Christmas parades 2026Bakersfield · Bako

Christmas parades and tree lightings in Bakersfield, 2026.

We found three Christmas parades and tree lightings in and around Bakersfield with 2026 dates: three parades, one free to watch. Each one has the date, start time, price and a link to the organizer’s page. Evening ones start after dark, so we mark them, and anything that sells out stays listed in grey.

The quick answersChecked
When’s the Christmas parade?Bakersfield Christmas Parade: Dec 3 · 6pm. Plus 2 more.3 paradesWhen’s the tree lighting?No 2026 lighting posted yet.Not yetIs it free?1 of 3 are free to watch; the rest list a price.1 freeDaytime or after dark?0 daytime, 3 in the evening. Each card is marked.3 evening

Last checked · 3 events · Every listing links to its official page. How we choose

By date

Every parade and tree lighting, soonest first

Filter to what fits your evening, then tap one for its time, price and kid notes.

3DecThuBakersfield Christmas ParadeParade · 6pm4DecFriDelano Annual Christmas Parade & FairParade · 4pm to 10pm5DecSatTehachapi Christmas ParadeParade · 5:30pm to 6:30pm

Christmas parades

Christmas parades in and around Bakersfield

Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.

Dec5Sat

Tehachapi Christmas Parade

Downtown Tehachapi along F St., Robinson St. and Tehachapi Blvd. · Tehachapi, CA · about 40 miles from Bakersfield

ParadeEvening
Time
5:30pm to 6:30pm
Price
No ticket listed

Good to know: An hour-long early-evening parade through downtown Tehachapi.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Know one we missed?Send us the organizer’s page and we’ll check the date and add it.Suggest a parade

Tree lightings

Tree lightings and lighting nights near Bakersfield

Most lightings are short and happen at dusk, often with Santa, music or cocoa.

No 2026 tree lighting posted here yet. Lightings often post their dates in November, and we add each one once its page has the date.

Before you go

Three things that make parade night easier

SpotGet there earlyA curb spot near the start means little ones see everything and you can leave before the end.
WarmDress for standing stillWatching is colder than walking. Bring a blanket for the stroller and an extra layer.
TimingCheck the start timeLighted parades start after dark. Daytime parades are easier for nap schedules.

Keep planning

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Good questions

Christmas parades in Bakersfield: the FAQ

Bakersfield Christmas Parade: Thu, Dec 3, 2026, 6pm (Downtown). Delano Annual Christmas Parade & Fair: Fri, Dec 4, 2026, 4pm to 10pm (Delano, CA · about 32 miles from Bakersfield). Tehachapi Christmas Parade: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, 5:30pm to 6:30pm (Tehachapi, CA · about 40 miles from Bakersfield).

One of the three we list are free to watch: Bakersfield Christmas Parade. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.

Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.

Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 30, 2026, and we recheck them every week through early December. How we choose and check.

Holiday plans every Thursday.

One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in Bakersfield that weekend, parades included.

Bakersfield skyline