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NOV 28 - DEC 25

Christmas in Kernville 2026

Gather your family and friends and join us in Circle Park as we welcome the holiday season together with hometown cheer!

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TREE LIGHTING & TOY DRIVE

Join our official Kick-Off on Nov 28th! Bring a new toy for the Annual Hot Rod Toy Drive at 3 PM, then sing along as we light up Circle Park with Christmas magic at 5:30 PM.

SMALL BUSINESS SHOP HOP

Stroll through town, shop local, and discover unique gifts while supporting Kernville small businesses. Enjoy special raffles, holiday discounts, and festive hometown spirit.

SANTA & HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

Meet Santa in the Park every Saturday evening! Kids will love the Elf on a Shelf Scavenger Hunt all month long, plus a special Pancakes with Santa event on December 19th.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

CHRISTMAS... KERNVILLE STYLE

NOV 28: KICK-OFF

DEC 4: CANDLELIGHT STROLL

DEC 19: PANCAKES W/ SANTA

EVERY SATURDAY: SANTA

August 8th

September 12th

Celebrate the holiday season in the heart of Kernville from November 28th through December 25th! It all begins with our massive Kick-Off on Saturday, Nov 28, featuring the Shop Hop, Toy Drive, and Tree Lighting.

The festive spirit continues all month long. Don't miss the beautiful Candlelight Vigil Stroll featuring the Kern River Chorus on December 4th, or the fun Elf on a Shelf Scavenger Hunt happening at local businesses.

Make magical memories with the kids by joining us for Pancakes with Santa at the Community Center on Dec 19th, or visit Santa in Circle Park every Saturday from 5 PM to 7 PM. Come celebrate the season with us!

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Mark your calendar

A MONTH OF HOLIDAY MAGIC

Dates: Nov 28 - Dec 25, 2026.

Main events are located at Circle Park in downtown Kernville, with special activities like Pancakes with Santa at the Kernville Community Center.

Festival at-a-glance

Nov 28: Shop Hop, Toy Drive & Tree Lighting
Dec 4: Candlelight Vigil Stroll & Chorus
Dec 19: Pancakes with Santa ($15/child 12 & Under)
Santa in the Park: Every Saturday 5-7 PM
Elf on a Shelf Scavenger Hunt (Nov 28 - Dec 18)

Planning to stay the weekend? Explore more things to do, places to stay, and river safety tips at explorekernville.com .

Good to know

Festival FAQs

Answers to the most common questions, what to bring, and how to make the most of your Kernville Fall Festival experience.

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Does it cost anything to attend?

Most of the events in Circle Park (like the Tree Lighting and Santa in the Park) are free! However, specific events like Pancakes with Santa are $15 per child (12 & under).

Is it family friendly?

Absolutely! Christmas in Kernville is designed around family fun. Kids will love the Hot Rod Toy Drive, meeting Santa in the park, and the month-long Elf on a Shelf Scavenger Hunt.

Where is the festival located?

The main hub is Circle Park in downtown Kernville. The Shop Hop takes place at various local businesses, and Pancakes with Santa is hosted at the Kernville Community Center.

What should I bring?

Bring warm winter clothing, a new toy to donate for the Annual Hot Rod Toy Drive on Nov 28th, and a joyous holiday spirit! Cash or card is recommended for shopping locally during the Shop Hop.

Can I bring my dog?

Friendly, leashed dogs are generally welcome in most outdoor Kernville spaces like Circle Park, but please check specific rules before bringing them to indoor events like Pancakes with Santa.