Christmas & Holiday Events
In a land, not so far away, there is a deep valley. It is said to be the deepest in the country. It is flanked by two tall mountain ranges, one on each side, that are draped in a heavy, white blanket of snow every winter.
From a place near the sea, where most of the people of the country live, a charcoal-black road weaves up the center of this dusky valley like a thick pencil stroke on a faded, sepia map. It is the road to adventure. The road climbs up from the sea along the valley floor that slowly rises higher and higher, passing through a few small towns along the way. It seems as if time has stood still in this vast expanse of high desert and tall mountains.
Eventually it reaches a long, tall rocky cliff where, in a wide, verdant valley between these majestic mountains, is nestled a small town—with a big backyard. This is where most of the people of the valley live. And the people of this town love the winter here and they especially love Christmas.
This is a Christmas story, a story of the past, present, and future.
The town is called Bishop, and the nearly 10,000 residents are spread out in quiet neighborhoods and outlying hamlets in this high altitude, broad valley. An ancient river meanders its way around the town and creeks tumble down the mountainside and burble through the neighborhoods.
Travelers on the road slow down and discover the heart of this bucolic town, the low-rise buildings, old west facades, and the genteel pace of old-world community life—where all are welcome! Locals and visitors stroll down the sidewalks along Main Street, stopping to greet one another with a friendly word, or chat to a neighbor come to town for supplies.
Join us for a Christmas Holiday Festival
First Saturday in December
3:45PM – Santa Mile fun run and walk – 3:45pm
4:30PM – Main Street Parade
5:30PM – Christmas Tree Lighting
Santa visits at Eastside Guest House after the parade
Holiday Markets on Academy Street and at Eastside Guest House
Downtown Shops and Restaurants Open Late
It starts with the Santa Mile (3:45pm)
US Highway 395, which runs through this western community, is closed for the afternoon and early evening. The grinches that don’t care for fun and festivity are redirected around town, but all who live and come to visit in this small town congregate at the Bishop City Park at precisely 3:45pm. They plan to run a mile. They will run for fun and fundraising.
This is the annual Santa Mile fun run and walk—right down the center Main Street in Bishop. It is presented by the Rotary Clubs of Bishop to raise funds for the organization’s international cause to eradicate Polio. Everyone is invited to get festive, dress up in costume, don a favorite pair of running (or walking) shoes, stick a $10 bill in a pocket, and show up to register to run. The starter’s whistle sounds at 4:15pm sharp and the race is on. Win great prizes and do a good deed for the future of at-risk children around the world.
The last of the runners and walkers will meet up with the front of the parade and many will turn around and march back up Main Street! Just smile and wave; just smile and wave. Or turn out and line the route to cheer on the marchers.
Roll out the Parade (4:30pm)
As the sun sets, the holiday lights begin to sparkle in the twilight. The twinkling lights and jingling bells on the floats, cars, mules, horses, bands, and dancers electrify the air with the sights and sounds of Christmas. Although there are not seventy-six trombones to lead this parade, there are a few trombonists in town and the youngsters form part of the local marching bands that will step out at 4:30pm to start the parade.
The rhythmic beat of the drums and melodic strains of the wind instruments can be heard floating up into the night. Cheers rise from the crowds. Folks from up and down this deep desert valley have come to town to be in the parade and support their friends and neighbors.
It is heartfelt and personal. It is grounded in the spirit of the American west. It is lively and authentic, and it is filled with joy.
Tree lighting Ceremony (5:30pm)
Back where it all started, at Bishop City Park. The darkness is complete now. It envelops us in a soft black cloak punctuated with sparkling lights. It’s as if the night sky has rained sparkling stardust down upon the town. The air grows quiet and there is a feeling of anticipation. Something wonderful is about to happen.
The tree, the symbol of Christmas, is about to light up the darkness.
Oohs and ahhs of delight and sighs of satisfaction ripple through the crowd as the lights flicker on. It’s a modest tree, befitting a small town with a big backyard. It is the herald of the holidays and it illuminates all who gather in its glow.
Visit with Santa in Park Gazebo after parade!
The Railroad Express
Laws Railroad Museum is a window to our past; it’s where we might experience time travel, back to the California gold rush of the late 1800s. The best time-travel day of the year happens on the Second Saturday in December. It is the Railroad Express and, just like in days gone by, it will happen come rain, snow, or shine!
Drink hot cocoa and ride a horse-drawn wagon down caroling lane. Whisper secrets and wishes in Santa’s ear. Visit with Smokey Bear and learn about protecting the forests. Eat yummy s’mores, decorate cookies, do arts and crafts and receive a free book from Altrusa. Get a golden ticket and light up a child’s face with joy and wonder. It’s a ticket to ride the Railroad Express with Santa’s elves and a merry band of Christmas carolers. It’s a ride to the past and back to the present, and it’s as magical as it sounds.
Long ago, a princess came through in this valley. She was made from steel and she was known as The Slim Princess. This princess was a narrow-gauge railway and she ran from Carson City, Nevada, to Keeler, a bustling mining town on the shores of the now-dry Owens Lake.
The railway line was completely abandoned by 1960 and the tracks removed, but the story of her grand adventure remains forever enshrined at Laws Railroad Museum. The history of this princess and the many other railways of the area, with their magnificent engines and carriages, are preserved and protected on this extensive heritage site.
Laws Railroad Museum is located 6-miles north of Bishop on US Highway 6. Find out more about the museum here.
Cardinal Village Resort Christmas Festival
November & December
High up in the mountains there was once a bustling mining village. The village sprang up when gold was discovered at the north fork of Bishop Creek. It was first called the Tip Top mine and it was a tip-top place to live and work. The people who lived there were safe and happy. The name changed to Cardinal mine and village almost 100 years ago and soon the mining ended. But the village remained and it is now a picturesque resort in a magnificent canyon that is one of the best year-round playgrounds in our big backyard.
Cardinal Village Resort is where Christmas happens and Santa visits the high Sierra.
The Christmas Festival starts after Thanksgiving and this is the place to get a fresh-cut Noble pine Christmas tree. Take a drive up CA-168 West (west Line St.) into Bishop Creek Canyon and immerse yourself in the winter wonderland of the Sierra Nevada. Free ice‑skating on Cardinal Pond; bring your own skates of borrow from the resort. Get a cup of soup, a cinnamon roll, or other delicious goodies from the Gingerbread Café and find special mountain-style gifts in the General Store.
The store, café, and tree sales are open every Friday to Sunday – Make sure to double-check the times before heading up. Cardinal Village Christmas Festival or 760-873-4789.
You might be able to snowshoe, sled, or perhaps even get in a little cross-country skiing in the canyon. Chat with the folks at any of the great outdoor gear stores in town and rent some gear if the snow is good.
The Story of Christmas
In the small town with the big backyard, Christmas is a special time. It’s a time to reflect, to give back to the community, to share in our collective joys and sorrows, and celebrate the natural and cultural history that has shaped this land and its people.
It is a place where all are welcome.
Call, email, or come into the Bishop Visitor Center and find out more about our Christmas celebrations, plus learn about adventures you can do any time of the year here. In a little A‑frame building on the edge of the Bishop City Park there are friendly folks who can help you pick your path to Christmas cheer and holiday happenings.
