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The Pasadena-Area Holiday Festivities Guide

Santa Sightings, Holiday Lights and Much More for the end of 2024!

By Kate Finlay Zimmerman, Publisher, Macaroni KID Pasadena November 22, 2024

The holiday magic is back, and the Pasadena area is the place for family-friendly holiday fun throughout the season! From festive events to spectacular light displays and Santa visits, Macaroni KID Pasadena has your ultimate guide to the best local holiday events. Discover the best holiday attractions and festive experiences in Pasadena that will bring cheer and winter magic all season long.


Explore our curated list of activities and make your holidays unforgettable.  Bookmark this page, as we’ll be adding even more Pasadena area holiday events and family-friendly activities throughout the season!

BY THE DATE:

Sierra Madre Winter Village Festival
  • Date: Saturday, November 30
  • Location: Kersting Court & Sierra Madre Blvd.
  • Photo Opportunity: Organized Take-your-own Picture Opportunities with Santa & Mrs. Claus
  • More Info: Sierra Madre Winter Village

Pet Party with Santa (for Photos)
  • DateMonday, December 2
  • Time: 4 to 7pm
  • LocationThe Shops at Santa Anita, Arcadia
  • More Info: Pet Party with Santa

Monrovia Holiday Parade
  • Date: Thursday, December 5
  • Times: stating at 7pm
  • Location: Myrtle Avenue and Old Town
  • More info:Monrovia Holiday Parade

Breakfast with Santa
  • Date: Saturday, December 7
  • Location: Arcadia Community Center
  • Photo Opportunity: Organized Take-your-own Picture Opportunity
  • More Info: Breakfast with Santa - Arcadia

Pictures with Santa at Vroman's
  • Date: Saturday, December 7
  • Location: Vroman's Pasadena
  • Photo Opportunity: Organized Take-your-own Picture Opportunity
  • More Info: Pictures with Santa at Vroman's
 

Monrovia Santa Tour

  • Date: December 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13
  • Time: starting at 5pm
  • Location: Myrtle Avenue and throughout Monrovia - check link for specific street / date info.
  • Photo Opportunity: only from afar
  • More Info: Monrovia Santa Tour

Breakfast with Santa
  • Date: Saturday, December 14
  • Location:War Memorial Building South Pasadena
  • Photo Opportunity: Organized Take-your-own Picture Opportunity
  • More Info: Breakfast with Santa

Pet Party with Santa (for Photos)
  • DateMonday, December 9
  • Time: 4 to 7pm
  • LocationThe Shops at Santa Anita, Arcadia
  • More Info: Pet Party with Santa 

Santa Snacks & Stories
  • Date: Saturday, December 21
  • Location: One Colorado in Pasadena
  • Photo Opportunity: Take-your-own Live Action Shots
  • More Info: Santa's Snacks & Stories

ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES:
Photos with Santa at One Colorado
  • Dates: Friday, November 29th - Tuesday, December 24th
  • Times: Fridays: 5 to 8pm, Saturdays: 10am to 8pm & Sundays; 10am to 7pm
    • with exceptions on opening and closing days and for Santa Snacks and Stories
  • Location: One Colorado in Pasadena
  • Photo Opportunity: $30 to $40 for take-your-own or Professionals shots, individuals or groups up to 6 people
  • More Info: https://www.onecolorado.com/events/photos-with-santa/

Photos with Santa
  • Dates: Nov 22 - Dec 24
  • Times: 11am to 7pm most days
    • December 8 is "Sensory Santa" (Inclusive opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy Santa Magic photo experiences in an sensory - sensitive environment)
  • Location: The Shops at Santa Anita, Center Court
  • Photo Opportunity: $40 to $50 depending on package, professional photos
    • Advanced Reservations Required
  • More Info: https://shopsatsantaanita.com/events/the-shops-at-santa-anita-photos-with-santa

Santa's House
  • Dates:  November 15 to December 24
  • Times: 10am to 9pm daily except Thanksgiving
    • Pet Nights: November 19 & 26, 4 to 9pm
  • Location: The Americana at Brand
  • Photo Opportunity: $60 to $115 depending on package, professional photos
    • Advanced Reservations Required
  • More Info: https://americanaatbrand.com/reservation/#id=santas-house


Holiday Shop & Sip 
  • Date: Frday, December 6
  • Time: 5 to 9pm
  • Location: Mariposa Junction, Altadena
  • More Info: Holiday Shop & Sip

Christmas Market

Holiday Mercado


For the best Holiday Light Displays in the Pasadena area, head on over to: 

Christmas Tree Lane
Santa Rosa Avenue, Altadena see map
Drive down Christmas Tree Lane to experience the lights festooning the 135-year old Deodar Cedars lining the way. Download the CTLA app to enhance your experience.  A tradition for 104 years.  (FREE)
More Info:https://christmastreelane.net/

Upper Hasting Ranch Association Holiday Light Up
North-East Pasadena see map
Drive or walk through the streets of the Upper Hastings Ranch Neighborhood and marvel at the amazing light displays... some unlike you'll see anywhere else!  Each street has its own theme, and there are carolers and musical bands on key dates.  A tradition since 1951.  (FREE)
More Info:https://upperhastingsranch.org/events

Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow
Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles
An immersive experience of spectacular light displays that's nature-focused and fun for families! Tickets are $18 and up (with a discount for Zoo Members) and there are special nights, such as sensory inclusive, pajama night and value nights... and Santa is back again this year with photo opportunities (for a fee).
More Info:https://lazoo.org/plan-your-visit/special-experiences/zoolights/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAo5u6BhDJARIsAAVoDWurveHUgt5Ye-f9c124q6IWHxrNa07kNNv3RCGRxlGthChSPuXeBmEaAuApEALw_wcB


Mayor’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony


Tree Lighting Celebration
  • Date: Thursday, December 5
  • Time: 6 to 7pm
  • Location: Arcadia Transit Plaza
  • Highlights: Visit from Santa Claus, Strolling Carolers, Free Hot Cocoa & Treats, Face Painting, Balloon Creations
  • More Info: Tree Lighting Celebration Arcadia

Holiday Tree Lighting with a Taste of San Gabriel
  • Date: Tuesday, December 3
  • Time: 6 to 8:30pm
  • Location: San Gabriel Mission District
  • Highlights: Photos with Santa, Mini Train Rides, Student Musical Performances, Free Samples from Local Restaurants
  • More Info: San Gabriel Tree Lighting & Santa


Christmas Tree Lane Lighting Ceremony & Winter Festival




Merry Gift Making
Cookie Decorating
Holiday Wreath Crafting

Wreath Making Workshop

Holiday Ornament Crafting

Ornament Making Workshop



Click the link to the website for more information on each of these very special holiday events, and be sure to get tickets well in advance!

Bob Baker's Nutcracker
  • Dates: November 30 to January 5 
  • Time: morning and afternoon performances
  • Location: Sierra Madre Playhouse
  • Highlights:  A delightful marionette adaptation of Balanchine's classic The Nutcracker.  
  • More Info: Bob Baker's Nutcracker

Los Angeles Ballet's The Nutcracker
  • Dates: December 6, 7, and 8
  • Location: Pasadena Civic Auditorium
  • Highlights: The classic Nutcracker Ballet performed by the world-class Los Angeles Ballet
  • More Info:Los Angeles Ballet's The Nutcracker

A Christmas Carol

Christmas Tea
  • Date: Saturday, December 7
  • Time: 1pm and 4pm seatings
  • Location: Rose Tree Cottage in Pasadena
  • Highlights: Formal English Tea with Roasted Chestnuts, accompanied by a Brass Band 
  • More Info: Christmas Tea

Teddy Bear Tea at the Langham

Holiday Candlelight with the Pasadena Symphony & Pops




BY THE DATE:
Festival in Lights
  • Date: Friday, December 6
  • Time: 4 to 6:30 pm
  • Location: La Canada Flintridge's Memorial Park
  • Highlights: Snow, Santa, Reindeer, Musical Performances, and Food for Purchase
  • More Info: Festival in Lights

Holidayfest!
  • Date: Saturday, December 7
  • Time: 12 to 6pm
  • Location: South Lake Ave, Pasadena
  • Highlights: Free Photos with Santa & Holiday Characters, Live Music, Crafts and Raffles
  • More Info: Holidayfest! on South Lake Avenue

An Old-Fashioned Holiday at the Queen Anne Cottage
Dates: Saturday & Sunday, December 7, 8, 14 and 15
Time: 11am- 3pm most days
Location: L.A. Arboretum
Highlights: a Victorian-Themed Christmas Celebration with Santa, Carolers and more

Los Angeles County's Holiday in the Park
  • Date: Friday, December 13
  • Location: Charles Farnsworth Park in Pasadena
  • Highlights: information coming
  • More Info: Holiday in the Park

Lanterman Holiday Open House & Gingerbread House Contest
  • Date: Sunday, December 15
  • Time: 10am to 12pm
  • Location: Lanterman House in La Canada
  • Highlights: Live Music, Hot Cider & Cookies, Holiday Boutique, Model Train Display and Gingerbread House Contest 
  • More Info: 5th Annual Gingerbread House Contest

Movie in the Park - Elf 

Holly Jolly Jingle Musical Show
  • Date: Saturday, December 21
  • Time: 4pm
  • Location: The Shops at Santa Anita, Arcadia
  • More Info: Holly Jolly Jingle

Holly Jolly Jingle Music
  • Date: Monday, December 23
  • Time: 4pm
  • Location: The Shops at Santa Anita, Arcadia
  • More Info: Holly Jolly Jingle

Holiday Drive with Santa Claus!
  • Date: December 25th
  • Time: 9 to 10am
  • Location: Through San Marino
  • Highlights: Watch Santa cruise by on a firetruck on Christmas morning! 
  • More Info: Holiday Drive with Santa Claus


ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES:
Winter Wonderland Nights 

Winter Frolic at Kidspace

Enchanted Forest of Light

Holiday on Strings with the Bob Baker Marionettes

Parent tip: Event details can change! Always confirm event details before heading out.


Terri C | Canva via Pixabay