There's nothing like ringing in the holiday season with a classic, or even a cheesy, Christmas movie, but if you're sick of watching them at home during the stay-at-home order, there is another way to do so this Saturday: The Outlets at Tejon's Christmas Under the Stars: Holiday Edition.
"Bakersfield is such a community-even driven place, but because of the pandemic, that stopped everything," Becca Bland, Spokesperson of The Outlets at Tejon said. "So, we decided to have that sense of community again, while keeping everything safe."
The Outlets had a similar event around Halloween, and over 165 cars showed up.
"We decided back in October to do another drive-thru. We had over 165 cars come that day, and we wanted to do it again during Christmas. Why? Just to bring the holiday cheer," Bland said.
There will be six feet between cars in a spacious, gated lot in the spirit of social distancing. Attendees can look forward to a Christmas film on a giant screen and concessions from variety of local food trucks, such as Pita Paradise and Michaelangelo's Wood Fired Pizza.
"[The movie is about] a green creature who steals Christmas. Now, if you can't get that, I can't give any more hints!" Bland said.
Since doors open at 5:30 P.M. but the movie doesn't start until 6:30 P.M. the outlets will have activities visitors can enjoy while they wait for the film to begin. The shops are open until 8:00 P.M., and every half hour until closing, fake snow will fall to create a white Christmas in Kern County.
"It's fake, but it doesn't matter. It's still going to be just as magical," Bland said. "And hey, if you're waiting in line, jump on over to the tree, take some photos with the amazing snow, and you can use that for your holiday photo!"
After taking a holiday photo, attendees can even fill out their holiday wishlist and mail it in a red mailbox by the tree. The outlets will pick one lucky winner every day until the end of the year to receive an item on their wishlist as well as choose a charity for the outlets to donate $100 to this season.
"We're acting as Santa's little helpers this time of year. To bring some extra joy this year," Bland said.
More information on this free event can be found here.
