BAKERSFIELD CHRISTMAS MAGIC BRINGS ALL-NEW HOLIDAY LIGHTS EXPERIENCE TO KEVIN HARVICK’S KERN RACEWAY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bakersfield Christmas Magic — A Christmas Lights Drive-Thru
Towering Christmas displays, immersive light tunnels and illuminated holiday scenes will transform Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway this holiday season.
Created by Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway and Mobile Illumination, the team behind Santa’s Speedway at Irwindale Speedway, Bakersfield Christmas Magic opens November 20.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — October 1, 2026 — Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway will transform into an illuminated holiday experience this Christmas season with the debut of Bakersfield Christmas Magic, an all-new Christmas lights drive-thru opening November 20.
Created by Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway and Mobile Illumination, the approximately 1.5-mile experience will take guests through illuminated Christmas scenes and themed holiday environments spanning multiple areas of the raceway.
Guests can enjoy dazzling displays including three-story-high Christmas ornaments, a four-story rocking horse, immersive light tunnels and other illuminated Christmas scenes — all from the comfort of their own vehicle.
Bakersfield Christmas Magic is designed as a holiday outing for families, friends and couples throughout Bakersfield and Kern County.
The drive-thru experience is expected to take approximately 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the pace of traffic, and will be open on select nights from November 20, 2026 through January 3, 2027, generally Wednesday through Sunday, with select Monday and Tuesday dates.
“Bakersfield Christmas Magic is something we’ve been excited to bring to life here in Kern County,” said Tim Huddleston, CEO of Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway. “We want to create the kind of Christmas experience families make part of their holiday tradition — something they look forward to coming back to year after year.”
The experience combines Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway’s unique setting with Mobile Illumination’s expertise in large-scale holiday lighting and displays.
Mobile Illumination has created holiday installations for destinations including The Grove, Universal Studios and Warner Bros. and was also behind the lighting and creative production of Santa’s Speedway at Irwindale Speedway.
“Our goal is to make the experience feel special from the moment guests arrive,” said Jason Zdenek, President of Mobile Illumination. “Kern Raceway gives us a unique canvas, and we’re excited to transform the property into something completely different for the Christmas season.”
Guests will also have the option to stop at a Christmas Village concessions area along the route, where they can park, step out of their vehicles and enjoy Christmas-themed snacks and drinks before continuing through the drive-thru.
The inaugural season will also feature a special holiday display from event partner Hard Rock Casino Tejon.
Tickets start at $30 per vehicle, with timed-entry reservations available online.
A detailed schedule of open nights, event information and tickets is available at BakersfieldChristmas.com.
EVENT INFORMATION
Bakersfield Christmas Magic
A Christmas Lights Drive-Thru
Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway
Bakersfield, California
Opening Night: November 20, 2026
Final Night: January 3, 2027
Schedule: Select nights, generally Wednesday through Sunday, with select Monday and Tuesday dates.
Experience: Approximately 1.5-mile Christmas lights drive-thru
Featured Displays: Three-story-high Christmas ornaments, a four-story rocking horse, immersive light tunnels and illuminated Christmas scenes.
Estimated Drive Time: Approximately 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic pace
Christmas Village: Optional concessions stop along the route with Christmas-themed snacks and drinks.
Tickets: Starting at $30 per vehicle
Detailed Schedule and Tickets: BakersfieldChristmas.com
ABOUT MOBILE ILLUMINATION
Mobile Illumination, founded by Jason Zdenek, specializes in holiday lighting displays and seasonal experiences throughout Southern California.
The company has created holiday lighting and installations for destinations including The Grove, Universal Studios and Warner Bros. and was also behind the lighting and creative production of Santa’s Speedway at Irwindale Speedway.
ABOUT KEVIN HARVICK’S KERN RACEWAY
Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway is a motorsports and entertainment facility located in Bakersfield, California.
The property features a paved half-mile oval, dirt track and expansive event grounds and hosts motorsports competition, automotive events, community gatherings and family entertainment throughout the year.
MEDIA CONTACT
Will Kozak
Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway
