One Week Till Christmas!

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that lands in your inbox like a knock from the local Christmas carolers.. Do people still do that?

In Today’s News N’ Roses:

Rose Parade Tickets Set Aside for Fire-Impacted Residents
Events this weekend
Civil News: Pasadena Public Library Earns National Top Innovator Honor
Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

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🎅THE DIGEST

Rose Parade Tickets Set Aside for Fire-Impacted Residents

Have you figured out your New Year’s plans yet? Are you camping out for the Rose Parade, or already claiming your go-to viewing spot?

If you or someone you know was impacted by the Eaton or Palisades fires, the Tournament of Roses just shared some good news. They’re making more than 1,000 free grandstand tickets available for the Rose Parade, along with thousands of tickets to Floatfest, where you can see the floats up close after the parade.

The parade tickets will be distributed through local community organizations, including groups in Altadena and Pasadena that are already working directly with fire-impacted residents. Floatfest tickets will also be available online through the Tournament of Roses, with eligible residents able to request up to six on a first-come basis.

A smaller number of tickets to other New Year’s events, like the Rose Bowl Game, Bandfest, and Equestfest, are also being shared through select organizations.

It’s a thoughtful way to make sure more people can be part of Pasadena’s biggest celebration this year.

You can find full details and ticket request information here.

🎁@NEWSN_ROSES

Fényes Mansion, Christmas Tree Decoration

📷@pasadenamuseumofhistory📍Fényes Mansion
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☃️WHAT’S HAPPENING

This Weekend

🩰 Holidays @ the Playhouse: Bob Baker’s “Nutcracker”: Enjoy this whimsical marionette version of the holiday classic, filled with charming characters, intricate sets, and timeless seasonal magic. Sierra Madre Playhouse, Friday-Sunday, Various Times.

🎄 A Christmas Carol: Keep the holiday tradition alive with this joyful, music-filled telling of Dickens’ classic story of redemption, perfect for all ages. A Noise Within, Friday-Sunday, Various Times.

🩰 The Nutcracker: Experience a reimagined holiday classic with all-new choreography and a cast of over 50 dancers in this magical family tradition. San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, Saturday-Sunday, Various Times.

Friday (12/19/25)

🏠 Gingerbread Jamboree: Build and decorate your own gingerbread house using provided supplies during this festive, family-friendly afternoon of holiday fun. Sierra Madre Memorial Park Pavilion, Friday, December 19 from 12:30–2:30PM.

✨ Clara’s Dream: A Gala for Pasadena Dance Theatre: Step onto the stage for an elegant evening of dining, holiday celebration, and special Nutcracker excerpts supporting the future of Pasadena Dance Theatre. San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, Friday, December 19 from 6–9PM.

🌟 Annie: Follow the heartwarming story of a spirited young orphan whose optimism and unforgettable songs bring hope and joy to everyone she meets. Young Stars Theatre, Friday, December 19 at 7PM.

☯️ Caltech Tai Chi Club: Unwind with an open, beginner-friendly tai chi practice focused on mindful movement and traditional forms in a relaxed, no-pressure setting. Caltech’s Hameetman Center 220 – Multipurpose Room, Friday, December 19 at 7PM.

Saturday (12/20/25)

🥕 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Victory Park: Kick off your weekend shopping fresh, local produce and farm goods while meeting the farmers who grow it all. Victory Park, Saturday, December 20 from 8AM–12PM.

🥬 La Cañada Farmers’ Market: Browse a wide selection of fresh produce, breads, cheeses, and local favorites at this beloved weekly community market. La Cañada Farmers’ Market, Saturday, December 20 from 9AM–1PM.

🌸 Flower Arranging: Holiday Centerpieces: Create a festive winter centerpiece inspired by The Huntington’s historic citrus groves, featuring seasonal flowers, evergreens, pinecones, and citrus accents. The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, Saturday, December 20 from 10AM–12PM.

🎁 5th Annual Holiday Toy Giveaway: Bring the kids for a joyful morning filled with toys, music, food, and family-friendly fun during this festive community giveaway. Westminster Presbyterian Church, Saturday, December 20 at 10AM.

🎓 ArtCenter Fall 2025 Graduation: Celebrate the creativity and achievements of ArtCenter’s graduating artists and designers as they mark this major milestone. ArtCenter College of Design, Saturday, December 20 from 10AM–12PM.

🐾 Guided Tour at Pasadena Humane: Go behind the scenes to learn how Pasadena Humane supports animals in need while meeting some very adorable dogs, cats, and critters along the way. Pasadena Humane, Saturday, December 20 at 12:30PM.

🎨 ArtCenter Fall 2025 Grad Show: Explore an impressive showcase of work from more than 270 graduating artists and designers during this highly anticipated, one-day exhibition. ArtCenter College of Design, Saturday, December 20 from 12–5PM.

🎶 Third@First: Christmas Joy Concert: Celebrate the season with a joyful mix of classic and new carols in this family-friendly holiday concert. First United Methodist Church, Saturday, December 20 at 4PM.

🎩 Las Madrinas Ball 2025: An elegant evening celebrating philanthropy and community as Las Madrinas honors this year’s debutantes while continuing its long-standing support of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Beverly Hills Hilton, Saturday, December 20 at 6PM.

🎄 Holiday Music @ The Playhouse: A Jet Set Christmas: Swing into the season with jazzed-up holiday classics and a joyful sing-along in this cool, tinsel-filled Christmas celebration. Sierra Madre Playhouse, Saturday, December 20 at 8PM.

Sunday (12/21/25)

🌱 Seedy Sundays: Learn how to grow California native plants from seeds and cuttings during this hands-on, community-focused gardening workshop. Arlington Garden Pasadena, Sunday, December 21 at 9AM.

❄️ Winter Frolic: Kidspace transforms into a playful winter wonderland with sock skating, imaginative icy adventures, and cozy seasonal fun designed just for kids and families. Kidspace Children’s Museum, Sunday, December 21 (all day).

🎅 Santa Snacks & Stories: Bring the kids for a sweet afternoon of Christmas stories, cookies, and holiday cheer with Santa and his elf. One Colorado Courtyard, Sunday, December 21 from 1–2PM.

🎶 Christmas Concert: Here We Come A-Caroling: Experience a sweeping, joyful afternoon of Christmas music as choir, orchestra, and bells bring centuries of beloved carols to life. La Cañada Presbyterian Church, Sunday, December 21 at 2PM.

🎄 First District Holiday Celebration: Celebrate the season with neighbors through a festive afternoon and evening of holiday open house fun at the Gamble House, followed by caroling throughout the First District and a community gathering to close the night. The Gamble House, Sunday, December 21 at 2PM.

🕎 Lighting of the Menorah at The Shops at Santa Anita: Gather with the community for a meaningful Hanukkah celebration featuring traditional blessings and a public menorah lighting. The Shops at Santa Anita (Macy’s Court, Level 1), Sunday, December 21 at 4PM.

🍽️ Holiday Progressive Dinner Party: Sip, sample, and celebrate the season as this festive progressive dinner shuttles guests between Altadena favorites—with carolers, holiday cheer, and surprise chef moments along the way. Bacchus’ Kitchen + Wine Bar, Sunday, December 21 from 5:30–11:30PM.

🕯️ Sierra Madre Annual Candlelight Walk: Join neighbors for a peaceful evening of caroling and candlelight as the community walks together to celebrate the holiday season. Sierra Madre (procession from St. Rita’s Church to Kersting Court), Sunday, December 21 from 6–8PM.

🚗 Holiday Night Rally: Wrap up the season with a cozy, car-based tour of Pasadena and Altadena’s best holiday lights—complete with hot chocolate, a curated route, and a festive playlist. Pasadena City Hall, Sunday, December 21 from 8–10PM.

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

Pasadena Public Library Earns National Top Innovator Honor

Pasadena Public Library was named a 2025 Top Innovator by the Urban Libraries Council for its work following the Eaton Fire.

The recognition highlights how the Jefferson Branch Library became a recovery hub, offering emergency learning programs, childcare alternatives, wellness sessions, and community support when families needed it most.

It’s also worth noting that many of the kids and teen events we regularly share in the What’s Happening section come from Pasadena Public Library, which continues to be a major resource for families across the city.

❄️NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Friday

71 🌡️ 55 |⛅| 💨 SE 3 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 39 (Moderate)

Saturday

67 🌡️ 55 |⛅| 💨 SW 3 mph

Sunday

68 🌡️ 56 |☁️| 💨 NE 3 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

🌟LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

The Music Man Jr!: Enjoy this lively, youth-performed take on the Broadway classic as Harold Hill’s big promises and small-town charm unfold in a fun-filled night of musical theater. South Pasadena High School Auditorium, Friday, December 19 at 7:30PM.

🎷 Jenny & The Jazz Birds: Sip your morning coffee while enjoying classic jazz with a local favorite known for their smooth sound and lively musical flair. Jones Coffee Roasters, Saturday, December 20 at 10AM.

🎺 Holiday Concert at Vroman’s Bookstore | Brass Quintet: Enjoy a midday dose of holiday cheer as a brass quintet performs festive classics inside Pasadena’s beloved bookstore. Vroman’s Bookstore, Saturday, December 20 at 1PM.

🎷 The Gold Line Jazz Collective: Ease into your Sunday with live jazz led by pianist Hank Mehren, blending cool jazz, hard bop, and Latin-inspired grooves. Jones Coffee Roasters, Sunday, December 21 at 10AM.

🎻 Holiday Concert at Vroman’s Bookstore | Family Folk Band: Enjoy a cozy afternoon of holiday classics performed by a family folk band led by Pasadena Conservatory faculty member Natalie Brejcha. Vroman’s Bookstore, Sunday, December 21 at 1PM.

🎄 Holiday Music @ The Playhouse: A Jet Set Christmas: Swing into the holidays with jazzed-up classics, sparkling carols, and a lively sing-along in this stylish seasonal concert. Sierra Madre Playhouse, Sunday, December 21 at 8PM.

🎄THANKS!

Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who’s a skilled gingerbread house architect.

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One Week Till Christmas!

🎅THE DIGEST

Rose Parade Tickets Set Aside for Fire-Impacted Residents

🎁@NEWSN_ROSES