a cornerstone of Bakersfield's holiday celebrations, uniting the community in a display of civic pride and seasonal joy.
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Holidays at Murray Family Farms
What to Expect:
U-pick Christmas trees and holiday-themed farm activities
Description:
Murray Family Farms bursts with holiday spirit, offering a unique blend of agricultural tradition and seasonal fun. Visitors can select and cut their own Christmas trees, a time-honored practice that connects families to the land. The farm buzzes with activity, from hayrides through festively decorated orchards to cookie decorating workshops using farm-fresh ingredients. Children delight in feeding winter-resident farm animals, while adults savor hot apple cider pressed on-site. This working farm has been a Bakersfield staple since 1989, providing a taste of rural charm during the holiday season.
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Holidays at Murray Family Farms
Kern County Museum Christmas Experience
What to Expect:
Historical reenactments of Christmas celebrations from different eras
Description:
The Kern County Museum Christmas Experience transports visitors through time, offering a glimpse into holiday celebrations of bygone eras. Costumed interpreters bring history to life, demonstrating Christmas traditions from various periods in Kern County's past. Guests can participate in hands-on activities like making Victorian-era ornaments or learning about pioneer holiday cooking techniques. The museum's historic buildings are adorned with period-appropriate decorations, creating an immersive journey through local Christmas history. This event, which began in the 1990s, has become a cherished way for Bakersfield residents to connect with their heritage during the holiday season.
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Kern County Museum Christmas Experience
Bakersfield Christmas Town Express
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed train ride through illuminated countryside
Description:
The Bakersfield Christmas Town Express offers a unique holiday adventure on the rails. Passengers embark on a journey through the illuminated countryside, passing by twinkling light displays and festive scenes. The vintage train cars are decked out in holiday finery, creating a cozy atmosphere for the ride. During the trip, you can join in singing carols led by costumed performers. This event pays homage to Bakersfield's rich railroad history, which played a crucial role in the city's development. The express has been delighting riders of all ages since its inaugural run in 2015.
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Bakersfield Christmas Town Express
Christmas at The Marketplace
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday-themed installations and photo opportunities
Description:
Christmas at The Marketplace transforms this popular shopping center into an interactive holiday playground. Visitors encounter larger-than-life holiday installations, perfect for creating memorable photos. Children can explore a mini North Pole village, complete with Santa's workshop and elf houses. The event features a series of themed zones, each offering unique experiences like virtual sleigh rides or augmented reality holiday scenes. You can participate in holiday-themed scavenger hunts throughout the marketplace. This innovative approach to holiday decor, introduced in 2018, has quickly become a must-see attraction, blending modern technology with traditional Christmas cheer.
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Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Community-wide caroling and local school performances
Description:
Bakersfield's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony unites the community in a joyous celebration of the season's start. The event centers around the illumination of a towering tree, adorned with thousands of lights and ornaments crafted by local schoolchildren. Before the main event, attendees are treated to performances by school choirs and bands, showcasing young local talent. As the tree blazes to life, a community-wide caroling session fills the air with holiday melodies. This tradition, dating back to the early 1900s, symbolizes the spirit of unity and giving that defines Bakersfield's holiday season.
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Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony