Illustration of a family gazing at houses and trees covered in string lights on a snowy street at dusk (Holiday Lights at CALM Zoo)

Holiday Lights at CALM Zoo

Visitors can stroll along colorful illuminated pathways featuring larger-than-life light displays. Guests can ride the Candy Cane Express train for a unique view of the grounds and visit Santa at The Pines. The event also offers holiday crafting at The Pines Creation Station and gifts at the on-site marketplace.

Map It Details Official site

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Plan Your Visit

Website / Tickets

calmzoo.org

When

Tickets

Adults (13+): $19; Youth (3–12): $16; CALM Zoo member adults, military, and seniors: $16; CALM Zoo member children (3–12): $14; children 2 and under: free. Train rides and Santa visits are included in admission. New Year’s Eve has separate event pricing.

Hours

Sunday–Thursday: 5:30–9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday: 5:30–10 p.m.

Ages

All ages

Food & Drink

Teen Challenge concessions are available for purchase around the grounds.

Parking

Access HolidayLights via Old Alfred Harrell Hwy at the turn onto Lake Ming Road. Follow signs into the CALM Zoo parking lot. The traditional entry gate is exit-only to facilitate traffic flow. No parking cost is stated.

Accessibility

Contact CALM Zoo before visiting to discuss accessibility or accommodation needs, including paths, train boarding, parking and sensory considerations.

Pets

No pets are allowed; service animals are allowed following ADA guidelines.

Going?

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
CALM Zoo · 10500 Alfred Harrell Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93306 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive and magical

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Buy timed-arrival tickets for Friday or Saturday and choose a slot before setting out, as those nights use scheduled arrivals.
  • Arrive up to 30 minutes before your selected Friday or Saturday arrival slot to allow time for parking.
  • Use the Old Alfred Harrell Highway entrance at Lake Ming Road and follow the event signs because the traditional gate is exit-only.
  • Contact CALM Zoo before visiting to discuss access needs, including paths, train boarding, parking and sensory considerations.
  • Keep weather in mind when planning to ride the Candy Cane Express, since train service is weather dependent.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Children aged two and under enter free.
  • CALM Zoo members, military and seniors receive discounted admission.
  • CALM Zoo member children aged 3–12 receive discounted admission.
  • Admission is discounted on November 30–December 3 and December 7–10, Monday–Thursday.
  • HolidayLights is closed on Christmas Day.

Links & Contact

Website / Tickets

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What activities are included with admission?

Admission includes the Candy Cane Express train ride, Santa visits during the Santa season, and activities at the Pines Creation Station.

Are train rides available in all weather?

Train rides are weather dependent; contact CALM Zoo for the latest updates.

Can I buy food or refreshments on site?

Teen Challenge concessions are available for purchase around the grounds, and the Pines Marketplace is an on-site holiday gift store.

What should I know about arriving on Fridays and Saturdays?

Those days use timed arrival tickets. Choose an arrival slot when purchasing; visitors may arrive up to 30 minutes early for parking.

Are pets allowed, and can visitors ask about access needs?

Pets are not allowed, but service animals are permitted under ADA guidelines. Contact CALM Zoo before visiting about accessibility, paths, train boarding, parking or sensory considerations.

View More FAQs

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

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