Bakersfield Christmas Parade

December 7, 2023, 6-8 p.m.

2023 theme: "Joyful Joyful"

Downtown Bakersfield
321 21st Street
Bakersfield, CA
bcparade.com

More than 20,000 people enjoy this festive lights parade annually. Step into a dazzling winter wonderland as the streets of downtown come alive with the magic of Christmas! The Bakersfield Christmas Parade is not just an event - it's a cherished tradition that brings community together and spreads joy throughout the city. Christmas Square Marketplaces open at 4 p.m. and close at the conclusion of the parade!

Enjoy the feeling of a winter festival as you sing along with  local school youth choirs performing in the festive Christmas Choir Corners! Marketplace locations are –

Toyland Marketplace 21st & L St.
North Pole Marketplace 21st & H St.
Elf Town Marketplace 21st & G St.
Northern Lights Marketplace 20th & Eye St.
Candy Cane Lane Marketplace 20th & K St
Holly Lane Marketplace 20th & Eye St.

PARADE ROUTE: The parade begins at 22nd and "L" Street going south, turning west onto 21st Street, turning south on "G" Street, turning east onto 20th Street and ending at 20th and "O" Street.

The Annual Bakersfield Christmas Parade changes its theme annually and is always delightful and descriptive. Entries into the parade can create displays to showcase the selection. It is a festive event held after dark to celebrate and showcase the lighted floats. Marching bands, kids in costume, and Santa Claus bring the town out to enjoy and celebrate the meaning of Christmas in a city that's never too big to remember the small things that bring meaning during the holidays.

Festive holiday music, happy people and the joy of ordinary streets turned into something very special bundle this experience up like a big Christmas package when the "Joys of Christmas" comes marching down the street.

Christmas themed floats, light displays, marching bands and drill teams, horse drawn carriages, community groups, classic vehicles, live performances, plus Christmas Square Marketplaces offer a feast for the senses this holiday season. And best of all, it's absolutely free to enjoy. Locals say that it's not just a parade but a destination!

For more Christmas celebrating, check out the HolidayLights at CALM during the month of December.

Bakersfield enjoys a rich heritage and many traditions celebrated in the city, with some sponsored by the municipality such as the Easter Egg Hunt and annual Halloween.

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.