"A Magical Christmas"
This event is a CHRISTMAS THEMED FAMILY ORIENTED parade. It is not an appropriate venue for political ideology, campaigns, or social statements.
EVENT THEME
“A Magical Christmas”
Viewing Format
You can watch the parade LIVE on KGET-TV 17 and KGET+
Payment Submission
Submit payment, entry application and insurance to Bakersfield Christmas Parade Committee, Inc. (P. O. Box 22344, Bakersfield, CA 93390)
Application Deadline
Friday, October 23, 2026, by 4:30pm
Completed entries may be dropped off at the KUZZ studios, 3223 Sillect Avenue or Buck Owens Production (KUZZ Studios), Monday through Friday between 8:00am - 4:30pm.
Completed entries may be dropped off at the KUZZ studios, 3223 Sillect Avenue or Buck Owens Production (KUZZ Studios), Monday through Friday between 8:00am - 4:30pm.
Reminder
We encourage you to frequently check BCParade.com for updates regarding the parade.
(Read the above information before Completing Application Below)
2026 PARADE EVENTS CALENDAR
These are targeted dates, subject to change. Please re-check.
September 8, 2026
Parade & Market Place Vendor Entries Posted
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
October 23, 2026
Parade & Market Place Vendor Entries Deadline
(Application, Insurance, Fees Due)
Friday, October 23, 2026
October 29, 2026
Entrant Acceptance Notice
Thursday, October 29, 2026
November 3, 2026
Vendor Acceptance Notice
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
November 4, 2026
MANDATORY PARTICIPANTS MEETING
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
December 3, 2026
Thursday, December 3, 2026
Parade Sponsors
Presenting Sponsors
KGET
Co-Presenting Sponsors
Dignity health
Adventist health
bakersfield family medical center
Chain Cohn Clark
FLOAT CAM
FASTRIP
santa CAM
dave and busters
weather sponsor
adakc
christmas parade patrons
providers of goods & services
All Carts
City of Bakersfield
Clifford-Bradford
Jim Burke Ford
Kern County Superintendent of Schools
Kim Ballew
KUZZ
THE MARCOM GROUP
hometown sponsors
Andrae Gonzalez
Bill Wright Toyota
North Bakersfield Toyota
Holders air conditioning & heating
Oasis air & solar
Kern County Public Health
Supporting Sponsors
alta one federal credit union
golden empire towing
kaiser permanente
mora real estate
stockdale moose lodge
MD Atkinson
Premier Equipment
Raymond’s Trophies
Richard & Lori Eskew
Roger Upton Designs
Royal Coach RV
SC Communications
Self Help Credit Union
weill Center
westchester kiwanis
Sponsorship Opportunities
The Bakersfield Christmas Parade 2025 will be aired live and uncut on uncut on KGET TV – 17 and KGET+
There’s thousand of watching eyes. You can be a part of this remarkable coverage as you help us keep this tradition alive for our community.
If interested in a specially targeted Christmas Parade television packages, please see our KGET contact:
Lindsay Barnes
Lead Sales Manager
KGET TV 17 NBC | Telemundo | CW
Phone: 661-283- 1700
Spread Cheer, support your community and let your business shine this holiday season!
Parade Date: Thursday, December 3, 2026
Live TV Broadcast: KGET TV -17 and KGET +
(6:00 – 8:00pm)
Location: Downtown Bakersfield
Presented by: The Bakersfield Christmas Parade
Sponsorship Information: Sylvia Cariker, (661) 501-3297
Presented by: The Bakersfield Christmas Parade Committee, Inc.
"Greensleaves" Sponsorships
$500
Shared banner featuring your company name or logo
Banner carried throughout the parade route
Banner visible on the Live KGET telecast, December 3, 2026, while passing the TV production location. Parade starts at 6:00pm
Acknowledgement in Bakersfield Christmas Parade appreciation media
"Tinsel and Lights" Sponsorships
$1,000
Parade entry fee included
Sponsorship announced during parade entry description on KGET broadcast
Small, separate banner featuring your name or company logo. Yours to keep after the parade!
Banner carried throughout the parade route
Banner visible on the Live KGET-17 telecast, December 3, 2026, while passing the TV production location. Parade starts at 6:00pm
Acknowledgement in Bakersfield Christmas Parade appreciation media
"Santa’s Helper" Sponsorships
$1,500
Parade entry fee included
Sponsorship announced during parade entry description on KGET broadcast
Large, separate banner featuring your name or company logo. Yours to keep after the parade!
Banner carried throughout the parade route
Banner visible on the Live KGET telecast, December 3, 2026, while passing the TV production location
Acknowledgement in Bakersfield Christmas Parade appreciation media
Sponsorship Form
Yes! I’d like more information on becoming a sponsor for the Bakersfield Annual Christmas Parade! My contact information is:
2026 COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Stephen Miniard, President
Alex Doward, Vice President
Cathy Butler, Treasurer
Sylvia Cariker, Secretary
Amy McGuire, Band Coordinator
John Surface, Committee Member
BOARD SUPPORT
Sylvia Carker, Parade Coordinator
Amy McGuire, Performing Arts, PBVUSD (Retired)
Michael Stone, Performing Arts, BCSD
Richard Eskew, Santa Claus’ Assistant
Lori Eskew, Mrs. Claus’ Assistant
Cathy Butler, DBA, Volunteer
Greg Cronk, Volunteer
Allison Gillies, Volunteer
Kern Kiwanis
Westchester Kiwanis
FLOAT JUDGES
Float Judge Coordinator
Ms. Kim Ballew, Coordinator,
About Us
Many do not realize, but the Bakersfield Christmas Parade Committee is a 501(c3) nonprofit comprised of educational professionals, community members and those passionate about the holidays! Unlike other communities, we rely on the support of local contributions to help make our Parade such a fun and entertaining evening for all!
Each Holiday season more than 10,000 of our ‘closest friends’ join us downtown to celebrate the “Spirit of Christmas”. This unique free community event inspires delight and wonder for the young and young at heart and there is something for absolutely everyone!
Frequent Christmas Parade Questions
The following list of frequently asked parade questions are appropriate for parade entrants, parade spectators and Market Place vendors.
What time does BPD close the streets?
Approximately 4:00pm day of the parade. It takes time to secure the entire perimeter of the route. Once closed, please do not try to “squeeze by” the barriers. The result may take BPD officers out of their holiday spirit!
When is the latest I can drive into the parade route area?
Any time BEFORE street closure. Cautious driving in the “back of house” area where everyone gets their entry ready is allowed, but the parade route itself is closed as spectators begin arriving soon thereafter.
When does the parade route open for traffic to exit?
BPD starts opening the route soon after the parade is over. Keep in mind the parade may have passed your viewing point but has the remainder of the route to complete, then return to their parade space. The parade route may be closed for all but exiting vehicles for 20 – 30 minutes once complete.
As a marching military entrant, are we expected to add holiday decorations to our military uniforms?
No. While we encourage participants to show their holiday spirit including dressing the part. We understand there are military protocols to follow. An option may be to decorate a sign or banner to carry in front the group.
Can I walk on the parade route to my entry location or select a place to watch the parade after the route is closed?
Yes. Pedestrian traffic remains open so those parking outside the parade route have access plus thousands of spectators will be walking on the route, from all directions, as well.
Are helmets required for riders of motorcycles, ATV’s, quads or Razor type vehicles used within the parade?
During the parade, no. All vehicle operators must follow motor vehicle laws prior to and after the parade.
Are headlights/taillights required for vehicles, motorcycles, ATV’s, quads or Razor type vehicles used within the parade?
During the parade, no. All vehicle operators must follow motor vehicle laws prior to and after the parade. The parade route is illuminated with extra light towers. Vehicle headlights should remain off throughout the route.
Are driver’s licenses required for motorcycles, ATV’s, quads or Razor type vehicles?
Yes. Appropriate driver’s licenses are required to operate these vehicles.
Is a commercial driver license required to operate commercially rated vehicles in the parade?
Yes. Commercial vehicles operated before, during or after the parade require the appropriate driver license and endorsements.
I have an animal walking the parade route. Anything special required?
Yes. Just as with all entries, you must pack out what you bring in. In addition, one or more “clean up” people must follow the animal(s) and clean up any debris left behind. Not doing so may lead to additional fees after the parade.
I’m an approved Market Place vendor and notice a potential Market Place location I prefer. Since I’m an approved vendor, may I go ahead and move to the new location?
No. Market Place locations are assigned by the committee for specific locations as we have the property owner’s permission and have provided appropriate insurance based upon predetermined locations.
May we ride on our float on the way to the parade or when leaving after the parade?
No. Riding on a float, be it a pulled float or the bed of a vehicle, shall be limited to within the defined staging area or parade route. Doing otherwise is subject to citation.
Contact Us
Our Phone
Our cell phone is turned on after Labor Day and turned off after the Christmas Parade. To contact us, please use our website or email us at bakersfieldchristmasparade@gmail.com
Our Email
bakersfieldchristmasparade@gmail.com
Mailing Address
Bakersfield Christmas Parade Committee
PO Box 22344 Bakersfield, CA 93390
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