All aboard01 / CANDY CANE EXPRESS
A ride to remember.
Take in the lights from a different point of view. The train is part of the story—and part of the fun.
Plan your train ride
Make a little room for wonder.
HolidayLights at CALM Zoo
A little wonder.A lot of memories.
Twinkling lights. A train ride together. A little holiday magic around every corner. Make a night of it at CALM Zoo.
CALM Zoo · Bakersfield, California
2026–27 SeasonNovember 28, 2026 – January 2, 2027
Evenings at CALMThe 2026 evening schedule will be announced soon.
Let’s make a night of itEverything you need to know
Presented by
Your favorite kind of holiday night
So much more
than a beautiful view.
Come for the lights. Stay for the moments that become your family’s favorite holiday stories.
All aboard
A little Christmas magic02 / SANTA & THE PINES
Meet. Make. Be merry.
Find the cozy, festive side of HolidayLights, with Santa, photo moments, and the Pines Marketplace.
Discover The Pines
Wonder around every corner03 / THE LIGHTS
Follow the glow.
Colorful pathways and larger-than-life displays set the scene for the photos you’ll keep coming back to.
Take a closer look
Little moments. Lasting memories.The Pines at HolidayLights
Step into the
spirit of the season.
Step into the cozy side of HolidayLights. Discover The Pines Creation Station, Santa photo station, and the on-site Pines Marketplace holiday gift store.
When to visit Santa
Santa’s 2026 visiting hours will be announced with the season schedule.
Less guessing. More enjoying.
Your holiday night,
all planned out.
HolidayLights returns November 28 through January 2. Closed Christmas Day. Evening hours and complete ticket details will be announced before the season.
Buy Tickets (opens in a new tab)2026–27 Season
November 28, 2026 – January 2, 2027
Evening hours
The 2026 evening schedule will be announced soon.
Find us at CALM Zoo
10500 Alfred Harrell Hwy
Bakersfield, CA 93306
Tickets & admission
Timed ticketing returns for the 2026–27 season. Purchases are completed directly through VBO. Prices, arrival-window rules, and admission inclusions will be confirmed before tickets go on sale.
Ticket purchases are completed on our offsite ticketing provider, VBO.
Buy Tickets (opens in a new tab)Train rides
Train operating details and ticket inclusions will be announced with the season information.
Santa & The Pines
Santa’s 2026 visiting hours will be announced with the season schedule.
The Pines Marketplace is an on-site part of the HolidayLights experience.
Getting here & parking
HolidayLights arrival and parking instructions will be published with the season information.
Accessibility & planning questions
For help planning your visit, including questions about accessibility or accommodations, contact CALM before your visit.
Something extra to celebrate
More reasons
to make a night of it.
Character Nights and the New Year’s Eve Extravaganza return for the 2026–27 season. Explore what’s planned and check back for the full schedules.
Explore special eventsDecember 31, 2026New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve
Extravaganza.
With Mento Buru. Hours and admission details will be announced.
Explore New Year’s EveA glimpse of the glow
Picture yourself here.
Moments from a previous season.
Select a photo for a closer look.
Private holiday parties · The Willows at CALM
Your people.
A very special place.
Bring your team, your family, or your favorite people together. Explore private holiday celebrations at The Willows, right here at CALM Zoo.
Plan a holiday celebrationA community makes the magic
Be part of
something bright.
Visit. Volunteer. Partner with us.
There’s more than one way to be part of the HolidayLights story.
CALM Zoo memberships
The wonder doesn’t
have to end here.
Let this be the start of more adventures together. Explore CALM Zoo membership options and keep your family connected to wildlife, discovery, and the place behind the lights.
Explore CALM memberships (opens in a new tab)Give a little time
Help make the magic.
Bring your holiday spirit and discover how to get involved as a HolidayLights volunteer.
Volunteer with CALMShine together
A brighter partnership.
Help bring a beloved community tradition to life. Explore sponsorship opportunities with CALM.
Explore sponsorship