Good morning, Bakersfield.

The CALM Zoo begins its Holiday Lights display this Saturday with over 3 million lights, train rides, and Santa visits— a show recognized nationally.

Families can also join a food drive run from November 29 through January 3 in partnership with local schools.

AAA projects that 81.8 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home for Thanksgiving, an increase of 1.6 million over last year.

Doug Shupe said travelers should leave early tomorrow and Wednesday to avoid heavy traffic on the Los Angeles — Bakersfield stretch, where drive times may extend up to four hours.

In Delano, community leader Claribel Gutierrez led volunteers to distribute about 450 Thanksgiving boxes to families in need—170 were saved for local school districts.

On Monday afternoon — close to 130 children and adults gathered for a ribbon-cutting and grand opening at the new Panda Cares Center of Hope at Stockdale Boys and Girls Club.

Reading Cinemas at Valley Plaza Mall has announced a multi-million-dollar renovation to add heated leather recliners in its IMAX and premium TITAN LUXE theaters, upgraded screens and sound systems, a new food and beverage menu and a dual membership program.

The work will finish in January 2026, making this the only IMAX screen in 100 miles of Bakersfield with heated seating (ticket prices for traditional seating are now $8) while additional theaters are scheduled for upgrades (three already have new recliners and five will be renovated).

A roofing materials plant in Shafter will close on January 24, 2026, affecting 69 employees as Building Materials Manufacturing LLC announced in a WARN letter that the facility on Zerker Road will permanently stop operations + end production of glass mat used for roof shingles.

Stolen Kernville Christmas decorations were returned to Circle Park after community donations and tips led to their recovery — law enforcement is still investigating the case.

A new report shows that Thanksgiving dinner in California costs 32% more than the national average — Kern City resident Dee Navarro plans to use a $100 budget to avoid overspending as she prepares for the holiday meal.

Arvin High School students are building fully functioning electric vehicles in an after-school program led by teachers Ty Newton and Thomas Lane using 3D printing and electronics skills— they have built one car and are working on a second to prepare for future careers in the electric vehicle industry.

Less than four months after the Kern County Board of Supervisors cut one-quarter of the county Department of Public Health budget, the Kern County grand jury raised concerns about the severe funding cuts.

The grand jury warned that these changes could hurt public health services (and urged a careful review of the funding), setting the stage for further fiscal scrutiny.

Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra - Home for the Holidays

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Dignity Health Arena, Theater and Convention Center — Cost Info Not Provided — Experience a festive musical celebration perfect for the holiday season.

Sustainable Mushroom Growing Class

6-8 p.m. — 3601 Eton St, Bakersfield, CA — Cost to be determined — Learn to grow your own delicious mushrooms sustainably using the bucket technique.

CSUB Holiday Concert

3-5 p.m. — Doré Theatre — $12 General Admission, $7 Seniors and Students, CSUB Students Free — Experience festive performances from local music groups in a theatric setting.

Gryffindor House Celebration

5-11:30 p.m. — Bakersfield Elks Lodge #266 — Ticket entry — An enchanting evening filled with courage, trivia, and a themed feast honoring Gryffindor's legacy.

Philip Labes and The Opener Screening

7-10 p.m. — Doré Theatre — Tickets available at the door — Catch the inspiring documentary followed by a live performance and autograph session with Philip Labes.

Hanukkah 8 Krazy Kilometers Fun Run

8:30 AM – 6:00 PM — Panorama Vista Preserve — Registration required — Celebrate Hanukkah with a fun run for all ages through the beautiful landscape of Bakersfield.

Nobel University Knights vs. CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners Men's Basketball

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Icardo Center — Ticket prices may apply — Cheer on the local Knights as they face off against the Roadrunners in an exciting basketball showdown.

Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet

11 AM – 2 PM — The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater — $63 per ticket — Experience a magical ballet with international dancers and whimsical puppetry this holiday season.

Women's Basketball Match: CSUB vs. Eastern Washington

2-5 p.m. — Icardo Center — Tickets from $11.20 — Catch an exciting women's basketball game as CSUB faces off against Eastern Washington.