The trial for a man accused of driving drunk during the Bakersfield Christmas Parade crash has been postponed. The delay was granted on Monday, and the trial is now scheduled for January 8th.
Bakersfield News & Updates
Stay informed about the latest events and activities in Bakersfield
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Monday, January 5, 2026
As the New Year begins, Boy Scout Troop 712 in Bakersfield is offering Christmas tree recycling services. This initiative is a way for families to dispose of their natural trees while supporting the troop's efforts.
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
While many are between Christmas and New Year's, some Bakersfield residents marked the fourth day of Kwanzaa with a community celebration. The event acknowledges the holiday season in the area.
The Chamber of Commerce in California City hosted its annual Christmas Parade on December 20th. The event brought holiday spirit and festive cheer to the community.
Sunday, December 28, 2025
Boy Scout Troop 712 is holding their largest annual fundraiser by collecting Christmas trees throughout Kern County. This tradition helps support their summer camp.
Saturday, December 27, 2025
Participants gathered at Beach Park for the Ugly Sweater Christmas Ride, an event hosted by Critical Mass Bakersfield. The ride combined holiday spirit with community gathering.
The Blessing Corner Ministry hosted its annual Christmas Day extravaganza, focusing on giving back to the community. This event aimed to spread holiday cheer in Bakersfield.
Friday, December 26, 2025
Shaver Lake, California, is recognized as one of the most festive towns in the country, embodying a classic holiday card atmosphere. The town embraced the Christmas spirit with themed decorations, including a Christmas-themed sign at its entrance.
Thursday, December 25, 2025
The Open Door Network's annual toy run took place on the morning before Christmas at Cal State Bakersfield. Hundreds of participants brought presents to contribute to the holiday spirit.
A Bakersfield father and son received a Christmas tree and presents in their new home, marking an early Christmas celebration. This act of giving brought joy during the holiday season.
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Several local restaurants are ready to make your holiday spirits bright this Christmas. KC Steakhouse, for example, is offering a special Christmas gift for steak lovers.
During the weeks surrounding Christmas and New Year's, many people flock to Amapola Market to buy masa for tamales. Some customers travel from as far as Bakersfield, California.
HolidayLights at the California Living Museum is set to be closed on December 24th due to an anticipated storm. This closure affects the popular Christmas Eve attraction.
California officials are urging holiday travelers to reconsider their plans for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. A series of powerful winter storms is expected to impact the state.
The Mission at Kern County is hosting a free Community Meal on Christmas Eve. The event will take place at their location on 821 E. 21st Street in Bakersfield.
A series of powerful winter storms is expected to bring relentless rain, heavy winds, and snow to California this Christmas week. Residents are advised to prepare for potential impacts.
Kern County Public Works is reminding residents about Christmas tree recycling options after the holiday. Various drop-off locations will be available throughout the county.
17 News viewers supported a Christmas donation drive for local seniors, resulting in gift bags being donated to those in need at The Blessing Corner. The donations were distributed on Saturday.
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Golden Empire Gleaners is providing Christmas food baskets to families in Kern County for the first time in over four decades. This initiative aims to support local families during the holiday season.
A local Bakersfield family is experiencing a brighter Christmas this year with the donation of a tree, garlands, and presents. This generous gift has significantly enhanced their holiday celebration.
Upside Academy hosted its 12th annual 'Christmas in the Neighborhood' event, providing gifts for children and food boxes to Bakersfield families in need. This community initiative aims to support local families during the holidays.
Many Bakersfield residents are making holiday light displays a cherished part of their family traditions. These displays bring festive cheer and embody the spirit of Christmas for the community.
The Streets of Bakersfield Doggy Day Out program offers a way to shelter dogs during the holidays. This initiative provides a temporary home for animals during the Christmas season.
A storm system moving through California this week is bringing high winds and rain to Kern County, potentially impacting holiday travel. High winds are expected to arrive first, making travel conditions difficult.
Northern California is being battered by rain, with a major Christmas flood threat looming for Southern California, including Los Angeles. Inland areas like Bakersfield could experience wind gusts up to 80 mph.
Sunday, December 21, 2025
Black Bear Diner locations, including Bakersfield, will offer a special three-course meal on Christmas Day. This special is available for dine-in and takeout.
Christmas arrived early at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County Armstrong Youth Center with a gift giveaway. Over 200 local children received gifts, spreading holiday cheer.
Saturday, December 20, 2025
Kern County Fire and Bakersfield Fire crews conducted a safety demonstration highlighting the dangers of dry Christmas trees. The event aimed to educate the public on fire prevention during the holiday season.
Friday, December 19, 2025
Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway is celebrating the holiday season with a special Christmas event this Saturday. The raceway will feature the CARS Tour West for an afternoon and evening of racing festivities.
Thursday, December 18, 2025
Downtown Bakersfield is preparing for its second annual Christmas Pajama Takeover, a festive gathering for holiday celebrants. This event invites attendees to join in the holiday spirit with a unique pajama-themed celebration.
A screening of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" is scheduled, offering a chance to see a tender moment between Sally and Jack Skellington. This event provides a festive movie experience for the holiday season.
The "Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet" is making its return to Bakersfield, offering a chance to experience holiday magic. This touring performance will be held at the Fox Theater, bringing a classic Christmas tradition to the local community.
The "Magical Christmas Ballet" will be performed at the Fox Theater in Bakersfield on Friday. This event brings a touch of holiday magic to the city with a classic Christmas performance.
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
The Bakersfield Elf is back this year, preparing gifts for local children to bring them joy. This tradition aims to spread happiness throughout the Bakersfield community during the holiday season.
A long-standing Bakersfield tradition, the Toy Run, brought Christmas cheer to the community on Sunday morning. This event has benefited hundreds of families during the Christmas season for over four decades.
Visitors can now see a giant version of the iconic leg lamp from the holiday movie 'A Christmas Story.' This roadside attraction offers a unique seasonal photo opportunity.
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Bakersfield families received an early Christmas surprise through the Healthy Rooms Project. This initiative provided much-needed assistance to local households.
A Christmas tree fire can quickly escalate from a single spark to a fully involved room in under a minute. This highlights the importance of fire safety during the holidays.
As Christmas approaches, many families face challenges with crowded fridges and uneaten food. A chef is offering holiday tips to help Californians save over $416 in food annually.
Monday, December 15, 2025
The holiday movie industry is experiencing a boom, with many fans visiting filming locations like Wethersfield. Parts of the movie 'Christmas on Honeysuckle Lane' were shot there.
Saturday, December 13, 2025
The Kern County Sheriff's Office is hosting its annual Christmas Toy Drive this Saturday at the Bakersfield Walmart. Families can help brighten the holidays by stuffing the SHERP with donations.
The Taft Midway Driller has published a photo gallery of the 2025 Christmas Parade. The event took place in Taft, CA.
Friday, December 12, 2025
A Bakersfield native will be honored in the upcoming CA Rose Parade. The article also mentions past local Christmas events like the Bakersfield Christmas Parade's Santa Claus and DIY Christmas decorations with The Boys & Girls Club.
Thursday, December 11, 2025
A new 'Mr. Christmas' is set to be crowned as three finalists vie for the title. This competition is part of a Hallmark+ reality series.
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Bakersfield Memorial Hospital hosted its annual 'Burn Survivor Christmas Party' at the Valley Children's Ice Center. The event was a festive celebration for the burn unit at the Grossman Burn Center.
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
The Kern County Library is partnering with "Bakersfield Christmas Town" for its final reading challenge of 2025. This event encourages reading and engagement with the holiday spirit.
Monday, December 8, 2025
The annual Bakersfield Christmas Parade has become a cherished holiday tradition. Families and friends gather to watch the festive event, which saw a record number of entries this year.
Sunday, December 7, 2025
The Bakersfield Christmas Parade is mentioned as a cherished holiday tradition in an article about a basketball game. The article notes the parade's significance to families and friends.
Saturday, December 6, 2025
A woman from Bakersfield had a dream come true as she was chosen to assist with the White House Christmas decorations this year. Her contribution helped bring holiday cheer to the nation's capital.
Bakersfield College proudly took part in the 43rd Annual Bakersfield Christmas Parade. The college's participation highlighted their community involvement in the festive event.
Friday, December 5, 2025
Thousands of people lined the streets of Bakersfield for the annual Christmas Parade, bringing festive energy. The parade featured Mr. and Mrs. Claus waving to attendees.
A local woman contributed to decorating the White House for the holidays. She specifically worked on a butterfly-themed Christmas tree displayed in the Grand Foyer.
The Bakersfield Christmas Market, featuring European-style chalets, is taking place at the Kern County Museum. The market offers a festive shopping experience with various vendors.
Several Christmas parades are scheduled to take place throughout Kern County. Residents can enjoy these festive shows in Bakersfield, Shafter, Buttonwillow, Wasco, McFarland, and Tehachapi.
Santa Claus from the Bakersfield Christmas Parade appeared on 17 News at Sunrise to discuss the 43rd annual event. He shared insights on good behavior in relation to the parade.
The Bakersfield Christmas Parade's Santa Claus joined 17 News at Sunrise to discuss the 43rd annual Christmas Parade. He spoke about the importance of good behavior during the festive event.
The 43rd Bakersfield Christmas Parade drew a large crowd downtown on Thursday night. The event's theme was "A Family Christmas," and featured Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
The 43rd Bakersfield Christmas Parade attracted a large crowd downtown on Thursday night. Attendees gathered in front of the Fox Theater to watch the festive procession.
Mr. and Mrs. Claus were seen waving to attendees at the Bakersfield Christmas Parade on Thursday night. The event brought festive cheer to the community.
The 43rd Bakersfield Christmas Parade attracted a large crowd downtown on Thursday night. The event is a popular annual tradition for the community.
MARK209, known for their performances in their Yellow Bus, has performed across the country, including a stop at the Crystal Palace in Bakersfield, CA. They are known for their Christmas music.
The theme for the Bakersfield Christmas Parade was "A Family Christmas." The parade is a popular annual event that brings the community together.
Downtown Bakersfield is preparing for the 43rd annual Bakersfield Christmas Parade. The popular event is set to celebrate "A Family Christmas" with the community.
Thursday, December 4, 2025
The Kern County Fairgrounds are once again illuminated with holiday cheer for the return of Bakersfield Christmas Town. This popular event promises festive merriment for the community.
The 2025 Bakersfield Christmas Parade is scheduled for Thursday in downtown Bakersfield, starting at 6 PM. Over 100 entrants, including floats and bands, will participate.
White Forest Nursery, a family-owned business in East Bakersfield, has been selling Christmas trees for over 70 years. They offer festive firs and other holiday decorations.
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Shafter Police are reminding the public that unauthorized vendors will not be legally permitted to sell items during the annual Lions Club Christmas Parade. This action is being taken to ensure compliance with local regulations during the holiday event.
The Levin Papantonio law firm has continued its tradition of holiday giving by donating $25,000 to "Communities Caring at Christmas." This generous contribution aims to support local families during the Christmas season.