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 (CALM)
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.
2025 Event Details: This year, the event runs from November 29, 2025, through January 2026, closed on Christmas Day.
Operating hours are Sunday-Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5:30p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
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.
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 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 (1142 Street, Bakersfield)
Highlights: Visitors can explore a mile long drive through (and walk through) winter wonderland featuring elaborate light displays and interactive elements.
2025 Event Details: This year, the event is scheduled from November 28, 2025, through January 2026.
Operating times are Sunday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday & Saturday until 10:00 p.m. Walk-through is closed
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day; the drive-through remains open.
It’s a largeâ scale holiday experience suitable for all ages.
Downtown Bakersfield & the Christmas Tree at the Fox Theater
Location: 2001 Street
Highlights: Downtown Bakersfield takes on a festive glow during the holiday season, with buildings decorated in holiday lights and the iconic 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.
Bonus & New Notes for 2025
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The CALM event is celebrating its 23rd year in 2025.
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Because of the popularity, timed ticketing and extended hours are emphasized at CALM on weekends.
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Tip: Early nights (Sunday-Thursday) tend to have lighter crowds; weekends fill up quickly. For the large events (CALM, Christmas Town), aim to arrive right at the gate time.
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Always check official event pages for any schedule changes (weather, special nights, etc.).
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.