Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. The newsletter bringing Pasadena’s events to your inbox like a digital holiday sleigh.
In Today’s News N’ Roses:
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Midnight Float Run: Seven Rose Parade Giants Roll Into Pasadena
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Events this Weekend
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Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
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🎅THE DIGEST
Midnight Float Run: Seven Rose Parade Giants Roll Into Pasadena
Seven Rose Parade floats took a midnight road trip last night — and Pasadena quietly turned into a backstage runway. Just after 8PM, seven unfinished floats from Artistic Entertainment Services rolled out of Irwindale at a careful 5 mph, escorted by Pasadena Police, CHP, and Tournament of Roses volunteers in shiny new Honda SUVs. Think less “parade” and more “giant flowerless dinosaurs sneaking through the suburbs.”
This was the final convoy of the season, inching its way along Arrow Highway, Temple City Blvd., Huntington Drive, and up Fair Oaks before dipping into the Arroyo and pulling into the Rosemont Pavilion — their version of hair and makeup.
Inside, they joined the other floats already waiting to be “dressed” in petals, seeds, and plant material by teams of volunteers. For now, they’re just steel and shapes resting after their overnight crawl… but in a few weeks, they’ll be the stars of Colorado Boulevard.
☃️WHAT’S HAPPENING
All Weekend
🎄 A Victorian Holiday at the Queen Anne Cottage: Step back into the 1880s at this charming Victorian celebration, complete with Santa visits, caroling, old-fashioned dancing, and a holiday marketplace with 30+ vendors. A cozy throwback to the season’s simpler joys. Friday-Sunday,December12–14, 11AM-2PM.
🎄 A Christmas Carol: A Noise Within’s beloved annual production of Dickens’ classic returns with music, magic, and Scrooge’s heartwarming transformation. A Noise Within. Friday-Sunday, December 12-14, Various Times.
🎵 Annie: Young Stars Theatre brings the beloved musical to life with Annie’s optimism, heart, and classic songs like “Tomorrow.” Fremont Centre Theatre. Friday-Sunday, December 12-14, Various Times.
✨ Enchanted Forest of Light: Descanso Gardens glows after dark with interactive light installations, illuminated cottages, and a magical forest stroll perfect for a cozy winter night. Descanso Gardens. Friday-Sunday, December 12-14, from 5:30PM–10PM.
✨ 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.
Friday (12/12/25)
🎨 Community Holiday Decoration Workshop: Get creative with a family-friendly ornament workshop where you’ll make holiday decorations—plus help craft pieces for a tree being donated to a family affected by the Eaton Fires. Armory Center for the Arts. Friday, December 12 at 2PM.
🌌 LIGO: The Gravitational Frontier: Kids ages 9–14 can explore gravity, spacetime, and how Caltech’s LIGO detects gravitational waves through hands-on models and activities. Hastings Branch Library. Friday, December 12 at 4PM.
🕎 Light Up the City: Menorah Parade & Lighting: Celebrate Chanukah with a joyful Menorah parade, community lighting, and festive gathering in Playhouse Village Park—kids and families welcome. Playhouse Village Park. Friday, December 12 at 5PM.
🌿 Holiday Wreath Workshop with Twigzz: Create your own festive wreath with lush greenery and expert guidance from Twigzz Floral Studio—complete with wine and cheese to enjoy while you craft. One Colorado. Friday, December 12 at 6PM.
🎭 Another Day in Dena: Enjoy an original, community-created show from The Unusual Suspects’ intergenerational ensemble—spotlighting Pasadena stories, humor, and local life. Villa Parke Community Center Auditorium. Friday, December 12 at 6:30PM.
🧘 Caltech Tai Chi Club: Join a welcoming, beginner-friendly Tai Chi class to practice Hao- and Yang-style forms, kung fu basics, and gentle movement in a no-pressure environment. Caltech’s Hameetman Center 220 (Multipurpose Room). Friday, December 12 at 7PM.
🎄 A Christmas Carol: A Noise Within’s beloved annual production of Dickens’ classic returns with music, magic, and Scrooge’s heartwarming transformation. A Noise Within. Friday, December 12 at 7PM.
🎵 Annie: Young Stars Theatre brings the beloved musical to life with Annie’s optimism, heart, and classic songs like “Tomorrow.” Fremont Centre Theatre. Friday, December 12 at 7PM.
🔔 Homelands & Holidays: Ramona Convent’s winter concert fills the evening with handbell and choral performances celebrating community, tradition, and the joy of the season. San Marino Community Church. Friday, December 12 at 7PM.
🕯️ Holiday Candlelight: Experience Pasadena Symphony’s most cherished holiday tradition as All Saints Church glows with candlelight and fills with classic seasonal music performed by choir, handbells, and orchestra. A breathtaking way to celebrate the season. Friday, December 12 at 7PM.
💃 Atzmi (Essence of Myself): Deborah Rosen and Dancers premiere a new work exploring identity and movement, alongside a re-staging of their acclaimed piece FRAG …. mented. A Room to Create (ARC). Friday, December 12 at 8PM.
Saturday (12/13/25)
🌽 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Victory Park: Shop fresh, local produce and farm goods straight from the growers at this beloved Saturday market. Victory Park. Saturday, December 13 from 8AM–12PM.
🍅 La Cañada Farmers’ Market: Browse a wide mix of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, breads, and more at this friendly weekly market. 1346 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada. Saturday, December 13 from 9AM–1PM.
🌱 Learn Regenerative Gardening with Capri Kasai: Roll up your sleeves for a hands-on morning of planting, weeding, and learning regenerative gardening techniques in the beautiful Arlington Garden. Arlington Garden Pasadena. Saturday, December 13 at 9AM.
🎅 Breakfast with Santa: Kick off the season with a festive pancake breakfast, holiday crafts, entertainment, and a meet-and-greet with Santa at this beloved South Pasadena tradition. War Memorial Building, South Pasadena. Saturday, December 13 from 9AM–11AM.
🧸 Bob Baker’s Nutcracker: The beloved marionette version of the holiday classic returns with whimsical characters and enchanting sets from the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. Sierra Madre Playhouse. Saturday, December 13 at 10:30AM & 1:30PM.
🌿 Wreath Making Workshop: Create a beautiful winter wreath using natural botanicals from the garden, with expert instruction and all materials provided. Descanso Gardens. Saturday, December 13 at 10AM & 1PM.
🚶 Marguerita Lane Walking Tour: Explore a hidden 1920s enclave of Spanish Colonial Revival homes on this guided stroll through one of Pasadena’s most charming and intact historic districts. Pasadena Heritage. Saturday, December 13 at 10AM.
🎺 Holiday Concert by the Slide Rule Trombone Choir: Enjoy a lively mix of holiday tunes and sing-along favorites as the Slide Rule Trombone Choir fills Lamanda Park Library with festive music. Lamanda Park Branch Library. Saturday, December 13 at 11AM.
🎄 Downtown Arcadia Holiday Fair: Celebrate the season with entertainment, free kids’ activities, Santa visits, shopping, and plenty of great food—plus a chance to win big holiday prizes. First Ave. in Downtown Arcadia. Saturday, December 13 from 11AM–4PM.
🎶 Jingle & Mingle: Enjoy a joyful holiday concert packed with songs, stories, and performances from Pasadena Playhouse students of all ages—plus access to the festive, family-friendly Holiday Open House. Pasadena Playhouse. Saturday, December 13 at 1PM & 5PM.
🎁 Holiday Bazaar at One Colorado: Shop a curated mix of artisan gifts, beauty finds, and handcrafted goods—plus enjoy a Bob Baker marionette show, fortune tellers, music, treats, and festive pop-ups throughout the courtyard. One Colorado. Saturday, December 13 from 1PM–6PM.
🎭 New Play Reading Festival 2025: Venus: Catch a staged reading of Steve Yockey’s darkly comic Venus, a twisted journey from an awkward meet-cute to a cosmic first date and an unsettling game of cat and mouse. Boston Court Pasadena. Saturday, December 13 at 1PM.
🌟 Dezemberfest 2025 at Nature Friends LA: Enjoy a festive canyon evening with live music, warm food and drinks, a glowing night market, and visits from Santa and Krampus as Nature Friends LA welcomes the community back post–Eaton Fire. Nature Friends LA, Sierra Madre. Saturday, December 13 at 4PM.
🎶 Adult Studies Holiday Jam: Sing or play along with fellow music lovers at this festive, all-skill-level holiday jam—bring a ukulele, recorder, or just your voice. Pasadena Conservatory of Music. Saturday, December 13 at 4PM.
🕯️ Holiday Candlelight: Experience Pasadena Symphony’s most cherished holiday tradition as All Saints Church glows with candlelight and fills with classic seasonal music performed by choir, handbells, and orchestra. A breathtaking way to celebrate the season. Saturday, December, 13 at 4PM & 7PM.
🎄 Jingle & Mingle at Pasadena Playhouse: The Playhouse turns into a full holiday playground with concerts, crafts, tours, and a free family-friendly open house packed with festive activities. Pasadena Playhouse. Saturday, December 13 (Open House from 2PM–5PM; performances at 1PM and 5PM).
🎄 The 2025 Christmas Experience: A powerful evening of music, worship, and community featuring a 100-voice choir, orchestra, and special guest performers—continuing the story of resilience and hope after the Eaton Fire. First Church of the Nazarene (PazNaz). Saturday, December 13 at 6PM.
Sunday (12/14/25)
🛍️ Rose Bowl Flea Market: One of the country’s most iconic flea markets returns with over 2,500 vendors offering antiques, vintage finds, art, clothing, and all kinds of unique treasures. Rose Bowl Stadium. Sunday, December 14 from 9AM–3PM.
⛄ Winter Frolic: Kidspace transforms into a whimsical winter playground with sock skating, imaginative “ice” activities, and tons of hands-on fun for little ones and their families. Kidspace Children’s Museum. Sunday, December 14 (all day).
🌿 Wreath Making Workshop: Craft a beautiful winter wreath using natural botanicals from the garden, with expert guidance and all materials included. Descanso Gardens. Sunday, December 14 at 10AM & 1PM.
🧵 Post Fire Series: DIY Compost Filter Socks: Get hands-on making ecological “filter socks” from compost, mulch, fungi, and upcycled fabrics—designed to help clean runoff and restore soil health after fire. Arlington Garden Pasadena. Sunday, December 14 at 10AM.
🧸 Bob Baker’s Nutcracker: The beloved marionette version of the holiday classic returns with whimsical characters and enchanting sets from the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. Sierra Madre Playhouse. Saturday, December 13 at 10:30AM & 1:30PM.
🏰 Castle Green Holiday Tour: Step into Pasadena’s golden era as Castle Green opens its doors for a festive self-guided holiday tour, complete with live piano music, lawn games, a photo booth, and plenty of seasonal charm. Arrive anytime between 11 and 3. Sunday, December 14 from 11AM–3PM.
🏠 Lanterman Holiday Open House: Browse handmade gifts, enjoy seasonal treats, and soak up festive cheer at this cozy artisan marketplace inside the historic Lanterman House. Lanterman House. Sunday, December 14 from 1PM–4PM.
👑 The Queen’s Six: Experience the renowned vocal ensemble from Windsor Castle performing a rich Renaissance program filled with exuberant harmony and historic intrigue. Caltech’s Beckman Auditorium. Sunday, December 14 at 3:30PM.
✨ “The Light of Hope Returning” Holiday Concert: Pasadena Pro Musica performs Shawn Kirchner’s radiant collection of folk carols and seasonal songs—complete with a festive sing-along and post-concert reception. First United Methodist Church of Pasadena. Sunday, December 14 at 4PM.
🦊 Cemetery Wildlife Walk: Take a peaceful early-morning stroll through Mountain View Cemetery with Pasadena Humane to spot wildlife and learn about the historic grounds. Mountain View Mortuary & Cemetery, Altadena. Sunday, December 14 at 6:30AM.
🎭 Home Alone: A 30-Minute Musical Parody: The 30MM troupe delivers a fast, funny, musical send-up of Home Alone, packed with original songs, sharp comedy, and audience interaction—all in just 30 minutes. Sierra Madre Playhouse. Sunday, December 14 at 7:30PM.
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!
❄️NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER
Friday
77 🌡️ 57 |☀️| 💨 W 2 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 24 (Good)
Saturday
76 🌡️ 59 |☀️| 💨 W 2 mph
Saturday
77 🌡️ 57 |☀️| 💨 NW 2 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.
🌟LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
🕯️Holiday Candlelight: Experience Pasadena Symphony’s most cherished holiday tradition as All Saints Church glows with candlelight and fills with classic seasonal music performed by choir, handbells, and orchestra. A breathtaking way to celebrate the season. Friday, December 12 at 7PM.
🔔Homelands & Holidays: Ramona Convent’s winter concert fills the evening with handbell and choral performances celebrating community, tradition, and the joy of the season. San Marino Community Church. Friday, December 12 at 7PM.
🎺Holiday Concert by the Slide Rule Trombone Choir: Enjoy a lively mix of holiday tunes and sing-along favorites as the Slide Rule Trombone Choir fills Lamanda Park Library with festive music. Lamanda Park Branch Library. Saturday, December 13 at 11AM.
🎷Holiday Concert at Vroman’s | Jazz Trio: Enjoy a cozy afternoon of holiday classics performed by PCM jazz faculty Danny Janklow, Amy Rowe, and Ahmet Türkmenoğlu inside Vroman’s Bookstore. Vroman’s Bookstore. Saturday, December 13 at 1PM
🎵Holiday Music @ Vroman’s: Ukulele Orchestra of the Western Hemisphere: Enjoy a wildly fun, genre-bending holiday performance from this energetic ukulele ensemble known for turning unexpected songs into pure joy. Vroman’s Bookstore. Sunday, December 14 at 1PM.
🎨Wicked GOAT | Technicolor Goat: PCM kicks off Season 4 with a colorful, concept-driven concert exploring how composers turn hue into sound, featuring works by Jennifer Higdon, Andy Akiho, and a world premiere by Brendan Faegre. Pasadena Conservatory of Music. Sunday, December 14 at 4PM.
🎄THANKS!
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