As the holiday season approaches, Bakersfield, CA, transforms into a dazzling display of lights and holiday cheer. Families, friends, and holiday enthusiasts eagerly wait each year to enjoy the brilliant glow of Christmas lights scattered throughout the city. If you're looking to experience the best holiday displays, here's a guide to some of the must-see Christmas light spots in Bakersfield.
Haggin Oaks Neighborhood
- Location: Near Ming Avenue and Haggin Oaks Boulevard
- Highlights: Known for its incredible community spirit, the Haggin Oaks neighborhood takes Christmas lights to the next level. Homeowners collaborate to create a stunning winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, inflatables, and themed displays. The neighborhood goes all out, with houses adorned in synchronized light shows that play along with popular holiday tunes.
Every year, Haggin Oaks’ Christmas light displays draw large crowds, and many people love to park their cars and stroll through the neighborhood on foot. The atmosphere is friendly, festive, and perfect for taking holiday pictures.
CALM Holiday Lights at the California Living Museum
- Location: 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway
- Highlights: The CALM Holiday Lights display at the California Living Museum is one of Bakersfield’s most iconic holiday events. Every year, this zoo and botanical garden transforms into a breathtaking display of more than three million lights. From animals created entirely from lights to magical tunnels and lighted pathways, the CALM display is a true feast for the senses.
This year's event is scheduled from November 30, 2024, to January 4, 2025, offering visitors an immersive walk-through experience adorned with millions of twinkling lights. The display features various themed sections, including the Congo Safari and Candy Cane Express, providing a magical journey through illuminated landscapes.
In addition to the light displays, attendees can enjoy unlimited train rides, photos with Santa, and craft-making at The Pines Creation Station. Food and beverages are available for purchase throughout the venue.
Operating hours are Sunday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., with closures on Christmas Day.
Seven Oaks Neighborhood
- Location: Near Ming Avenue and Grand Lakes Avenue
- Highlights: Seven Oaks is another Bakersfield neighborhood that takes Christmas light displays to the next level. Many of the homes here go all-out with festive lights and decorations, creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors to stroll through or drive by.
The best time to visit Seven Oaks is during the evening hours, when you can slowly cruise through the streets and take in the twinkling lights and festive decor. Families in the neighborhood are known to decorate their homes with both classic holiday lights and unique, modern displays, making this area a must-see.
The Marketplace
- Location: 9000 Ming Avenue
- Highlights: If you’re in the mood to enjoy some holiday lights while getting your Christmas shopping done, The Marketplace is an excellent choice. This popular shopping center transforms into a holiday wonderland during the season, with lights draped along trees, storefronts, and walkways.
The Marketplace also hosts seasonal events, including carolers, holiday performances, and opportunities for kids to meet Santa. The festive atmosphere here makes it a fun spot to spend an evening with family, enjoy holiday treats, and do some shopping.
River Walk Park
- Location: 11298 Stockdale Highway
- Highlights: River Walk Park, already a beautiful spot with its scenic views and walking paths, becomes even more enchanting during the holiday season. The park is decorated with holiday lights and often hosts various community events throughout December, making it a fantastic spot for families.
Take a leisurely walk through the park to enjoy the twinkling lights reflecting off the water. River Walk Park also features plenty of photo-worthy spots, making it an ideal location for capturing holiday memories with loved ones.
Bakersfield Christmas Town
- Location: Kern County Fairgrounds
- Highlights: Visitors can explore a mile-long drive-through winter wonderland featuring elaborate light displays and interactive elements.
Opening on November 29, 2024, and running through December 31, 2024, this event offers a comprehensive holiday experience suitable for all ages. For those who prefer a more hands-on experience, the walk-through option includes activities such as a sledding hill, train rides, a skating rink, laser tag, and opportunities to write letters to Santa. Santa Claus himself will be present for meet-and-greet sessions, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Operating hours are Monday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The walk-through experience is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but the drive-through remains open on those dates.
Downtown Bakersfield and the Christmas Tree at the Fox Theater
- Location: 2001 H Street
- Highlights: Downtown Bakersfield takes on a festive glow during the holiday season, with buildings decorated in holiday lights and the iconic Christmas tree lighting at the historic Fox Theater. The tree lighting event typically includes carolers, hot chocolate, and even a countdown to the big moment when the tree illuminates.
The Fox Theater itself is beautifully decorated and often hosts holiday performances, so you can enjoy both the visual beauty of the lights and the joy of live holiday music or theater performances. Downtown Bakersfield provides a classic holiday experience with a touch of nostalgia.
Enjoying the Season in Bakersfield
Whether you're planning to tour Bakersfield’s neighborhoods, attend a special holiday event, or simply take in the lights downtown, Bakersfield offers an abundance of options for anyone looking to immerse themselves in holiday cheer. So bundle up, bring some hot cocoa, and get ready to be dazzled by the Christmas lights that make this city shine each year.