Carolers, carriage rides, Christmas shopping and photos with Santa turn this month’s First Friday arts stroll into a holiday celebration. Friday evening, Dec. 4, the Downtown Arts District will feature a variety of events for adults, children and even pooches.

A horse-drawn carriage will give free rides throughout the downtown area, the core of which is from about G Street to Chester Avenue and from 18^th to 20^th streets. Also, new this month is the inaugural “Concert in the Alley,” a free live concert in Wall Street Alley.

Here is a sampling of what’s planned:

Surface Gallery
1703 20^th St, 323-4090, surfacegallery@att.net

5 to 9 p.m.

“A Trio of Oakland Potters” featuring pottery by artists Jason Dunn, Noelle Nakama and Hue Yang. The Bakersfield High School Choir will perform carols in front of the gallery from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Wine and sweets will be available.

Metro Galleries
1604 19^th St, 634-9598, metrogalleries@yahoo.com

5 to 10 p.m.

“Abstract Expressions” featuring Johnny Ramos, Karoon and Dan Slayton. There will be live music, hors d’oeuvres and a no-host wine bar.

Concert in the Alley
Wall Street Alley between Eye Street and Chester Avenue

6 to 7:30 p.m.

The kick-off concert for the newest First Friday addition features Joel Jacob and his band performing songs from his new CD “Makeshift Motive.” The free, all-ages show is sponsored by Bakotopia and Metro Galleries.

Dagny’s Coffee Company
1600 20^th St., 634-0806, www.dagnyscoffee.com

6 to 8 p.m.

Local rock band Near Miss Mallet performs.

Kuka’s Folk Art
1609 19^th St., 325-0000, www.kukasfolkart.com

5 to 9 p.m.

Live Mariachi music, a Latin elf handing out candy canes and coffee with Mexican bread are all on the menu for this Latin American folk art shop. Shopping includes decorations, nativities, handbags, jewelry and other gifts and decorations.

House of Flowers
1611 19^th St., 326-7000, ahofdesigns.com

5 to 9 p.m.

The floral shop hosts a “Have a Merry Retro Christmas” party with a martini bar and lounge singer Roger Martin, who “sounds just like Frank Sinatra,” says shop owner Amanda Sanders. Dress retro for a free gift.

Biscuit Boutique & Doggy Spa
1617 19^th St., 321-9602, www.biscuitboutique.com

5 to 8 p.m.

“Yappy Hour” for dogs and their companions includes treats for the pooches and wine and cheese for adults. Holiday shopping includes gifts and dogs and dog owners.

Spotlight Theatre and Café
1622 19^th St., 634-0692, www.spotlightfound.org

5 to 8 p.m. dinner; 8 to 10:30 p.m. show

Pasta on the Patio features made-to-order pasta as well as beer and a selection of coastal wines. Then head inside the theater for a performance of “The Secret Garden,” a musical adapted from the children’s classic. Tickets are $17.

Ellie Jaye’s Baby Boutique
1608 19^th St., 631-0473, www.solorzanophotography.com

5 to 9 p.m.

Solorzano Photography will offer photos with Santa from 6 to 8:30 p.m. with packages starting at $8. The boutique features clothing and other holiday gifts for infants and toddlers.

Tangerine
1602 20^th St., 631-0081, www.tangerineclothing.com

6 to 9 p.m.

This clothing boutique will host music, cocktails, treats and a trunk show featuring handcrafted beaded jewelry by JJ’s Jazzy Jewels.

Stars Theatre
1931 Chester Ave., 325-6100, www.bmtstars.com

6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Bakersfield Music Theatre presents its opening night of the holiday tradition, “A Merry Christmas at Stars.” Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 to $54 and include a gourmet meal.

FLICS
Fox Theater, 2001 H St., 428-0354, flics.org

7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Bakersfield’s international cinema society presents “Departures,” a Japanese film about an unemployed cellist who takes a job as a funeral professional. Admission is $5.