Christmas in Kern County: Your Ultimate Local Holiday Guide

The holidays in Kern County bring a kind of magic you can feel everywhere — from twinkling parades in our mountain towns to lively holiday markets, theater performances, ice skating, and some of the most cherished community traditions in California. Every December, our team at The Kern County Real Estate Review releases one of our most popular shows of the year: Christmas in Kern County — an episode dedicated entirely to highlighting the very best holiday events happening throughout our region.

This episode consistently becomes one of our most streamed and most shared shows because it’s the only place you can hear an entire month of local holiday events in one festive, easy-to-follow guide.

And now, you can listen to it right here on our website!

Before you hit play, here’s a preview of everything this year’s special episode covers — from parades and markets to charity events and full-scale attractions running all month long. The show is packed with more than 40+ local events!

🎄 Kern County’s Best Christmas Parades

There’s nothing quite like a hometown Christmas parade, and Kern County has several — each with its own charm and community pride. In the episode, Laurie highlights:

• Tehachapi Hometown Christmas — complete with live music, performances, an Ugly Christmas Sweater contest, Santa photos, and an evening parade followed by the tree lighting.
• Mountain Communities Holiday Faire & Fantasy of Lights Parade (Frazier Park) — a perfect blend of daytime shopping and evening holiday magic.
• Wasco Christmas Festival & Parade — featuring a tree lighting, kids’ corner, vendors, and a festive night parade.
• McFarland Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting — an early-evening celebration filled with small-town joy.
• Taft’s 80th Annual Christmas Parade — a beloved tradition stretching back generations.
• NOR’s 52nd Annual Christmas Parade — a Bakersfield classic for many local families.

Whether you love marching bands, magical floats, or simply walking downtown with hot cocoa in hand, our county’s parades offer something for everyone.

⛄ Holiday Runs, Ice Skating & Family Activities

If you’re planning to get active this season—or just want a fun way to enjoy Christmas spirit—this episode breaks down several festive outdoor events:

• Jingle Bell Run for Toys for Tots
Featuring Disneyland-style artificial snow, Christmas sweatshirts, jingle bells, and toy donations that support local children.

• Bakersfield Rudolph Run (Lake Ming)
A joyful family event filled with holiday costumes, cocoa bars, medals, reindeer games, and more.

• Holiday Skate at Valley Children’s Ice Center
A beautifully decorated rink offering lights, seasonal music, and festive fun for all ages.

• Delano’s Candy Cane Corner Ice Skating Rink
A kid-friendly synthetic “ice” rink that’s softer for beginners and includes an inflatable igloo.

• Bike Bakersfield’s Haggin Oaks Christmas Light Ride
A slow-paced, family-friendly evening ride through one of Bakersfield’s most decorated neighborhoods.

🛍️ Holiday Markets & Local Shopping Events

Kern County’s holiday shopping scene continues to grow every year, and this episode highlights several markets perfect for finding one-of-a-kind gifts:

• The Southwest Market – Holiday Edition
A lively outdoor event featuring some of the best local food vendors, boutique shops, handmade goods, home décor, gifts, and more.

• Shoppes at Seven Oaks Holiday Pop-Up
Hosted by Bolthouse Properties, this market offers boutique vendors, artisan products, children’s activities, food booths, and photos with Santa—all with a beautifully curated holiday feel.

These markets have become go-to destinations for shoppers who want meaningful, unique gifts while supporting local businesses.

❤️ Community Charity Events Making a Difference

The holidays are a time of giving, and Kern County shows up in a big way. In the episode, Laurie highlights several community-focused events:

• The Bakersfield Toy Run
A massive motorcycle parade delivering toys and food donations to families through the Salvation Army. One of the most powerful traditions in our area.

• Ronald McDonald House Toy Drive
A heartfelt event supporting families with children receiving medical treatment, helping relieve stress during the holidays.

• Pancakes With a Purpose (Old River Elementary)
A family breakfast event benefiting Beth’s House CA, which provides safe housing and support for women and children.

• Chez Noel Holiday Home Tour
A Bakersfield tradition for 36 years, showcasing beautifully decorated homes and supporting Operation School Bell, which provides clothing for local students.

• Wounded Heroes Fund Christmas Party
A meaningful celebration for local veterans and their families, complete with movies, snacks, and holiday activities.

These events remind us how generous our community truly is.

🎭 Holiday Theater, Music & Performances

Kern County’s performing arts community shines in December. The episode features:

• The Nutcracker (Civic Dance Center)
A breathtaking ballet with live orchestra at Dignity Health Theatre — a long-standing Bakersfield tradition.

• Hot Cocoa & Christmas Carols (Ovation Theatre)
A cozy, family-friendly evening of music and holiday cheer.

• White Christmas at the Historic Fox Theater
A classic film in one of the most beautiful theaters in the region.

• Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet (Touring Show at the Fox)
A stunning, high-production performance with international dancers.

• Gaslight Melodrama Holiday Extravaganza
A fun, interactive, high-energy show perfect for families and fans of festive comedy.

✨ Holiday Attractions Running All Month Long

Some events define the entire Christmas season in Kern County — and this year, we have more choices than ever:

HolidayLights at CALM

A spectacular walk-through display with millions of twinkling lights, animated scenes, music, cocoa, and a magical atmosphere families look forward to all year.

Bakersfield Christmas Town

A full-scale holiday theme park with Santa’s Village, rides, entertainment, enormous light displays, photo ops, and more.

Winter Wonderland – NEW in East Bakersfield

For the first time, the east side gets a major Christmas attraction, featuring:
• a Christmas tree farm
• s’mores & hot cocoa
• snowball fights
• pony rides & petting zoo
• tractor rides
• igloos
• movie nights
• and daily holiday activities

It’s a wonderful new addition to Bakersfield’s growing holiday landscape.

🎧 Listen to the Full “Christmas in Kern County” Episode

Everything above is just a sampling of what’s inside this year’s episode. The full show includes dates, times, tips, local insights, and even some fun holiday surprises — all designed to help you make the most of this season.

Whether you’re looking to start a new family tradition or simply want to see what’s happening around the county, this episode is your all-in-one holiday guide.

From our homes to yours, we wish you a warm, joyful, and truly magical Christmas season here in Kern County.