All the holly jolly holiday things you can do in Pasadena before the Rose Parade
Pasadena, California (Dec 1, 2023) – 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 (300 E. Green Street), one of the most revered performance halls in the nation, will gleam with its holiday lighting display beginning on November 27, 2023, kicking off its schedule of holiday and Christmas performances. For tickets to the upcoming shows at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, visit www.ticketmaster.com/venue/90157.
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 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 infused with contemporary circus arts. Enjoy the magic of the holiday season with a world-renowned cast of performers accompanied by an ensemble of aerial circus acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, fun-loving skippers, breath-catching acrobatics, and much more. (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 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: Wednesday, December 20 at 4 pm)
Holidays at the Theater
Pasadena Playhouse Holiday Spectacular: Tony nominee Sam Pinkerton returns to the Pasadena Playhouse (39 S. El Molino Avenue) to sleigh audiences with a brand-new holiday spectacular. Savor the holiday spirit in the historic Playhouse Village in Pasadena, which comes alive with twinkling lights, leaving you feeling merry and bright. (Production runs December 7 – 23, 2023) For more information, visit www.pasadenaplayhouse.org/event/holiday-spectacular.
A Christmas Carol at A Noise Within: More than a play, A Christmas Carol at A Noise Within theater (3352 E. Foothill Boulevard) is a spectacular holiday experience including special snacks, pre-show crafts, and photo ops before the show in our decorated lobby and after the show with the cast. (Production runs December 1 – 24, 2023) For more information, visit www.anoisewithin.org/play/a-christmas-carol-2023/
Holiday Shopping Festivities
Small Business Saturday: Shop local this holiday season and celebrate Small Business Saturday with Pasadena’s Authentically Yours campaign. Visit one of the many welcome stations across the City of Pasadena on November 25 to grab an Authentically Pasadena canvas shopping tote. For more information, visit 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 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 4. For more information, visit 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 its 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. For more information, visit www.southlakeavenue.org/holiday-shop-dine-win-on-south-lake-avenue/.
Kid-Approved Holiday Joy
Winter Frolic at Kidspace Children’s Museum: Kidspace Children’s Museum (480 N. Arroyo Boulevard) 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 out of ice blocks, and dress up a life-size no-melt snowman in the icy cave. (Dates: November 10, 2023– January 7, 2024) For more information, visit https://kidspacemuseum.org/event/winter-frolic-2/.
Enchanted at Descanso Gardens: Descanso Gardens (1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada) transforms into a shimmering nocturnal wonderland. Walk one-mile through illuminated trees, enjoy an entire town of magical “stained glass,” enjoy exquisite lighting effects in the Ancient Forest, and more. (Dates: November 19, 2023 – January 7, 2024) For more information, visit 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 himself. Each child will receive a limited-edition Paddington x The Langham bear to take home as a momento. (Dates: December 3, 8, 9, 10, 15 – 24) To make your reservation, visit 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 56th Annual Holiday Look In Home Tour, offering a feast for the eyes, 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. Don’t forget to check out the boutique for unique shopping finds. For more information, visit www.pasadenaholidaylookin.org
Holiday Tours at the Rose Bowl Stadium: On December 27, 2023, 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. For more information, visit 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 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.
About Visit Pasadena
The Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau (Visit Pasadena) is a non-profit marketing organization dedicated to promoting Pasadena as a leading meeting, convention and leisure travel destination. It is responsible for the sales and marketing efforts to attract meetings, conventions, events, and leisure travel. Through the impact of travel, Visit Pasadena enhances the local economy for the well-being of the community. For more information, go to www.visitpasadena.com. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook at @VisitPasadena.
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