Christmas Events for Kids in Bakersfield (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

12 min read

The Bakersfield area has 11 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Santa Letters Express in Bakersfield on November 16 to HolidayLights at CALM Zoo in Bakersfield, which runs through January 2. 4 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in California, part of our guide for every state.

The short version

  • 11 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Bakersfield for 2026, in Bakersfield and Oildale
  • First: Santa Letters Express, Bakersfield, November 16. Runs latest: HolidayLights at CALM Zoo, Bakersfield, through January 2
  • Free: Santa Letters Express, Santa Home Visits, Photos with Santa at The Marketplace and 53rd Annual NOR Christmas Parade
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our California Christmas train rides page.

Bakersfield Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
11 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Bakersfield and Oildale
Season
November 16, 2026 to January 2, 2027
Free events
4
Kinds of events
Santa visit, holiday lights, holiday show and breakfast with Santa
Last checked

Plan your December

When each Bakersfield Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Santa Letters Express in Bakersfield on November 16; the last runs to January 2. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Bakersfield? Bring Rally home.

Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Christmas events for kids in Bakersfield

10 confirmed events for kids in Bakersfield, soonest first.

Bakersfield: Santa Letters Express

Santa visitFreeNorth of the River Recreation and Park District · Bakersfield

Host
North of the River Recreation and Park District (opens in a new tab)
Where
RiverLakes Community Center, 3825 Riverlakes Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93312
When
Monday, November 16, 2026 to Wednesday, December 9, 2026 (daily at RiverLakes; weekdays 8 am to 5 pm at Greenacres, Riverview and Rasmussen)
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

North of the River Recreation and Park District is collecting letters to Santa again this season. From November 16 through December 9, children can drop letters into Santa's red mailbox near the entrance of RiverLakes Community Center any day, or hand them in on weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm at the Greenacres, Riverview and Rasmussen community centers.

Kids can write their own letter or use the district's printable template from its website. Every letter that includes a full name and return address and arrives by December 9 will get a personal reply from Santa, and no postage stamp is needed. It is free and open to all ages, which makes it an easy add-on to a park visit or another NOR event.

Parent tip: Include your child's full name and mailing address so Santa can write back. The cutoff for a reply is December 9.

See dates and details from North of the River Recreation and Park District (opens in a new tab)

Bakersfield: HolidayLights at CALM Zoo

Holiday lightsCALM Zoo (California Living Museum) · Bakersfield

Host
CALM Zoo (California Living Museum) (opens in a new tab)
Where
CALM Zoo, 10500 Alfred Harrell Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93306
When
Saturday, November 28, 2026 to Saturday, January 2, 2027 (nightly, closed Dec 25), 5:30 pm
Cost
Adults 13+ $19, youth 3 to 12 $16, ages 2 and under free
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

HolidayLights turns CALM Zoo into an evening walk through colorful pathways and large light displays. The 2026 to 27 season runs Nov 28 through Jan 2 and is closed on Christmas Day. Hours are 5:30 to 9 pm Sunday through Thursday and 5:30 to 10 pm on Friday and Saturday.

The Pines area has a Santa photo station, the Pines Creation Station for a simple holiday craft, and the Pines Marketplace gift store. Santa visits and the Creation Station are included with admission. Tickets are $19 for adults 13 and up, $16 for youth ages 3 to 12, and free for children 2 and under, with member discounts. Timed arrival slots return on Fridays and Saturdays at 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 pm. Tickets are sold online through VBO and are exchangeable but not refundable.

Parent tip: Dress for cold evenings and pick a timed slot on Fridays and Saturdays. Weekday admission is $3 off on Nov 30 to Dec 3 and Dec 7 to 10.

See dates and details from CALM Zoo (California Living Museum) (opens in a new tab)

Bakersfield: Santa at The Pines (HolidayLights)

Holiday lightsCALM Zoo (California Living Museum) · Bakersfield

Host
CALM Zoo (California Living Museum) (opens in a new tab)
Where
CALM Zoo, 10500 Alfred Harrell Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93306
When
Saturday, November 28, 2026 to Thursday, December 24, 2026 (nightly; Sun to Thu 5:45 to 8:45 pm, Fri and Sat 5:45 to 9:45 pm), 5:45 pm
Cost
Included with HolidayLights admission ($16 to $19)
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

During HolidayLights, Santa has a cozy spot in the Pines area of CALM Zoo from Nov 28 through Dec 24. He is there Sunday through Thursday from 5:45 to 8:45 pm and Friday and Saturday from 5:45 to 9:45 pm. The visit is a photo moment, so bring your own camera or plan for the photo station on site.

Right outside the Pines Marketplace gift store is the Creation Station, a simple make-and-take activity that is also included with admission. A visit to Santa fits easily into the full lights walk, which runs from 5:30 pm. Admission is $19 for adults, $16 for youth ages 3 to 12, and free for children 2 and under. Buy tickets online through VBO. Friday and Saturday tickets use timed arrival windows.

Parent tip: Santa lines are likely longest on weekends, so a weekday evening may be quieter. Schedules can change, so check the site before you go.

See dates and details from CALM Zoo (California Living Museum) (opens in a new tab)

Bakersfield: Santa Home Visits

Santa visitFreeNorth of the River Recreation and Park District · Bakersfield

Host
North of the River Recreation and Park District (opens in a new tab)
Where
North of the River Recreation and Park District (in-home visits), 3825 Riverlakes Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93312
When
Wed December 2, Thu December 3, Fri December 4, Wed December 9, Thu December 10, Fri December 11, Wed December 16, Thu December 17 and Fri December 18, 2026, 5:30 to 9 pm
Cost
Free, reservation required
Ages
Ages 8 and under (priority)
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

North of the River Recreation and Park District sends Santa to the doorsteps of district residents on three sets of weekday evenings in December. Each visit lasts about five to ten minutes, so it works well for toddlers and young children who enjoy a short, personal moment with Santa without leaving the house.

Priority goes to children ages 8 and under. Visits run Wednesday through Friday from 5:30 to 9 pm on Dec 2 to 4, Dec 9 to 11 and Dec 16 to 18. Reservations open on Nov 18, and families can call Riverview Community Center at 661.392.2020 to book a slot. The service is free, and it is meant for residents of the district, so check the district boundaries on norfun.org before you call.

Parent tip: Reserve early because evening slots fill quickly. Ask about your address when you call, since visits are for district residents.

See dates and details from North of the River Recreation and Park District (opens in a new tab)

Bakersfield: Home for the Holidays

Holiday showBakersfield Symphony Orchestra · Bakersfield

Host
Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra (opens in a new tab)
Where
Dignity Health Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301
When
Friday, December 4, 2026, 5:30 pm
Cost
$41.20 to $66.95; children 12 and under $25.75 in select tiers
Ages
All ages, children 12 and under ticket
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Home for the Holidays is the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra's family concert, set for Friday, December 4 at Dignity Health Theater. Doors open at 5:30 pm with the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District Strolling Strings playing in the lobby, and the concert starts at 6:30 pm. Children's activities in the lobby are free for early arrivals.

The program features the Bakersfield College Combined Choirs, the Bakersfield Master Chorale and a special performance by The Children's Voice Studio, with selections from The Polar Express, Frosty the Snowman, Parade of the Wooden Soldiers and a closing holiday sing-along. Free desserts and a keepsake craft for kids round out the evening. Regular seats run $41.20 to $66.95 and children 12 and under pay $25.75 in the purple, gold and teal tiers.

Parent tip: Arrive early for the free lobby activities. Buying through the Symphony office by phone at (661) 323-7928 saves the most on tickets.

See dates and details from Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra (opens in a new tab)

Bakersfield: Photos with Santa at The Marketplace

Santa visitFreeThe Marketplace Bakersfield · Bakersfield

Host
The Marketplace Bakersfield (opens in a new tab)
Where
The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93311
When
Fri December 4, Sat December 5, Sun December 6, Fri December 11, Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Fri December 18, Sat December 19 and Sun December 20, 2026, noon to 4 pm
Cost
Free to visit; free 5x7 photo with $35 Marketplace purchase
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Santa sets up his studio at The Marketplace on Ming Avenue for three weekends in December: Friday through Sunday on December 4 to 6, 11 to 13 and 18 to 20, from noon to 4 pm each day. Visiting is free, and tickets are not required, although the center appreciates an RSVP through its Eventbrite link.

Families who bring Marketplace receipts dated December 4 to 20 totaling $35 or more before tax can receive one free 5x7 photo sheet with Santa, up to a $20 value and limited to one per household. The offer is only good at the Santa Studio during the posted hours. Note that an Eventbrite ticket does not hold a place in line, so plan for a short wait on busy weekend afternoons.

Parent tip: Bring receipts from Marketplace shops dated Dec 4 to 20 to claim the free photo. RSVPs are appreciated but do not reserve a spot in line.

See dates and details from The Marketplace Bakersfield (opens in a new tab)

Bakersfield: Holiday Lamplight Tours

Santa visitKern County Museum · Bakersfield

Host
Kern County Museum (opens in a new tab)
Where
Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5:30 to 9 pm
Cost
$10, ages 3 and up
Ages
Admission for ages 3 and up
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Kern County Museum lights up its historic village for one night of Holiday Lamplight Tours on Saturday, December 5, from 5:30 to 9 pm. The museum's 2026 flyer lists a holiday hayride, guided tours of the decorated historic houses, holiday music and carolers, sweets and food, a coffee and hot chocolate bar, and pictures with Santa.

Admission is $10 for everyone ages 3 and up, which makes this one of the more affordable Santa outings in town. Much of the evening is spent outdoors moving between buildings on the museum grounds on Chester Avenue, so dress for a cool December night. Food vendors are expected on site. It is a one-night event, so mark the date and plan to arrive close to the 5:30 pm opening to enjoy the hayride before the evening gets busy.

Parent tip: Dress warmly, since the tours and hayride are outdoors after dark. Children under 3 are not included in the paid admission.

See dates and details from Kern County Museum (opens in a new tab)

Bakersfield: Santa Breakfast

Breakfast with SantaNorth of the River Recreation and Park District · Bakersfield

Host
North of the River Recreation and Park District (opens in a new tab)
Where
Rasmussen Center, 115 E Roberts Ln, Bakersfield, CA 93308
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 8:30 to 10 am
Cost
$10; ages 2 and under free
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

North of the River Recreation and Park District hosts its Santa Breakfast on Saturday, December 5, from 8:30 to 10 am at the Rasmussen Center on East Roberts Lane. The district describes it as a festive morning of good food and Christmas spirit with Santa, open to all ages.

Tickets are $10, and children 2 and under eat free. Presale tickets are sold online or at any NOR community center from October 19 to December 3, and any remaining tickets are sold at the door based on availability. Since door sales depend on what is left, families with a set plan should buy ahead. The same weekend pairs well with the district's Christmas parade the following Saturday.

Parent tip: Buy presale tickets by December 3 online or at a NOR community center, since door tickets depend on availability.

See dates and details from North of the River Recreation and Park District (opens in a new tab)

Bakersfield: The Nutcracker

Holiday showCivic Dance Center · Bakersfield

Host
Civic Dance Center (opens in a new tab)
Where
Dignity Health Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301
When
Fri December 11 (7:30 pm), Sat December 12 (1 to 7:30 pm) and Sun December 13 (1 pm), 2026
Cost
Ticketed, prices on AXS
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Civic Dance Center's production of The Nutcracker returns for its 49th year from December 11 to 13. Performances are Friday, December 11 at 7:30 pm, Saturday, December 12 at 1 pm and 7:30 pm, and Sunday, December 13 at 1 pm, with tickets sold through AXS.

The studio points out that its Nutcracker is one of the few productions in the country still performed with a live orchestra, and the cast brings together local dancers and musicians from the community. The two weekend matinees are the easiest fit for younger children. The studio also runs shorter Young People's Concerts for school groups at the Dignity Health Convention Center Theater earlier that week. Each performance features the studio's dancers alongside local musicians, so the production feels like a true community event as well as a holiday show.

Parent tip: Choose a 1 pm matinee for younger kids. Tickets are sold through the AXS links on the Civic Dance Center page.

See dates and details from Civic Dance Center (opens in a new tab)

Bakersfield: Character Nights at HolidayLights

Holiday lightsCALM Zoo (California Living Museum) · Bakersfield

Host
CALM Zoo (California Living Museum) (opens in a new tab)
Where
CALM Zoo, 10500 Alfred Harrell Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93306
When
Sat December 26, Sun December 27, Mon December 28, Tue December 29 and Wed December 30, 2026, 5:30 pm
Cost
Included with HolidayLights admission ($16 to $19)
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

After Christmas, HolidayLights at CALM Zoo adds themed Character Nights. The 2026 schedule is Galactic Adventure Night on Dec 26, Princess Night on Dec 27, Magic and Wizard Night on Dec 28, K-Pop Monster Night on Dec 29 and Villains Night on Dec 30. The zoo notes that character appearances are subject to change.

Character Nights take place during the regular evening hours, which start at 5:30 pm. Admission is $19 for adults 13 and up and $16 for youth ages 3 to 12, with children 2 and under free. Tickets are sold online through VBO, and the lights, train and Santa area are part of the same visit. Kids who like dressing up may enjoy coming in costume that matches the night's theme.

Parent tip: Pick the night that matches your child's favorite characters, and confirm the schedule on the HolidayLights site before you go.

See dates and details from CALM Zoo (California Living Museum) (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Oildale

1 confirmed event for kids in Oildale, soonest first.

Oildale: 53rd Annual NOR Christmas Parade

Holiday paradeFreeNorth of the River Recreation and Park District · Oildale

Host
North of the River Recreation and Park District (opens in a new tab)
Where
North Chester Avenue parade route, N Chester Ave, Oildale, CA 93308 (near Bakersfield)
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

North of the River Recreation and Park District presents its 53rd Annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 12, at 10 am along North Chester Avenue. This year's theme is Santa's Toy Shop, and the district promises music, colorful toys, cheerful elves, sparkling decorations and festive surprises in an award-winning, non-motorized parade.

The parade is free and open to all ages, and it goes on rain or shine. Road closures run from 8 am to 12:30 pm on North Chester Avenue between China Grade Loop and Ferguson Avenue, and on China Grade Loop between McCray and North Chester. There are no NOR food vendors, but many businesses along Chester sell food and drinks, and families are welcome to bring chairs and blankets.

Parent tip: Arrive before the 8 am road closures to park and claim a spot, bring chairs, and dress for the weather since it runs rain or shine.

See dates and details from North of the River Recreation and Park District (opens in a new tab)

Looking further afield? Our California Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, San Diego, Sacramento, Fresno, Riverside, Anaheim, Irvine, Stockton, Modesto, Santa Barbara, Oxnard, Santa Rosa and Palm Springs. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Bakersfield Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in Bakersfield in 2026?

We confirmed 11 Christmas events for kids in Bakersfield for 2026 on each host’s own page: Santa Letters Express in Bakersfield (November 16), HolidayLights at CALM Zoo in Bakersfield (November 28), Santa at The Pines (HolidayLights) in Bakersfield (November 28), Santa Home Visits in Bakersfield (December 2), Home for the Holidays in Bakersfield (December 4), Photos with Santa at The Marketplace in Bakersfield (December 4), Holiday Lamplight Tours in Bakersfield (December 5), Santa Breakfast in Bakersfield (December 5), The Nutcracker in Bakersfield (December 11), 53rd Annual NOR Christmas Parade in Oildale (December 12) and Character Nights at HolidayLights in Bakersfield (December 26). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in Bakersfield, California?

For families in and around Bakersfield, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Santa Letters Express (Nov 16 to Dec 9, drop off any day, free); HolidayLights at CALM Zoo (Nightly, Nov 28 to Jan 2 (closed Dec 25), from 5:30 pm, adults 13+ $19, youth 3 to 12 $16, ages 2 and under free); Santa at The Pines (HolidayLights) (Nightly, Nov 28 to Dec 24, Sun to Thu 5:45 to 8:45 pm, Fri and Sat 5:45 to 9:45 pm, included with holidaylights admission ($16 to $19)); Santa Home Visits (Wed to Fri evenings, Dec 2 to 4, 9 to 11 and 16 to 18, 5:30 to 9 pm, free, reservation required); Home for the Holidays (Fri, Dec 4, doors 5:30 pm, concert 6:30 pm, $41.20 to $66.95; children 12 and under $25.75 in select tiers); Photos with Santa at The Marketplace (Fri to Sun, Dec 4 to 20 (three weekends), 12 to 4 pm, free to visit; free 5x7 photo with $35 marketplace purchase); Holiday Lamplight Tours (Sat, Dec 5, 5:30 to 9 pm, $10, ages 3 and up); Santa Breakfast (Sat, Dec 5, 8:30 to 10 am, $10; ages 2 and under free); The Nutcracker (Dec 11 to 13: Fri 7:30 pm, Sat 1 and 7:30 pm, Sun 1 pm, ticketed, prices on axs); Character Nights at HolidayLights (Dec 26 to 30, evenings from 5:30 pm, included with holidaylights admission ($16 to $19)). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Bakersfield section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Oildale, California?

For families in and around Oildale, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: 53rd Annual NOR Christmas Parade (Sat, Dec 12, 10 am, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Oildale section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Bakersfield?

Yes. 4 of the 11 events here are free: Santa Letters Express in Bakersfield, Santa Home Visits in Bakersfield, Photos with Santa at The Marketplace in Bakersfield and 53rd Annual NOR Christmas Parade in Oildale. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa in Bakersfield this December?

Santa appears at Santa Letters Express in Bakersfield (November 16), HolidayLights at CALM Zoo in Bakersfield (November 28), Santa at The Pines (HolidayLights) in Bakersfield (November 28), Santa Home Visits in Bakersfield (December 2), Photos with Santa at The Marketplace in Bakersfield (December 4), Holiday Lamplight Tours in Bakersfield (December 5), Santa Breakfast in Bakersfield (December 5) and 53rd Annual NOR Christmas Parade in Oildale (December 12). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.

Where can we have breakfast or a meal with Santa in Bakersfield?

Meals with Santa confirmed for 2026: Santa Breakfast in Bakersfield (Sat, Dec 5, 8:30 to 10 am). These usually sell out, so book as soon as you pick a date.

Are there kids' Christmas events in Bakersfield on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes: HolidayLights at CALM Zoo in Bakersfield (through January 2), Santa at The Pines (HolidayLights) in Bakersfield (through December 24) and Character Nights at HolidayLights in Bakersfield (through December 30).

How much is Santa Letters Express in Bakersfield?

Free. Santa Letters Express is on Monday, November 16, 2026 to Wednesday, December 9, 2026 (daily at RiverLakes; weekdays 8 am to 5 pm at Greenacres, Riverview and Rasmussen) at RiverLakes Community Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is HolidayLights at CALM Zoo in Bakersfield?

Adults 13+ $19, youth 3 to 12 $16, ages 2 and under free. HolidayLights at CALM Zoo is on Saturday, November 28, 2026 to Saturday, January 2, 2027 (nightly, closed Dec 25), 5:30 pm at CALM Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa at The Pines (HolidayLights) in Bakersfield?

Included with HolidayLights admission ($16 to $19). Santa at The Pines (HolidayLights) is on Saturday, November 28, 2026 to Thursday, December 24, 2026 (nightly; Sun to Thu 5:45 to 8:45 pm, Fri and Sat 5:45 to 9:45 pm), 5:45 pm at CALM Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa Home Visits in Bakersfield?

Free, reservation required. Santa Home Visits is on Wed December 2, Thu December 3, Fri December 4, Wed December 9, Thu December 10, Fri December 11, Wed December 16, Thu December 17 and Fri December 18, 2026, 5:30 to 9 pm at North of the River Recreation and Park District (in-home visits). Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Home for the Holidays in Bakersfield?

$41.20 to $66.95; children 12 and under $25.75 in select tiers. Home for the Holidays is on Friday, December 4, 2026, 5:30 pm at Dignity Health Theater. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Photos with Santa at The Marketplace in Bakersfield?

Free to visit; free 5x7 photo with $35 Marketplace purchase. Photos with Santa at The Marketplace is on Fri December 4, Sat December 5, Sun December 6, Fri December 11, Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Fri December 18, Sat December 19 and Sun December 20, 2026, noon to 4 pm at The Marketplace. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Lamplight Tours in Bakersfield?

$10, ages 3 and up. Holiday Lamplight Tours is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5:30 to 9 pm at Kern County Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa Breakfast in Bakersfield?

$10; ages 2 and under free. Santa Breakfast is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 8:30 to 10 am at Rasmussen Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is The Nutcracker in Bakersfield?

Ticketed, prices on AXS. The Nutcracker is on Fri December 11 (7:30 pm), Sat December 12 (1 to 7:30 pm) and Sun December 13 (1 pm), 2026 at Dignity Health Theater. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is 53rd Annual NOR Christmas Parade in Oildale?

Free. 53rd Annual NOR Christmas Parade is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am at North Chester Avenue parade route. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Character Nights at HolidayLights in Bakersfield?

Included with HolidayLights admission ($16 to $19). Character Nights at HolidayLights is on Sat December 26, Sun December 27, Mon December 28, Tue December 29 and Wed December 30, 2026, 5:30 pm at CALM Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Bakersfield?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Bakersfield Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Kelsey Cecil
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