See the festive season in Delano from a new perspective. Our guide highlights all the key holiday events. Whether you're intimately familiar with Delano or just getting acquainted, our guide maximizes your seasonal enjoyment.
The Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting brings the community together with dazzling floats and a joyful kickoff to the holiday season. Marvel at the enchanting decor and twinkling lights of the Holiday Lights Display, a true visual delight for all ages. And Bakersfield Christmas Town is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its whimsical settings and festive activities. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Got questions? Like to help? Check out our Delano Holiday discussion here!
The Top Christmas Events in Delano
See these and even more events listed below!Delano Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday Sing-Along
What to Expect:
Multilingual community singing event
Description:
Delano's Holiday Sing-Along unites the community through the universal language of music. This inclusive event features carols sung in English, Spanish, and Tagalog, reflecting the city's diverse population. Participants receive songbooks with phonetic translations, encouraging everyone to join in. You can learn about the origins of various holiday songs from around the world. This tradition, started in the 1960s by migrant farm workers, has grown into a beloved annual gathering that bridges cultural divides and fosters unity through shared melodies.
Website:
Delano Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Combined parade and tree lighting ceremony
Description:
Delano's streets come alive with the annual Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting celebration. Colorful floats and marching bands wind through downtown, culminating in the grand illumination of a towering evergreen. This dual event, a tradition since 1956, unites the community in holiday spirit. Visitors can decorate cookies while waiting for Santa's arrival. The aroma of hot cocoa fills the air as families gather to witness the transformation of their town into a twinkling winter spectacle.
Website:
Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
Nearby Events
Holiday Lights Display (Bakersfield)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display in CALM zoo
Description:
Bakersfield's CALM zoo transforms into a dazzling drive-through light extravaganza. Over three million LED lights illuminate the night, creating intricate animal-themed displays. This eco-friendly event, initiated in 2002, has become a cherished local tradition. As you cruise through the 2-mile route, keep an eye out for the towering giraffe made entirely of lights. The zoo's commitment to conservation shines through, educating visitors about endangered species while spreading holiday cheer.
Website:
Bakersfield Christmas Town (Bakersfield)
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday village experience
Description:
Bakersfield Christmas Town transports visitors to a bustling North Pole village. This immersive experience features artisanal craft workshops, where you can create your own ornaments alongside Santa's elves. The town's centerpiece, a vintage carousel, delights riders with its hand-painted holiday scenes. Inspired by European Christmas markets, this event brings Old World charm to the heart of California. Listen closely for the jingle of sleigh bells as you explore the winding cobblestone streets of this charming winter village.
Website:
Nutcracker Ballet (Bakersfield)
What to Expect:
Local twist on classic ballet
Description:
The Nutcracker Ballet in Bakersfield infuses local flavor into the beloved holiday classic. Set against backdrops inspired by the city's landmarks, this unique production showcases the talent of regional dancers. The Mouse King's battle scene incorporates elements of the area's agricultural heritage. You can join a pre-show workshop to learn basic ballet moves. This adaptation, first performed in 1972, has evolved to reflect the changing face of Bakersfield while maintaining the timeless magic of Tchaikovsky's score.
Website:
Christmas Craft Fair (Wasco)
What to Expect:
Showcases local artisans and traditional crafts
Description:
Wasco's Christmas Craft Fair celebrates the rich artistic heritage of the Central Valley. Local artisans display their handcrafted wares, from intricate quilts to hand-blown glass ornaments. This event, rooted in the town's agricultural past, now serves as a platform for contemporary makers. Visitors can try their hand at traditional rose petal preservation, honoring Wasco's history as the "Rose Capital." The fair hums with creativity, offering a glimpse into the diverse talents of this close-knit community.