Holiday highlights in festive Pasadena

Pasadena, CA has laid on a host of holiday season events and activities, providing the perfect place nonstop holiday joy.

From holiday spectaculars to ornate tree lightings the holiday spirit jingles all the way in Pasadena.

Holiday Shows at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium

The Pasadena Civic Auditorium kicks off with a holiday lighting display beginning November 27, 2023, Tickets are now on sale for the upcoming shows.

Los Angeles Ballet Presents The Nutcracker: Enjoy Los Angeles Ballet’s original production of The Nutcracker set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. This production stays true to the traditions of the storybook tale and is set in 1912 Los Angeles. Showtimes: Friday, December 1 at 8 pm; Saturday, December 2 at 6 pm; Sunday, December 3 at 2 pm)

Cirque Dreams Holidaze: From the company behind Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Dreams Holidaze brings a Broadway-style production with contemporary circus arts. Showtimes: Tuesday, December 12 at 7:30 pm; Wednesday, December 13 at 7:30 pm

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet: Talmi Entertainment’s NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet tells the holiday story with an international cast and Ukrainian Principal Artists. Showtime: Wednesday, December 20 at 4 pm

Holidays at the Theater

Pasadena Playhouse Holiday Spectacular: Tony nominee Sam Pinkerton returns to the Pasadena Playhouse with a brand-new holiday spectacular. https://www.pasadenaplayhouse.org/event/holiday-spectacular/.

A Christmas Carol: More than a play, A Christmas Carol at A Noise Within theater is a spectacular holiday experience including special snacks, pre-show crafts, and photo ops before the show in the decorated lobby and after the show with the cast.  Production runs December 1 – 24, 2023.  https://www.anoisewithin.org/play/a-christmas-carol-2023/

Holiday Shopping

Small Business Saturday: Shop local and celebrate Small Business Saturday with Pasadena’s Authentically Yours campaign. Visit one of the many welcome stations on November 25 to grab an Authentically Pasadena canvas shopping tote. https://www.visitpasadena.com/shoplocal/.

Old Pasadena Holidays: Experience the holiday magic of Old Pasadena as the annual Tree Lighting commences on Friday, December 2, 2023. During the holiday season, One Colorado’s celebrations  include photos with Santa, letters to Santa, holiday carolers, and more. Visit https://www.oldpasadena.org/visit/events/signature-events/old-pasadena-holidays/.

Holidayfest on South Lake Avenue: Holidayfest returns on Saturday, December 2, 2023 on South Lake Avenue for the annual holiday celebration at noon. Enjoy photos with Santa, a cookie decorating station, ornament making station, music, raffles, holiday airbrushing and more. The event features performances by El Santo Golpe, Dustbowl Revival, Twisted Gypsy, and DJ William Reed. https://www.southlakeavenue.org/holiday-shop-dine-win-on-south-lake-avenue/.

Kids holiday activities

Winter Frolic at Kidspace Children’s Museum: Kidspace Children’s Museum transforms into a winter wonderland for Winter Frolic. Grab your favorite socks to skate on the no-ice sock skating rink, go ice fishing, build sculptures and dress up a life-size no-melt snowman in the icy cave. November 10, 2023– January 7, 2024.  https://kidspacemuseum.org/event/winter-frolic-2/.

Enchanted at Descanso Gardens: Descanso Gardens transforms into a nocturnal wonderland. Walk one-mile through illuminated trees, enjoy an entire town of magical “stained glass,” and explore the Ancient Forest. Dates: November 19, 2023 – January 7, 2024  https://www.descansogardens.org/events-and-activities/enchanted/.

Teddy Bear Tea: Head to the Langham Huntington, Pasadena for the coveted holiday Teddy Bear Tea experience, where tiny sandwiches meet a puppet show and a visit from Santa Claus. Each child will receive a limited-edition Paddington x The Langham bear to take home. December 3, 8, 9, 10, 15 – 24)  https://www.langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/los-angeles/offers/festive-offers/teddy-bear-tea/

Holiday Tours

Pasadena Holiday Look In Home Tour: The Womens’ Committee of the Pasadena Symphony Association is putting on the 56^th Annual Holiday Look In Home Tour on December 2-3, 2023. Experience the beautiful gardens and magnificent architecture of four elegant homes while docents point out interesting features and musicians provide holiday music. visit http://www.pasadenaholidaylookin.org/[GU1][AY2]

Holiday Tours at the Rose Bowl Stadium: On December 27, 2023, walk in the footsteps of legends and and go behind-the-scenes of America’s Stadium for two special holiday tours. Your tour guide will lead you through this National Historic Landmark, including the original 1922 locker room, current locker rooms, press box, Court of Champions and more. https://www.rosebowlstadium.com/events/details/323/holiday-tours.

Holiday Trees: Experience Pasadena’s dazzling holiday tree extravaganzas at The Paseo, Pasadena City Hall and The Langham Huntington Pasadena.

Holiday Lights: Upper Hastings Ranch (North of Sierra Madre Boulevard and east of Michillinda Avenue) is a community in northeast Pasadena where residents go all out for the annual Holiday Light Up, elaborately decorating their homes. Each block has a designated theme and the festive spirit gets amplified with carolers, bands and Santa Claus on the weekend before Christmas. Saint Albans Road in San Marino (at Huntington Avenue) is the perfect location for a stroll through a residential neighborhood where elegant homes and towering pine trees are bedecked in lights.