HolidayLights at CALM Returns Nov. 25

The California Living Museum (CALM) has announced that tickets for the award-winning HolidayLights are now on sale at www.calmzoo.org. This year, the event is returning to its original format as a walk-thru event after three years as a drive-thru experience. HolidayLights will kick-off on Saturday, Nov. 25 and run nightly through Dec. 30, except on Christmas, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

According to CALM Director Meg Maitland, based on community feedback, CALM felt it was time to bring the event back inside the zoo where guests can stroll through the zoo grounds, enjoy delicious food and beverages from CALM’s agency partner Teen Challenge, and ride the ever-popular Candy Cane Express train.

“The drive-thru format worked well for three years and allowed many guests to enjoy HolidayLights for the first time. With that said, the community overwhelmingly wants HolidayLights back inside the zoo,” Maitland stated.

“HolidayLights is a long-standing tradition that families look forward to, not to mention CALM’s largest fundraiser,” said Russell Bigler, Chair of the CALM Foundation.  “While we enjoyed hosting AutumnNights last fall, we decided to put our energy into bringing HolidayLights back as a stroll-thru experience.  We look forward to continuing this amazing Kern County tradition.”

HolidayLights is designed and installed by Bakersfield resident Josh Barnett and his company Lightasmic! There are several new displays and attractions scheduled for this year, including pictures with Santa at Santa’s Workshop, picking out your Christmas tree to take home at HolidayLights’ new ThePines Christmas Tree Farm, and shopping handmade items at the ThePines Market, an indoor and outdoor vendor fair.

Tickets are on sale now and should be purchased in advance online at www.calmzoo.org or at the CALM gift shop. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors (ages 65+), $12 for children ages 3 – 12, and $10 per ticket for CALM members, seniors, and military. Children 2 and under are free.

HolidayLights is CALM’s largest fundraiser and every dollar raised stays at CALM to help improve the facility and its programs. The event has been voted best annual event by readers of The Bakersfield Californian, one of the top ten light shows in the western U.S. by the Los Angeles Times, and among the 10 Best Zoo Light Shows in the U.S. by USA TODAY.