This holiday season, Bakersfield and Kern County have plenty to offer in the way of events for children and adults.
On Nov. 30, there will be caroling led by Kern Valley Sweet and a live nativity performance put on by Mt. View Baptist Church at Circle Park, Kernville. For parents looking to entertain their children for a few hours, the Market Place is having a Santa’s Secret Workshop for children 7 and up. For $40 the children get to make two hand-painted gifts as well as food, games and movies. It is from 6-9 p.m. at Color Me Mine.
On Dec.1, there will be holiday-related events starting with the Holiday Craft Fair at New Life Christian School on Stine Road from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering 60 plus venders with hand-crafted gifts.
At Mt. Pinos Way, Frazier Park, they’re holding an annual holiday faire put on by the Mountain Community Chamber of Commerce, that features a DJ, parade, venders, treasure hunt, Santa Claus, pony rides and raffle prizes. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. attendance is free.
Kern County Museum is having their Annual Holiday Lamplights Tours, which features 1800s era music, historic lanterns, costumed interpreters and horse drawn wagon rides. From 4-9 p.m. admissions is $10, (3-12) is just $5, located on Chester.
On Dec. 3, the Taft Christmas Parade located on Center Street will be held, featuring Santa Claus, free candy and attendance is free. This year’s theme is “Miracle on Center Street.” Also that day, there will be a clothing give away on Wilson Avenue from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Free events include Bakersfield Annual Menorah Lighting at The Marketplace on Dec. 9 at 5 p.m. Rabbi Shmuli of the Chabad Center for Jewish Living comments on the even by saying
“ We all look forward to it, its really nice to be able to represent our religion especially here in Bakersfield.”
Then at Beale Memorial Library, they have a musical concert called Holiday Harps from 3 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 8 in auditorium one.
For the children, there is a breakfast with Santa on Dec. 15 at Norris Road Veterans Hall. From 8 a.m. to noon for $5 you get to discuss your Christmas list over pancakes, sausages, milk, juice and coffee with the big man himself. All proceeds go to veterans, education scholarships and cancer aid research.
Last of all, there are two places to spend your New Years Eve. At the Knights of Columbus hall, dinner and dancing in celebration of the New Year from 6:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Admissions is $35. Then the other place is Buck Owens Crystal Palace from 6 to 1 a.m. featuring two bands, Mento Buru and Stampede. Admission is $75 with dinner $40 without.
Bakersfield has plenty of places to give back. Toys for Tots drop off sites are located all over town. At every fire department station, CSUB in Dorothy Donahue Hall and Rusty’s Pizza on Wible there is a drop off area. At all six Dollar Tree locations if you donate a toy so will the store. Lastly, Dreyers has one located on District Blvd.
Mercy Hospital, Kern County Homeless Collaborative, and Community Action Partnership of Kern Food Bank are all looking for help.
The food bank is looking for volunteer drivers for the morning bread run. Positions are a back- up driver or driver’s helper from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., and a truck is provided by CAPK food Bank.