Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. The newsletter that covers what’s going on around town during the holiday stretch.
In Today’s News N’ Roses:
-
Pasadena Central Library Breaks Ground
-
Events this Monday & Tuesday
-
Civil News
-
Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
P.S. If you’re not already following @newsn_roses on Instagram, we’d love to have you there! We also have a Facebook page! The newsletter’s growing quickly, and it’s a fun way to stay connected and keep the local vibes going. Thanks for being part of it!
🎅THE DIGEST
Pasadena Central Library Breaks Ground
I remember the last book I borrowed from the Central Library; it was The Lord of the Rings. I returned it, the pandemic hit, and the building never really came back.
It’s been closed since 2021, first for safety concerns and then for what felt like an endless pause. On Friday, that pause finally broke. People gathered outside the library to mark the official start of renovations, swapping stories about studying there, growing up there, or just having a place to go.
The project is a full seismic retrofit and restoration, with plans to reopen the library in 2028. Even with years still ahead, seeing work begin made it feel real again.
After a long stretch of silence, the Central Library is finally moving forward.
🎁@NEWSN_ROSES
📷@seereenuh📍One Colorado
Tag @newn_roses to get your photos in New N’ Roses!
☃️WHAT’S HAPPENING
Monday (12/15/25)
🍽️ Pacific Rim 18: TasteMaking LA: Discover how food and design bring cultures together in this immersive pop-up exhibition presented by ArtCenter College of Design and JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, featuring collaborative student projects that reimagine dining traditions across continents. JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, Monday, December 15 at 4PM.
✨ Enchanted Forest of Light: Wander through Descanso Gardens after dark as the landscape glows with interactive light installations, illuminated sculptures, and magical forest scenes perfect for a cozy winter evening stroll. Descanso Gardens, Monday, December 15 from 5:30–10PM.
♟️ Chess Night: Drop in for a relaxed evening of friendly games where beginners and experienced players alike can practice, learn new strategies, and enjoy the love of chess together. Altadena Library, Monday, December 15 at 5:30PM.
🎭 The Next Stage Immersive Salon: Spend an evening exploring how play is reshaping entertainment—from theatre to games—through a lively panel, happy hour conversations, and small-group discussions with leaders in immersive storytelling. Pasadena Playhouse, Monday, December 15 from 7–10PM.
Tuesday (12/16/25)
🥕 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Villa Parke: Start your morning browsing fresh, locally grown produce and farm goods while shopping directly from the farmers who grow it. Villa Parke, Tuesday, December 16 from 8:30AM–12:30PM.
🚶 Walking Group: Get some fresh air, light exercise, and friendly conversation as this welcoming group strolls around the park and neighborhood together. South Pasadena Senior Center, Tuesday, December 16 at 8AM.
🌿 Boddy House Botanical Display: Step inside the Boddy House to enjoy a beautifully curated botanical display created by Descanso Gardens’ Horticulture team. Descanso Gardens, Tuesday, December 16 at 10AM.
⚡ Power Up, Pasadena!: Kids and teens can get hands-on with real tools and fun STEM activities while learning how electricity and the skilled trades help keep our city running. The Blinn House, Tuesday, December 16 at 3PM.
☕ Coffee & Crammin (Ages 14–17): High school teens can settle in, study for finals, and refuel with drinks and snacks in a relaxed, supportive study space. Crowell Public Library, Tuesday, December 16 at 3:30PM.
🩰 Holidays @ the Playhouse: Bob Baker’s “Nutcracker”: Celebrate the season with this charming marionette take on the classic ballet, featuring whimsical characters, intricate sets, and plenty of holiday magic. Sierra Madre Playhouse, Tuesday, December 16 at 4:30PM & 7:30PM.
🎄 Pasadena’s Rent Stabilization Department Annual Holiday Open House: Stop by for a festive afternoon to meet the Rent Stabilization team, enjoy seasonal treats, and learn more about the services supporting Pasadena’s tenants and landlords. 199 S. Los Robles Ave., Suite 350, Tuesday, December 16 from 4–5:30PM.
🕎 Chanukah Celebration at The Paseo: Celebrate Chanukah with a festive hour of live music, hot latkes, jelly donuts, dreidels, gelt, a giant menorah, and fun extras like Chanukah slime for kids. The Paseo (300 E. Colorado Blvd.), Tuesday, December 16 from 5–6PM.
🎉 2025 Altadena Town Council Holiday Celebration: Celebrate the season with holiday bites, a Town Council meeting, and the chance to tour the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium during this festive community gathering. Rose Bowl Stadium, Tuesday, December 16 from 5–9PM.
🎭 Bacchus’ Kitchen Presents “ART” by Yasmina Reza (Preview Performance): Enjoy a sharp, Tony Award–winning comedy in an intimate dinner-and-show setting featuring a stellar cast in this special preview performance. Bacchus’ Kitchen + Wine Bar, Tuesday, December 16 at 8PM.
Save the Date
✨ Enchanted Forest of Light: Descanso Gardens lights up after dark with immersive, walk-through installations, glowing art, and a magical holiday atmosphere. Descanso Gardens. Runs to January 4, 5:30PM–10PM.
🌼 Decorating Places – Float Viewing: Get a behind-the-scenes look at Rose Parade floats as teams add the final flowers and natural details before New Year’s Day. Rose Parade Decorating Facilities. December 28–30 (hours vary by day).
🎺 Bandfest: Catch a preview of the Rose Parade’s world-class bands as they take the field for spirited performances ahead of their New Year’s Day march. Pasadena City College. December 29–30 (multiple showtimes).
Nothing in this section is sponsored. These are just the things you need to know. I’ll always let you know if something is sponsored!
🔔CIVIL NEWS
Join Councilmember Rick Cole for a community conversation focused on local approaches, ideas, and collaboration around addressing homelessness in Pasadena. Jefferson School Auditorium, Tuesday, December 16 at 7PM. For more information, contact Megheti DerBoghossian at [email protected] or call 626-744-4742.
Attend this public meeting to learn about accessibility issues in Pasadena and hear from commissioners working to improve inclusion for people with disabilities. Jackie Robinson Community Center, Tuesday, December 16 at 5:30PM. For more information call: 626-744-6189.
❄️NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER
Monday
71 🌡️ 54 |☀️| 💨 N 3 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 66 (Moderate)
Tuesday
76 🌡️ 57 |☀️| 💨 NW 2 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.
🌟LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
🎷 The Riner Scivally Trio at Edwin Mills: Settle in for an evening of jazz standards, Brazilian tunes, and original compositions led by guitarist Riner Scivally alongside his trio. Edwin Mills, Tuesday, December 16 from 6–10PM.
🎷 The David Eastlee Trio: Enjoy a night of classic jazz standards led by acclaimed guitarist and composer David Eastlee, joined by seasoned musicians with deep roots in the LA jazz scene. Edwin Mills, Tuesday, December 16 from 6–10PM.
🎭 Bacchus’ Kitchen Presents “ART” by Yasmina Reza (Preview Performance): Enjoy a sharp, Tony Award–winning comedy in an intimate dinner-and-show setting featuring a stellar cast in this special preview performance. Bacchus’ Kitchen + Wine Bar, Tuesday, December 16 at 8PM.
🎄THANKS!
Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who goes overboard with Christmas decorations.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up.
Want to get your business in News N’ Roses? Your ad here!
Did I miss something or make a mistake?
Have an event you’d like me to add to the newsletter?
Let me know at [email protected].
