The Bishop Chamber of Commerce has announced the dates and details for Bishop's community Christmas celebrations in December 2026. Residents, visitors, businesses, and parade participants are encouraged to plan ahead for a festive lineup of traditions, which will include some schedule changes this year.
The "Night of Lights" event is set to return on Friday, December 4, from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. This popular evening will take place throughout downtown Bishop, where merchants and restaurants are encouraged to extend their hours, decorate their premises with holiday décor, and offer seasonal specials to shoppers and diners. The evening promises parking lot parties, fire pits, and a general atmosphere of holiday cheer. A central feature of the Night of Lights will be the official Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, hosted by the City of Bishop. This ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Talmage Park, located adjacent to Amigos Restaurant.
Following the Night of Lights, the "Bishop Community Christmas Parade" will shift to a daytime schedule, taking place on Saturday, December 5, at 10 a.m. This change comes after feedback from many who participated in or watched past parades, as well as local business owners. April Kress, event coordinator for the Bishop Chamber of Commerce, noted that organizers "heard from many past parade participants, spectators and business owners that they’d like to return to a daytime event." The chosen theme for the 2026 parade is “A Very Sierra Christmas.” Those interested in participating can pick up entry forms at the Bishop Chamber of Commerce office, located at 218-A South Main Street, or download and print them directly from the Bishop Chamber of Commerce website.
After the parade concludes, the community is invited to continue the festivities at Bishop City Park. The park will host a vendor market, offering various goods and crafts, which will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 5. Children and families will also have the opportunity to visit Santa Claus at the park gazebo during this time.
The holiday season celebrations will extend into the following weekend with the "Railroad Express" returning to Laws Museum on Saturday, December 12. This full day of activities is designed for families and will feature train rides, craft-making stations, and free books provided by Altrusa. Refreshments will be available, and attendees will have the chance to meet both Santa Claus and Smokey Bear.
Tawni Thomson, executive director of the Bishop Chamber of Commerce, expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts that make these events possible. She stated, “We are very grateful for the partnership and support of many businesses, agencies, and individuals that make Christmas so special in Bishop.” The Chamber encourages all community members to participate in the celebrations and to show support for the local businesses, organizations, and volunteers whose contributions bring Bishop's holiday traditions to life.
For inquiries regarding the Night of Lights, the Christmas Parade, or the Railroad Express, individuals can contact April Kress at the Bishop Chamber of Commerce at (760) 873-8405. For vendor-specific questions related to the Bishop City Park market, Kellie Bell can be reached at (760) 937-0314. The Bishop Chamber of Commerce can also be reached generally at (760) 873-8405 or via email. The original announcement was made on October 13, 2026.
