This is becoming a tradition to experience CALM during the holidays. The kids love it and we must take the train ride too. They have a variety of food vendors and yes get your hot chocolate with yummy marshmallows. read more

Holiday Lights at C.A.L.M. - Visiting Santa - Festivals Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Me and the my wife came to the Holiday lights at C.A.L.M. It was a Thursday evening, not packed at all. Tickets were 16.00 no discount. We rode the train, treated ourselves to some churros, and hot cocoa. They had wonderful Christmas music, meeting with Santa, Christmas trees for sale, and other goodies. If you're from Bakersfield this place is a must for the Christmas season. read more

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Been coming to CALM Holiday Lights for well over a decade and always such a special visit to have memories! Went yesterday evening and the lights were stunning and loved the Tree light show! All the employees and staff were incredibly kind and helpful! Lots of photo op's and a cute photo op with Santa and his sleigh! The Candy Cane Train is a must and I love the lights and decorations set up for this attraction! Great for families or a date night! Recommend the kettle popcorn and hot cocoa from Teen Challenge! read more

I have lived in the valley all my life and I had never been to CALM during their holiday light experience (or otherwise). Thanks to Yelp and Garrett, I was able to see all the beautiful Christmas lights. Over 3 million lights are on display. We went on Tuesday at approximately 6:30 pm. We drove right in (warning: the drive into CALM is a service entrance that's a bit rough and dark (some road erosion and some potholes)). We had good parking (all parking is free). Due to the cold weather, we bundled up and literally walked right in. Oh my gosh!! Everything was so beautiful and every staff member was super friendly and helpful. Here are some musts: 1. Picture with Santa (using your personal phone/camera) 2. Train ride (Candy Cane Lane). Train ride takes you through a western town 3. Take your time strolling through and make the most of your experience 4. Dress warmly and wear comfy shoes 5. Support Teen Challenge booths. We purchased some yummy kettle corn, hot chocolate and coffee 6. Make sure your phone is fully charged Based on my conversations with CALM staff, the closer we get to Christmas, the busier it will be. Mid-week is a perfect time to visit to avoid large crowds. I highly recommend the holiday lights at CALM and look forward to making this an annual tradition. read more

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It was so fun to be able to walk through the light displays for Christmas 2024. Prices seemed reasonable: $18 for general admission adults and $15 for children and seniors. We went on a Tuesday, and there weren't too many people. The paths were wide enough for folks with strollers to pass each other comfortably. The people who were staffing the event, such as the people with lights helping direct traffic in the parking lot and the young people standing around the paths were very friendly. The snow station was magical, Santa and his team were so friendly, and the snow machine section as magical. 10/10! read more

Holiday Lights at C.A.L.M. - Festivals Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Magical experience! Anyone that loves Christmas needs to experience this! Lights everywhere! So awesome wandering down all the different walking paths all with different themes! Lots of food and treats to enjoy while you're there! Very reasonable prices as well, I think $19 for adults and a little less for kids! The train ride was so fun! The whole thing is just so great! This is definitely going to be a new family tradition!! read more

Holiday lights at Calm is great way to see lights for the Christmas season. Love that it's a drive thru holiday light show- sit and relax in your car as you drive through. Takes roughly half hour once your inside. Went on a weeknight : lucked out wasn't busy at all ; weekends I know tend to be a lot busier. Buy online $30 for a carload ; I believe $40 on premises. Save them $10; might need it for hot chocolate or kettle corn or a snack later. This is worth the money and a great light display. Bakersfield is rocking the holiday lights! Always a must see. Turn into the radio station they give you on a paper; when you check in ... so you can listen to holiday tunes as you drive through and enjoy the holiday lights. read more

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My family and I went the other night and what a beautiful experience lots of fun. The kids got snacks and we enjoyed our time. read more

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Gets better every year! It was great to last night, we even were able to ride the train twice without waiting!!!

First time going to the Holiday Lights at CALM and we loved it! We hear so many people talk about it but never made the time to stop by but finally did it. It's $40 per car, but $30 if you buy it online. Totally worth the money (get your ticket online and save that $10). While you're there be sure to tune in to their music station. They will play holiday music as you drive thru. My kids loved it. Overall, this is a must during the holiday's in Bakersfield. And know that you will be helping provide for all the animals have rescue over the years and continue to rescue. read more

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A must see Christmas lights experience. The holiday lights show takes about 20-30 mins to drive through. It was very well done with lots of effort put in to make it a memorable experience. A great way to spend an evening with the fam! Tickets can be purchased online and is per vehicle. There's also a radio station to tune into while you drive through the show. read more

Crazy it's been a year and I didn't write a review. Last Christmas we came here with my 80 year old best friend. She had never been here, only saw pictures on tv. It was a perfect night with my family walking around and checking out the amazing lights. We even took our picture for last years Christmas card. The volunteers working are so nice and helpful. I will miss walking around this year. Due to Covid C.A.L.M. is having a drive thru to see the lights. Hoping I can make it, I hear it is nicely done and worth the money to drive through. Praying next year we can enjoy being inside walking around. Price to drive through is $30 and starts at 5:30 read more

I love CALM if it wasn't for my kids growing up so fast, my family and I would still be an annual CALM members. This year was a little different with the holiday lights versus all the previous years. This was my first time visiting the holiday lights at CALM in my vehicle due to COVID19. The wait time to enter the light show did take time to drive in, but when you finally get in then it's definitely worth the wait. Have patience with the wait time because this is their first year doing a light show car ride, so they dont have a lot of experience with the anticipation of the wait time. All in all, they did a fantastic job setting up the lights in the parking area. I was pretty amazed with how well the setup was. Although they have a lot of the same lights from the previous years, I did notice a few new ones on display towards the end of the ride. Not sure if annual CALM members were discounted due to the circumstance, but prior to COVID19, I do know that tickets are definitely discounted for annual members. Discounted or not, I think you should definitely support CALM for the animals. From all the years of visiting the lights at CALM, I prefer this years holiday lights. I think that the animals aren't bothered with a whole lot of sounds and disturbing lights, so once COVID19 calms down, I think they should continue to do the lights in this manner. I didn't tune in to the holiday music that was displayed upon entrance, but we played holiday music on Pandora and it went well with the blinking lights. Hope you and your loved ones enjoy the holiday lights as much as my family did! read more

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The lights are getting ready to go up again for 2023. I love the lights and the ease of driving through. The staging area is at Lake Ming. Print out your tickets. Go just after sundown as the line fills up fast. read more

This event never disappoints! My whole family loves it!!! We try to go every year and we never get bored. Check it out if you can! read more

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I give C.A.L.M. their credit for putting on a good holidays lights show. It is a very creative and very well put together drive-thru show. Being able to stay in your vehicle, change the radio station to sync to the light show with holiday music makes it a fun good 20 minute holiday ride. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at certain locations or you can purchase them at the actual site and it is $10 per person. Yes they take cash or credit cards. Also it is a simple drive. Not much traffic in this area and they do provide porta-potty's. read more

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I absolutely love how they created their drive thru for lights. I was skeptical at first because I remember doing this at their zoo but I personally think it looks even better now! They put a lot of details and effort into their light show it was truly a beautiful experience to share with my family and 9 month old. They are a non- profit organization and I am all for supporting! Come out next year and support. read more

Holiday Lights at C.A.L.M. - Festivals Near Me - Bakersfield, California

The very first year my boyfriend and i went to the CALM lights, we got to walk around and see everything up close. After COVID, we did the drive through lights. Although it's a bit different, we loved every second and something about being in our car cozy and listening to Christmas music made it super memorable and amazing. read more

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I love calm holiday lights. It is a little Christmas magic. 10 out of 10 recommend! Go early because the lines can get quite long. But they move at a good pace. read more

Holiday Lights at C.A.L.M. - Festivals Near Me - Bakersfield, California

It is soo beautiful and fun! My granddaughter loved it. Santa was awesome! We had a perfect time!

Our family had a great time at C.A.L.M made it feel like Christmas! Hope to see it next year

It use to be my favorite holiday event in Bako. I gave it 4 stars bc it was better when it was walk through. They never change it up so driving through it isn't very exciting read more

We CALM's Holiday Lights. As always, they had the best holiday lights in Bakersfield. For 2020, COVID time, they made the best holiday lights with a twist. I loved the drive through because I was toasty and warm while enjoying the lights and the holiday music. My kid and her friends had a great time as well because they sat on the back of the truck and enjoyed the lights with their hot chocolates and peppermint cookies. What an amazing experience for only $30 per vehicle. I was glad we purchased our tickets online before we drove there and as always, it helped to get there really early. read more

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What else could you say about such a wonderful family pastime, other than our family favorite phrase "I'm Dazzled!" My family absolutely loves coming here every year. We always try to come early in the season but if we can't we definitely try to be there right when they open for the night. If you plan on taking advantage of the free train ride I suggest going to do that first because the line gets long quick but beware of the carousel, it's a little fast spinning for my liking. If you go hungry for a treat you won't be disappointed. Teen Challenge has delicious peach and apple dumplings available for purchase as well as hot chocolate and kettle corn. ***MONEY SAVING TIPS*** You can volunteer to be a worker that makes sure patrons stay on correct paths and will get a free pass in. Also if you have a CALM membership you get in for half price! read more

Well Dec 11th purchased ticket online and well we are still in line for here at 5:50 now 7:24pm yes over an hour & a half STILL IN LINE read more

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This is easily one of the cutest, most fun holiday festivities we have here in Bakersfield. I love the part of town this is located in, first of all. It feels like you're in the middle of nowhere, which sets the dark scene for all the beautiful, bright lights. There are light displays all over and a lot of the areas are themed. There is a carousel, which is cute for the kids. There is also a really cute train!!!! Don't miss out on the train opportunity. Some of the exhibits have nocturnal animals, so it's fun watching them while you check out the lights. The owls were especially fun. This is an ideal activity for a family, a group of friends, and especially awesome for dates! It's the perfect place to come and enjoy other people's company, talk, and have fun without technology and stuff getting in the way. I will definitely be back! Plus, you can get a little exercise in walking all over the exhibits. I hope this is around every year for a long time! read more

Holiday Lights at C.A.L.M. - The irony of a gasoline company sponsoring the dinosaur light themed area made my friends and I laugh! How clever. - Festivals Near Me - Bakersfield, California

First time to go back since the pandemic. And first time to check out and experience their drive-thru show. I have to say it did not disappoint! Still the best light show in town in my opinion. We went after the holidays and went a little early. Arrived there around 6pm-ish and there was a short line of vehicles. Did not wait too long to get in to see it. We got lucky as well that the cars in front of us and behind us followed the "turn off headlights" rule so we truly enjoyed our drive through the display of lights. We took our time and kept a good distance away from the car in front of us. To which the car behind us also did. We were able to make short quick stops to take photos of displays and sections we would like to snap. And we were done in a little over an hour from the time we drove in line. I miss the walk through display but this one did wasn't bad at all. I have heard people complain about it the year before and that the wait was too long... perhaps they solved some of those issues... we were pleased, wait was reasonable and we have no complaints. read more

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Every time I went it was beautiful fun and I enjoy taking my grandchildren, fun for the whole family. Good eats too. Unfortunately it to expensive now to go or take the grandchildren there as a Christmas treat. There prices keep getting higher and higher. If they could lower the price to 15.00 per person open in the beginning of November or even October people will come and spend more money. read more

With 3 million lights it is absolutely beautiful and something that everyone should see. Don't forget to get some hot chocolate and an apple dumpling or a peach cobbler from teen challenge. Oh and did I mention the kettle corn? A wonderful place to bring the family for the holidays. You can even see a few nocturnal animals and get warm in the snake room. :-) read more

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The holiday lights at C.A.L.M. (California Living Museum) never disappoint. There are many that have been there for years and many new ones every year. Teen Challenge sells apple and peach dumplings that are to die for, and they also make amazing caramel corn. I know, because we went again last night and it was super fab! The proceeds go to animal rehabilitation and the zoo for those that cannot be reintroduced into the wild. The lights are always so fun and to see them from afar is quite a sight. This Christmas season, check out the holiday lights. read more

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Every year since I moved to bakersfield I have gone to calm lights and they have never disappointed. Each year more and more lights get added and it just keeps getting better. Although it's freezing it's so worth it. $12 per entrance and it all goes to the animals! Usually I'll stop by Starbucks for some hot chocolate then head to the lights. Teen challenge sells the most wonderful kettle corn!!! I always buy the biggest bag ($8) and take what I don't eat home they stay fresh for a very long time. Dress warm! They have a little food stand with pizza and hot dogs and things like that l. I love calm lights ! read more

Holiday Lights at C.A.L.M. - Festivals Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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Lights were beautiful, but this review is about the time issues CALM had during holiday lights. They start shutting down their rides at like 8:30 when they are supposed to close at 9pm. My daughter and niece were upset about not getting onto the carousel. What was even more annoying was that there were still some horses left to ride and and they still refused to let more kids on. Also, to the ladies at the hot cocoa stand by the train, you never greet your guests with "What do you want." Learn some customer service. If you are going to close things down at 9pm, then actually do it at 9pm. read more

Sad that I no longer attend this event. A Bakersfield tradition that really isn't worth the long wait with kids in the car. I go out of town now for a similar event that we get to walk through and enjoy a great Christmas tradition. I know this event probably is difficult to set up and the drive through makes it easier but I really did enjoy the walk through and won't be returning to the drive through. read more

Great lights, but the wait to get in is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too long. There has to be a better system of getting through in a more timely manner. read more

Best possible lights in Bakersfield . Over 3 million lights going strong every year for over 40 years . This is the place to see with friends family and kids . The train and Mary go round is included in the ticket . All the native of Bakersfield should check this place . read more

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Holiday Lights - you never get old! Stick a million little twinkling lights on trees, bushes and shrubs and you've got thousands of people oogling your beauty. Christmas just wouldn't be complete without Holiday Lights at CALM. Want to be pro at this Holiday Light thing? Read on for some tips! 1) Buy your tickets in advance at Vallitix. There's a few dollar discount for advance purchasing, plus you won't need to wait in line once you get there. 2) Bring a picnic, or at the very least some hot chocolate! 3) Don't feel like planning ahead? Teen Challenge has a booth and serves up a variety of treats. I highly recommend their apple dumplings! 4) Dress warmly and in layers. Bakersfield can get a little chilly depending on the year and walking around in the dark isn't exactly warm. 5) Be sure to take a ride on the train, they have the area totally decked out in Christmas lights some even highlighting Bakersfield landmarks. 6) Bring the camera. Seriously - don't forget it. The lights are simply beautiful and make great family photo backgrounds. As CALM's biggest fundraiser of the year, Holiday Lights has made its way into the Bakersfield Christmas tradition. I hope this sticks around for many years to come, it's greatly benefiting our little local zoo and our community overall. read more

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I wanted to end the Year 2015 with my 2015th Yelp review so here it is! Holiday Lights at C.A.L.M. does not disappoint! We are very fortunate to have this impressive holiday lights display in Bakersfield! It is even better than most places in L.A.! Was surprised to learn that this is the 13th year that this show has taken place at CALM. There are over 75 beautiful light displays and more than 3 million lights!! WOW!! A great place to take the family especially if you have children! Set aside two hours to take everything in and enjoy. In addition to all the Christmas Holiday lights, there are a couple of cool rides! The Merry-Go-Round is fun for folks of all ages. The Candy Cane Express train is a terrific little trip and is very popular! If you are hungry, then there are snacks available for purchase from Teen Challenge. They make one of the best Peach dumplings and Apple dumplings that I have ever eaten!! Worth the price of admission!! All those proceeds go to the California Living Museum (CALM) Zoo!! Very worthy cause indeed! Look forward to making a trip here an annual tradition every Christmas time! Happy New Year!!! read more

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Amazing creations by Josh Barnett and Lightasmic! This years drive thru event is spectacular!

Very fun and a night full of color. The wait was a little long but totally worth it. It would have been nice if they sold hot chocolate in the line. read more

Great experience. Went with my family which is all pretty much adults and we enjoyed it. We went of the train ride and got hot chocolate. It was a fun holiday event. Parking and parking lot traffic wasn't bad at all. read more

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