Make your holiday memories glow at HolidayLights at CALM, presented by Adventist Health! Gather your family and friends for millions of sparkling lights, festive experiences, and a holiday tradition that supports wildlife.
Timed ticketing and extended hours return on Fridays and Saturdays, along with Character Nights after Christmas. Visit calmholidaylights.org for tickets, the event calendar, and everything you need to plan your evening.
Dates & Location
- Dates: November 28, 2026–January 2, 2027.
- Closed: Christmas Day, December 25.
- Location: CALM Zoo, 10500 Alfred Harrell Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93306.
Hours & Arrival
Sunday–Thursday
- Event hours: 5:30–9 p.m.
- Parking opens: 5 p.m.
- Entry gates open: 5:30 p.m.
- Entry gates close: 8:30 p.m.
Friday & Saturday – Timed Tickets
Enjoy extended event hours from 5:30–10 p.m. Choose your entry time when purchasing tickets and arrive for parking according to the schedule below.
| Ticketed Entry Time | Parking Opens for Your Time Slot |
|---|---|
| 5:30 p.m. | 5 p.m. |
| 6:30 p.m. | 6 p.m. |
| 7:30 p.m. | 7 p.m. |
| 8:30 p.m. | 8 p.m. |
Entry gates open at 5:30 p.m. and close at 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
HolidayLights Highlights
- Stroll through millions of lights arranged in artistic displays across holiday-themed lands.
- Ride the Candy Cane Express and experience CALM’s western town in a whole new light.
- Meet Santa at Santa’s Workshop, nightly through December 24.
- Enjoy expanded food locations operated by Teen Challenge throughout CALM.
- Find your Christmas tree at The Pines Christmas Tree Farm.
- Shop for seasonal treasures at The Pines Market.
- Create holiday crafts at The Pines Creation Stations.
- Celebrate with the returning New Year’s Eve Extravaganza. Visit the HolidayLights website for special-event and ticket details.
Santa & Character Nights
Santa welcomes guests nightly through December 24, beginning at 5:45 p.m.
- Sunday–Thursday: 5:45–8:45 p.m.
- Friday & Saturday: 5:45–9:45 p.m.
Santa’s house remains open after Christmas, but Santa will be on vacation. Character Nights begin December 26. Check the HolidayLights website for the lineup and schedule.
What Your Ticket Includes
- Admission to HolidayLights and its millions of lights.
- Unlimited Candy Cane Express train rides.
- A meet-and-greet with Santa during his scheduled dates and hours.
- Holiday crafts at The Pines Creation Stations.
Food, beverages, merchandise from The Pines Market, and Christmas trees are available for an additional cost, benefiting Teen Challenge and CALM.
Every ticket purchase supports the CALM Foundation and helps us help wildlife.
HolidayLights Tickets & Event Details
Getting Here & Parking
Access HolidayLights via Old Alfred Harrell Hwy at the turn onto Lake Ming Road. Follow the event signs into CALM’s parking lot.
CALM’s traditional entrance will be exit only to help keep traffic moving. Please follow the directions of parking attendants and volunteers.
Know Before You Go
Safety & Conduct
CALM is a drug- and alcohol-free facility. Smoking and vaping are not permitted.
Pets & Service Animals
For the safety of our zoo animals and guests, pets are not permitted, including pets carried in backpacks or carriers.
Service animals are permitted in accordance with ADA guidelines. Emotional support animals are not service animals and are not permitted. CALM reserves the right to ask guests whose service animal is causing a disruption to leave.
Our Volunteers & Partners
HolidayLights is made possible with the help of our partner agency, Teen Challenge of Kern County, and dozens of volunteers each night. Please follow their guidance to help keep the event safe and enjoyable for everyone.
We also thank our presenting sponsor, Adventist Health, for its continued support.
Ticket Exchanges & Questions
Tickets are nonrefundable and may be exchanged only.
For questions or to exchange your tickets, please call or text 661-524-7416.
Photography & Recording
By attending HolidayLights, you consent to being photographed, filmed, and recorded for promotional purposes. CALM may use these images and recordings in future media, marketing materials, and social media without compensation.
Thank you for supporting the CALM Foundation. We look forward to making holiday memories with you at the 2026–2027 HolidayLights show!