Good morning, Bakersfield! Happy December! The countdown to Christmas begins! With this being the first newsletter of the month, wanted to provide you with some additional highlights to prepare for the month ahead.

Today is also Cyber Monday so be sure to make your purchases online and get your holiday shopping started.

Today’s brief includes:

• ☕a Heart-warming Hot Cocoa Stand

• 🎲New Business in Town

• 🍜🌮Restaurants Relocating

• 📆 Upcoming Events

• 🎄December Bucket List

• 📖Books of the Month

• 💌 Christmas Poll - Vote

Enjoy!

Weather Forecast

Monday - 64°☁️ | Tuesday - 64°☁️ | Sunday - 66°☀️

Brief Update…

6-year-old’s Hot Cocoa Stand

Avery, a 6-year-old Bakersfield girl, started a hot cocoa stand to collect toys for children in need after learning about Toys for Tots. Inspired by her desire to help others, Avery offers hot cocoa and cookies in exchange for toy donations instead of money. Her stand has drawn community support and even a visit from Santa. Proud parents Jennifer and Andy Cemo commend her selflessness and holiday spirit, as her initiative is spreading joy and generosity to kids in need across the town.

source: kget.com

Motivation Monday

New Business Alert

Game Haven, a new board game store in Downtown Bakersfield, offers game sales and rentable themed private rooms. Opened by Broc and Joseph Reed-Rivera, former patrons of the previous business at the location, it features rooms for Dungeons and Dragons, card games, and parties like "Big Blue." Customers can access an extensive board game collection for in-room play. The private rooms are set to be completed sometime this month.

source: turnto23.com

Restaurants Relocating

Maui Pho

Maui Pho, a beloved Asian Fusion restaurant in Bakersfield, relocated from Ming Avenue to 5432 Stockdale Highway due to rising crime and an expiring lease. The new, larger location features a banquet section and monthly hula dancing shows. General Manager Shireana Tavendale cited safety concerns, including carjackings and thefts, at the previous location near Home Depot and a recycling center. Despite challenges, the Maui Pho team cherishes their past and looks forward to thriving in their new space.

source: turnto23.com

Que Pasa Cocina

Que Pasa Cocina, a regional Mexican cuisine chain, is reopening in Bakersfield on December 6 after a nine-month hiatus. The new location at Coffee Road and Truxtun Avenue, the previous Frugatti’s location, is three times larger than its previous spot, featuring two bars and a banquet room. Owners Baldo and Araceli Cisneros promise a refreshed concept with menu additions like birria and fresh chicharrones. Que Pasa has five locations across California and also owns two Los Hermanos Cafes in Bakersfield.

source: kget.com

Bakersfield Christmas Town

Bakersfield Christmas Town at the Kern County Fairgrounds is now open through December 31, offering walk-thru and drive-thru holiday experiences. Walk-thru admission ($20–$30) includes St. Nick's Lighting Spectacular, a skating rink, hayrides, and bounce houses. The drive-thru interactive light display costs $25–$35 per vehicle, with special rates for larger vehicles.

source: bakersfieldnow.com

Events

• CALM Holiday Lights - all month - CALM (purchase tickets)

• Bakersfield Christmas Town - all month - Kern County Fairgrounds (admission fee)

• Reggae Vinyl Listening Party - 12/1 - Bottleshock Wine & Brew

• Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra - 12/6 - Mechanics Bank Arena

• Drive-in Movie Nights - 12/6-12/7 - Cherry Acres ($20 per car/reservations required)

• Chez Noel (Holiday Home Tour) - 12/6-12/7 - starts at the Bargain Box 1924 Q St. ($40 ticket; tour starts at 10am)

• Holiday Pop Up Shop - 12/7 - Buena Vista Rd & Bolthouse Dr. (9am-2pm)

• Holiday Bazaar - 12/7 - 14525 Plumeria Ct (5pm-8:30pm)

• Holiday Lamplight Tours - 12/7 - Kern County Museum (5pm-9pm; $10 ages 3 & up)

• Southwest Christmas Market - 12/7 - Stockdale High School (5:30pm-9:30pm)

  • Santa is coming for pictures!

• Christmas on the Farm - 12/7-12/8 - Cherry Acres (9am-5pm)

• Christmas Charcuterie Workshop - 12/9 - Wine Me Up

• The Nutcracker - 12/13-12/15 - Mechanics Bank Theater (must purchase tickets)

• NOR’s Christmas Parade - 12/14 - N. Chester (10am)

• Cirque Dream Holidaze - 12/16 - Mechanics Bank Theater (must purchase tickets)

• 1st Annual Christmas Pajama Takeover - 12/21 - Downtown Bakersfield

2025:

• Boots in the Park - 3/7/25 - Bakersfield Sports Village

• Bakersfield Marathon - 3/30/25 - Kern County Museum

• Mud Factor - 4/26/25 - Kern County Raceway Park

Let us know about events coming up!

Sports

Monday Night Football (NFL):

• Cleveland Browns vs. Denver Broncos at 5:15pm on ESPN

Kid Brief

• Santa Letters Express - 12/2-12/16 -Riverlakes Community Center (and other participating locations)

  • Write and send a letter to Santa and receive a letter back

• Santa Home Visits - 12/2-12/19 - call to book

• Kids Night Out (Santa’s Workshop) - 12/6 - Color Me Mine

• Kids Christmas Craft Fair - 12/7 - Hobby Lobby parking lot (2pm-5pm)

• KLC Story Time at the Park - Weekly - Saturdays 1pm to 3pm - Heritage Park

• i9 Sports (flag football and soccer - ages 3-14) signups for upcoming leagues - various date ranges and locations

Most Anticipated Books of the Month

1. Rental House by Weike Wang

2. I Might be in Trouble by Daniel Aleman

3. Eddie Winston is Looking for Love by Marianne Cronin

4. Trouble Island by Sharon Short

5. Not in My Book by Katie Holt

and more…

Check out the full list on goodreads.com

Food Brief

Christmas Baking Ideas

(Make a plate of treats for your neighbors or close friends)

1. Pretzel M&M Hugs

2. Snowball Cookies

3. Christmas Crack

4. Reindeer Track Cookies

5. Peanut Butter Balls

6. Christmas Rice Krispie Treats

7. Santa’s Trash Cookies

8. Saltine Toffee

Future Holiday Reminders

• 23 Days until Christmas

Christmas Poll

Results will be revealed Friday!

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