2023 Holiday and Christmas events in Bakersfield, Kern County

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — With the holiday season just around the corner, organizations around Bakersfield and Kern County are gearing up with events for your family.

Here is a list of events around Bakersfield and Kern County:

Bakersfield Christmas Parade

The Bakersfield Christmas Parade is set for Dec. 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in downtown Bakersfield.

KGET is set to broadcast the 41st annual parade from Downtown Bakersfield. Members of the 17 News team will be there and bring the sights and sounds of this year’s parade to you at home.

The theme of this year’s Christmas parade is “Joyful, Joyful.”

Go to the Bakersfield Christmas Parade website for more details.

Hanukkah Party at Temple Beth El

Temple Beth El is set to host a ceramic Menorah painting event on Dec. 2 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Event organizers say no experience is needed and it will be fun for everyone. Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase at the event.

The event is $45 per person and everything needed for the event will be provided.

For more information on this event, click here.

Norma’s Latke Brunch

The annual Norma’s Latke Brunch is set for Dec. 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Temple Beth El.

The brunch meal will feature Latkes, applesauce or sour cream, Norma’s Ortega Cheese Souffle and other condiments, according to event organizers.

Meals can be ordered in person at the Temple Beth El Social Hall or online.

For more information on the event, click here.

HolidayLights at CALM

The HolidayLights at CALM is set to return to its walk-thru format on Nov. 25 through Dec. 30 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., according to event organizers. HolidayLights at CALM will not be open on Christmas Day.

The walk-thru event will feature classics, such as the Candy Cane Express train and new displays such as pictures with Santa at Santa’s Workshop, picking a Christmas tree and a vendor fair.

Click here for more information.

Bakersfield Christmas Town

Bakersfield Christmas Town opens on Nov. 24, with the attraction set to sprawl across the Kern County Fairgrounds. Tickets are on sale now and prices range from $20 to $30, on various days.

The attraction will be closed on Nov. 29 and Dec. 4, for private events according to organizers. Check the website for details. An ice-skating rink, giant Christmas tree, train rides and even Santa’s Cozy Cottage are just some of the events at the event.

Hanukkah 8 Krazy Kilometers and 2K Latke Loop Fun Run

The run is set for Dec. 10 at the Panorama Vista Preserve at 901 East Roberts Lane, according to event organizers.

Registration includes a custom medal, Hanukkah swag and refreshments.

For more information on the races and virtual run, click here.

36th Annual Holiday Cottage

The Holiday Cottage will be accepting donations for foster youth Christmas wishes starting Nov. 8. Organizers say foster wishes can range from Legos and Play Doh, to bicycles and scooters. The event will be located at 3043 Wilson Rd., which will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for in-person donations this year.

The event has been making Christmas dreams come true for 35 years in Kern County.

2023 Wasco Christmas Parade

The City of Wasco’s third annual Christmas Parade, tree lighting and vendor fair is slated for Dec. 2, according to organizers.

The event will kick off with a vendor fair, starting at 4 p.m., where you can shop and grab a bite to eat throughout the festivities. The parade starts at 6 p.m. followed by the tree lighting at approximately 7:15 p.m. leading up to the Block Party, which is scheduled to end at 9 p.m.

Tehachapi Christmas Parade

The Tehachapi Christmas parade is set for Dec. 2 in Downtown Tehachapi. The event is scheduled for 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Wine and Succulent Night – Christmas Theme

The wine and succulent night is set for Dec. 4 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Wine Me Up at 3900 Coffee Rd., according to event organizers.

The event will feature a lesson on succulents and their care along with Christmas-themed succulent accessories.

The event is for the 21 and over and tickets for the events are $40 per person. Tickets include your first glass of wine or beer.

For more information, click here.

Taft’s 78th Annual ‘Santa Paws’ Christmas Parade

The Taft Christmas Parade is set for Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. in downtown Taft, according to event organizers.

The deadline to register your float for the parade is Dec. 1. For more information, click here.

Merry Litmas Mixology Masterclass

The mixology class is set for Dec. 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. in Rosamond at 123 Rosamond Boulevard.

Event organizers say tools and ingredients are included. Guests are welcome to wear ugly Christmas sweaters.

Tickets are $50 and nonrefundable. For more information, click here.

Bakersfield Christmas Market

The Bakersfield Christmas Market is set from Dec. 8 to 24, according to event organizers.

The Christmas Market will be located in the Bakersfield Shopping Center on California Avenue near Hobby Lobby and Panera Bread.

For more information, click here.

Photos with Santa at the Marketplace

Bring your family to the Marketplace in Bakersfield for photos with Santa Claus.

Staff will be hosting photo opportunities on multiple dates in December.

For a full list of dates and prices, click here.

Shafter Christmas Tree Lighting

The City of Shafter is hosting its annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on Dec. 4. Organizers said the ceremony takes place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Downtown Shafter Square at 320 Central Ave.

There will be vendors, food and Christmas performances during the event. And yes, Santa Claus will be there too.

For more information, click here.

Lamont Christmas Parade

The city of Lamont will be holding their annual Christmas parade on Saturday, Dec. 2. The theme of the parade is “A Movie Magic Christmas.”

The parade will begin at Wharton and Main Street at 10 a.m. and will end at Panama Road and Main Street, organizers say. Main Street in Lamont will be closed between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. All traffic will be detoured onto DiGiorgio, Fairfax and Panama roads.

The event will be hosted by the Greater Lamont Chamber of Commerce.

Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert

The Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra’s annual holiday concert will be returning to downtown Bakersfield this year.

The orchestra says this year’s concert, titled “Home for the Holidays”, promises to have something for everyone, including traditional carols, holiday movie classics and a sing-along medley of holiday favorites. It will be held at the Mechanics Bank Arena on Friday, Dec. 1.

For more information, click here.