Good morning, Bakersfield.

California Living Museum warns visitors against fake tickets for its Holiday Lights display after the code CR2025 was mistakenly shared online — valid tickets are available only on the official CALM website.

Bakersfield is among 128 cities hosting Giving Machines at Shops at River Walk.

A ribbon-cutting is set for Saturday, Dec. 13 at 6 p.m., and donations will benefit local groups including CAPK Food Bank and Open Door Network (among others) from Dec. 13 to Jan. 3.

Dearly Beloved Floral and Gifts offers holiday centerpieces, plants, and custom ornaments with arrangements starting at $50.

The shop at 10530 Rosedale Highway accepts walk-ins and pre-orders and provides same-day delivery until Christmas Eve — free delivery on Dec. 24 for dinner pieces.

The Brewster family is hosting its annual winter wonderland light show featuring comedy skits, four songs + 5 talking segments and a countdown to a free display that begins at 6 p.m. nightly at 11512 Tagus Drive and runs through New Year's with extra showtimes on weekends.

A local studio in Downtown Bakersfield is hosting an ornament-making workshop for adults (a hands-on holiday activity) this season, giving participants a chance to create unique keepsakes for the holidays.

The Soda Crackers will celebrate their first album release on Saturday, Dec.

13 at Fairfax Grange on Fairfax Road; the event features a vinyl DJ at 2 p.m., dance lessons at 8 p.m., a performance by Emily Rose and the Rounders, and $20 tickets at the door.

On Thursday, the Kiwanis Club of Delano delivered 2,220 books to students at Delano Union Elementary and nearby Tulare and Pond districts to boost literacy skills, especially among third graders (a project five years in the making).

Kern County will resume issuing oil and gas permits in North Bakersfield on Jan.

2, 2026 after a decade-long legal battle — District 3 Supervisor Jeff Flores said the move could boost local production and create jobs while industry leader Rock Zierman warned of potential drilling headwinds.

Today the Kern County Veterans Chambers of Commerce hosts its quarterly Veteran Thrive meeting to provide support and resources for veterans facing holiday stress.

Leaders encourage sharing and community connection (a safe space for mental health) to help veterans overcome challenges.

Suze Lopez of Bakersfield gave birth to a full-term baby days after learning she was pregnant—doctors said the baby developed in her abdomen behind an ovarian tumor that was later removed, and the family is now home and well.

Bakersfield Recovery Services reports a 30 to 50 percent increase in help calls during the holiday season — prompting local experts to advise residents to use available treatment and counseling resources to manage holiday stress.

Starting in February, Kern County will deploy new portable AI-powered ECG machines to speed heart attack detection in the field, helping first responders deliver timely care.

The county is the first in California to adopt this advanced technology.

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.

Bakersfield Condors vs San Diego Gulls

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Mechanics Bank Arena — Ticket prices vary — Watch as the Bakersfield Condors take on the San Diego Gulls in an exciting hockey matchup.

NYE 90's Party

9:00 – 11:30 PM — The Padre Hotel — $20 presale — Dance the night away at a 90's themed NYE celebration with Social Vibe and special features.

Bakersfield Jazz Orchestra Live

Evening event — Every 1st & 3rd Monday — Crusader Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy live jazz with top musicians in a fun atmosphere.

Fog Run

4-8 p.m. — Lake Ming, Bakersfield, CA — Registration required — Participate in the 36th Annual 5K-10K Fog Run to support at-risk individuals in Kern County.