Season dates
November 28, 2026 – January 2, 2027
Less guessing. More enjoying.
Your holiday night, all planned out.
Dates, ticket information, directions, and a few helpful details before you join us under the lights.
2026–27 Season
Make a date for wonder.
Evening hours
Sunday–Thursday: 5:30–9 p.m.
Friday–Saturday: 5:30–10 p.m.
Santa’s schedule
November 28–December 24.
Sunday–Thursday: 5:45–8:45 p.m.
Friday–Saturday: 5:45–9:45 p.m.
Santa visits are included in admission.
Make a night of it from November 28 through January 2. Closed Christmas Day. New Year’s Eve has special-event pricing.
Your evening starts here
Tickets, without the guesswork.
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
New Year’s Eve has separate event pricing.
Purchase HolidayLights tickets through VBO.
Buy Tickets (opens in a new tab)Online ticket purchases open the official VBO page in a new tab. Gift certificates are purchased in person.
Friday and Saturday arrival times
Timed tickets return on Fridays and Saturdays. Choose an arrival time of 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, or 8:30 p.m. when purchasing. You may arrive up to 30 minutes before your scheduled time for parking.
A little more to look forward to
Explore your ticket options.
CALM Zoo member pricing
CALM Zoo members receive discounted tickets based on their membership type. Reciprocal memberships are not valid for this fundraiser. CALM Zoo memberships will be verified upon arrival. Member tickets are $16 for adults and $14 for children ages 3–12.
Explore CALM Zoo memberships (opens in a new tab)Early-season weekday offers
Enjoy $3 off admission on November 30–December 3 and December 7–10 (Monday–Thursday). Discounts are already applied at checkout.
Give a little holiday wonder.
Give the gift of HolidayLights! Purchase gift certificates in person at the gift store during regular business hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. They are not sold online. Gift certificates are valid for admission only from November 28 through January 2, excluding Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. No additional online purchase or advance reservation is required.
We’ll see you at CALM Zoo
Use the HolidayLights entrance.
10500 Alfred Harrell HwyBakersfield, CA 93306
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.
A little help planning
Questions before your visit?
Contact CALM Zoo before your visit to discuss access needs, including paths, train boarding, parking, and sensory considerations. We will help you find the current information for your visit.
Call 661-546-8940 during business hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m..
For after-hours questions, call 661-524-7416 or text 661-524-7416.
Food & refreshments
Teen Challenge concessions are available for purchase around the grounds.
Weather, ticket changes & visitor policies
Tickets are non-refundable and may only be exchanged. If the event is canceled due to weather, ticket holders will be notified by text and email. Updates will also be announced on social media. Call CALM Zoo with questions.
Pets & service animals
No pets are allowed for the safety of our zoo animals and guests. Service animals are allowed following ADA guidelines. Contact CALM Zoo for questions about visiting with a service animal.