This holiday season, gather with friends and family in Pasadena, a sophisticated yet casual winter retreat filled with merry activities and nonstop holiday joy across town. From holiday spectaculars to shopping festivities, ornate tree lightings to classic holiday family adventures, the holiday spirit jingles all the way in Pasadena.
Holiday Shows at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium
The Pasadena Civic Auditorium, one of the most revered performance halls in the nation, will feature classic holiday performances.
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, with hints and tastes of Southern California. (Showtimes: Friday, December 6:00 at 8:00 pm; Saturday, December 7 at 6:00 pm; Sunday, December 8 at 2:00 pm)
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
Talmi Entertainment’s NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet tells the beloved holiday story with an extraordinary international cast and Ukrainian Principal Artists. Be transported by the magic of jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger than life puppets, and stunning hand-crafted sets and costumes. (Showtime: Friday, December 13 at 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm)
For tickets to the upcoming shows at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, visit Ticketmaster.com.
Holidays at the Theater
Pasadena Symphony’s Holiday Candlelight
On December 13 – 14th, enjoy Pasadena’s most sought-after holiday concert in the architecturally exquisite and acoustically sonorous All Saints Church. An array of the most popular and cherished holiday melodies performed by candlelight is a sure way to summon the spirit of the season.
A Christmas Carol at A Noise Within
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.
Holiday Shopping Festivities
Experience the holiday magic of Old Pasadena as the Mayor’s Annual Tree Lighting commences on Friday, December 6. During the holiday season, One Colorado’s celebrations are a must and include photos with Santa, letters to Santa, holiday carolers, and more. Be sure to book your holiday tour at the historic Castle Green on December 8.
Holidayfest! on South Lake Avenue
Holidayfest! returns on Saturday, December 7, on South Lake Avenue for its annual holiday celebration at noon. Enjoy photos with Santa, holiday activities, music, photo-ops with holiday and winter characters and more. The event will also have live raffles throughout the afternoon giving away thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes.
Kid-Approved Holiday Joy
Winter Frolic at Kidspace Children’s Museum
Kidspace Children’s Museum transforms into a winter wonderland for Winter Frolic until January 5, 2025. Grab your favorite socks to skate on the no-ice sock skating rink, go ice fishing, build sculptures out of ice blocks, and dress up a life-size no-melt snowman in the icy cave.
Descanso Gardens transforms into a shimmering nocturnal wonderland. Walk one-mile through illuminated trees and exquisite lighting effects in the Ancient Forest, and more until January 5, 2025. The garden lights up from 5:30 to 10:00 pm.
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 himself. Each child will receive a limited-edition Paddington x The Langham bear to take home as a memento. Click here to make reservations.
Holiday Tours
Pasadena Holiday Look In Home Tour
The Womens’ Committee of the Pasadena Symphony Association is putting on the 57th Annual Holiday Look In Home Tour, offering a feast for the eyes, December 8-9. Experience the beautiful gardens and magnificent architecture of four elegant homes while docents point out interesting features and musicians provide holiday music. Don’t forget to check out the boutique for unique shopping finds.
Holiday Tours at the Rose Bowl Stadium
Through December 26 – 28, 2024 & on January 2, 2025, walk in the footsteps of legends and delight in an unforgettable opportunity to 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.
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 extravaganza and elaborately decorate 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 an elegant residential neighborhood where the architectural gems and towering pine trees are bedecked in lights.
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