Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. Since it’s Thanksgiving [tomorrow], I want to say thank you. You’re the reason this newsletter exists — whether you read it quietly, send me events, pass it along to a friend, or simply show up whenever you can. Your interest and support are what make this feel like a real community project.
I’m grateful for you, and my goal is to keep building something that helps you feel more connected to what’s happening here and makes Pasadena just a little bit better.
In Today’s News N’ Roses:
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Union Station Prepares Thousands of Thanksgiving Meals, Still Needs Pies and Donations
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Pasadena Moves Forward on Major Street Improvements
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Events this Wednesday & Thursday
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Thanksgiving Restaurant Specials
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Save the Date—New Updates!
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Civil News: Thanksgiving Closures in Pasadena
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Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
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🍂THE DIGEST
Union Station Prepares Thousands of Thanksgiving Meals, Still Needs Pies and Donations
The basement kitchen of the Pasadena Convention Center was buzzing this week as volunteers carved more than 200 roasted turkeys for Union Station Homeless Services’ annual Thanksgiving effort. The organization expects to serve about 8,000 meals this year through meal kits and its long-running “Dinner in the Park” event.
Local leaders, including Mayor Victor Gordo and Councilmember Tyron Hampton, joined volunteers in the carving line. Union Station CEO Katie Hill said the need has grown dramatically this year, with people lining up around the block for meal kits.
Union Station CEO Katie Hill and Pasadena Councilmember Tyron Hampton help to prepare turkeys for Thanksgiving week. [Photo by Eddie Rivera, Pasadena Now]
“Dinner in the Park,” now in its 50th year, takes place Wednesday, Nov. 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 412 S. Raymond Ave., offering free holiday meals to anyone who needs one.
Union Station is still short on pies and is asking for last-minute dessert and monetary donations to cover rising food costs.
How to Help:
• Donate pies: 825 E. Orange Grove Blvd.
• Donate online: ushs.org/dinner-in-the-park
• More info: (626) 240-4550
Pasadena Moves Forward on Major Street Improvements
Pasadena approved a $4.8 million design contract to start planning big safety and mobility upgrades on Pasadena Avenue and St. John Avenue. The project covers 1.8 miles and will make it easier to walk, bike, and cross the street, with wider sidewalks, better signals, and safer intersections.
Design work begins in January and is fully funded by Measure R (so no impact on the city’s General Fund). The city will also bring the community back into the process with new meetings and outreach as the plans take shape.
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WHAT’S HAPPENING🥧
Wednesday (11/26/25)
🥕 Community Food Distribution: If you were impacted by the Eaton Fire, the Altadena Library is offering free bags of fresh produce thanks to the Hollywood Food Coalition. Supplies are limited, so arrive early—and bring extra bags if you can. Wednesday, November 26 from 11AM–12PM.
🍽️ Dinner in the Park 2025: Union Station Homeless Services hosts its annual community meal, providing warm sit-down dinners for program participants across several local housing sites. A meaningful tradition centered on care and community. Wednesday, November 26 from 11AM-3PM.
🎶 Music in the Chinese Garden: Enjoy a peaceful afternoon in the Huntington’s Chinese Garden as solo musicians play traditional instruments like the dizi, pipa, and erhu—no amplification, just beautiful melodies in a stunning setting. Wednesday, November 26 at 1PM.
🌲 Enchanted Forest of Light: Wander through Descanso Gardens as it transforms into a glowing, interactive landscape of shimmering installations, stained-glass cottages, and a luminous Ancient Forest—pure seasonal magic. Wednesday, November 26 from 5:30PM–10PM.
🧠 Game Night Live Trivia at Stone Brewing Tap Room: A chill, game-show–style trivia night with word jumbles, picture rounds, and plenty of chances to win prizes—no trivia mastery required. Grab a beer, bring some friends, and jump into the fun. Wednesday, November 26 at 6PM.
🐶 Hidden Gems: Pop-Up Dog Adoption Event: Meet adoptable dogs who’ve been waiting a little longer for their forever homes as Pasadena Humane brings their “Hidden Gems” to PetSmart Hastings Ranch for a special weekly pop-up. Wednesday, November 26 from 5PM–7PM.
🎸 The Mars Volta: The Mars Volta hits the Pasadena Civic Auditorium for a high-energy night from the genre-bending duo behind At The Drive-In, blending experimental rock, wild rhythms, and their unmistakable sound. Doors at 7, show at 8. Wednesday, November 26 at 8PM.
Thanksgiving – Thursday (11/27/25)
🏃 Thanksgiving Run & Food Drive: Start your Thanksgiving morning with a community 5K or a relaxed family stroll, all in the spirit of gratitude and giving. A long-loved tradition that also supports a month-long local food drive. Thursday, November 27 at 8AM.
🦃 Rose Bowl Turkey Trot: Kick off Thanksgiving morning with a fun, family-friendly 5K loop around the iconic Rose Bowl — whether you run, walk, skip, or jog, it’s a Pasadena tradition that starts the holiday on a high note. Thursday, November 27 from 8:30AM–10:30AM.
🍽️ Thanksgiving Brunch in the Viennese Ballroom: Enjoy a lavish Thanksgiving feast at The Langham, complete with carving stations, seafood, seasonal sides, decadent desserts, and a special kids’ corner—all inside the hotel’s iconic Viennese Ballroom. Reservations required. Thursday, November 27 at 10:30AM & 4PM.
🍂 Dinner in the Park 2025: Union Station Homeless Services offers warm, sit-down Thanksgiving meals at its Adult Center and Family Center, creating a welcoming space for community members to share the holiday together. Thursday, November 27 from 11AM–3PM.
🍽️ Thanksgiving at The Raymond 1886: Enjoy a relaxing, three-course Thanksgiving feast at The Raymond 1886, featuring prime rib, branzino, or classic turkey—plus all the seasonal sides and desserts. A cozy, historic setting for a stress-free holiday meal. Thursday, November 28 from 11AM–7PM.
🦃 Thanksgiving Luncheon: Enjoy a warm, traditional Thanksgiving meal with friends at the Pasadena Senior Center, complete with festive décor and music—a long-loved community tradition. Thursday, November 27 at 1PM.
🥧 Thanksgiving at The Arbour: Enjoy a farm-to-table three-course Thanksgiving dinner with seasonal favorites like butternut squash soup, braised pot roast, turkey, and a kids’ turkey mac and cheese option. And yes—the pumpkin pie is a must. Thursday, November 27 from 4PM–10PM.
🥂 Thanksgiving Dinner at The Royce Steakhouse: Indulge in a seasonal four-course Thanksgiving feast at The Langham’s signature steakhouse, featuring elegant dishes like butternut squash velouté, honey-brined turkey, and chocolate pecan tart. A refined holiday dining experience. Thursday, November 27 at 4PM & 8:30PM.
🍽️ Thanksgiving Dinner at The Terrace Restaurant: Enjoy a warm, elegant three-course Thanksgiving dinner at The Langham’s Terrace Restaurant, featuring seasonal dishes like roasted turkey, ribeye, and scallops with truffle butter. Thursday, November 27 from 4PM–8PM.
Save the Date
🎁 Holiday Market: Browse work from 80+ local ceramic artists, enjoy tasty bites, and listen to live music at Green & Bisque Clayhouse’s festive annual market — with a special limited-edition tote for the first 25 shoppers each day. Saturday–Sunday, November 29–30 from 10AM–5PM.
🎄 A Christmas Carol: A Noise Within brings back its beloved holiday tradition with a festive, music-filled reimagining of A Christmas Carol — complete with whimsical costumes, lobby crafts, photo ops, and post-show pictures with the cast. Saturday, November 29 (select dates through December 24).
🛍️ Small Business Saturday Takeover: Celebrate Pasadena’s indie shops and kick off the holiday season by supporting the local businesses that give each neighborhood its charm. Stop by a welcome kiosk for a free canvas tote (while supplies last) and spend the day discovering one-of-a-kind gifts all around town. Saturday, November 29.
🎄 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. November 29–December 14.
💎 International Gem and Jewelry Show: Browse dazzling displays of gems, fine jewelry, beads, and accessories as top designers and wholesalers come together for a three-day shopping event. A fun place to explore everything from diamonds to unique handcrafted pieces. December 5–7.
🏡 Holiday Look-In Home Tour: Take a festive peek inside four beautifully decorated Pasadena homes, each filled with stunning florals, elegant architecture, and holiday charm. Don’t miss the free Holiday Boutique at the Pasadena Scottish Rite Center for extra seasonal shopping. December 6–7.
🎅 Holidayfest!: South Lake Avenue comes alive with live music, free photos with Santa, crafts, raffles, and plenty of festive energy—plus tons of in-store holiday specials. A fun, family-friendly way to kick off the season. Saturday, December 6 from 12PM–6PM.
🛍️ Pasadena City College Flea Market: Browse one of the region’s most beloved flea markets, featuring 400+ vendors offering everything from antiques and collectibles to quirky secondhand finds. A Sunday staple for treasure hunters. Sunday, December 7.
🕯️ 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. December 12–13.
🎄 Jingle & Mingle at Pasadena Playhouse: The Playhouse transforms into a festive holiday hub with concerts, crafts, behind-the-scenes tours, and a free Holiday Open House for all ages. A cheerful way to spend an afternoon or evening. Saturday, December 13.
🏰 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.
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
Thanksgiving Closures in Pasadena
City Hall and most Pasadena services will be closed this Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday. Police and Fire will operate as normal, but non-emergency lines and the police records office will be closed until Monday.
Trash pickup for Thursday will move to Friday, and Friday’s collection will happen on Saturday. Parking meters will be free on Thanksgiving Day, but all enforcement returns Friday.
Pasadena Transit Route 33 will run a Sunday schedule on Thursday. All other routes and Dial-A-Ride will not run that day.
Libraries will close at 5 PM on Wednesday and stay closed through Friday, with select branches reopening Saturday. Recreation and community centers will also be closed Thursday and Friday, though parks remain open.
The city and Visit Pasadena are also launching a “Shop Small Pasadena” campaign starting this Saturday, encouraging residents to support local retailers and restaurants. Select shops will be giving out free tote bags while supplies last.
NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER🍁
Wednesday
78 🌡️ 52 |☀️| 💨 N 4 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 49 (Good)
Thursday
78 🌡️ 58 |☀️| 💨 NW 24mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.
🥕LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
🎶 Music in the Chinese Garden: Enjoy a peaceful afternoon in the Huntington’s Chinese Garden as solo musicians play traditional instruments like the dizi, pipa, and erhu—no amplification, just beautiful melodies in a stunning setting. Wednesday, November 26 at 1PM.
🎸 The Mars Volta: The Mars Volta hits the Pasadena Civic Auditorium for a high-energy night from the genre-bending duo behind At The Drive-In, blending experimental rock, wild rhythms, and their unmistakable sound. Doors at 7, show at 8. Wednesday, November 26 at 8PM.
🎺 Live Jazz at Edwin Mills: Jumpin’ Joz Band: Get ready for a high-energy night of swing, jump, jazz, and early R&B as the Jumpin’ Joz Band brings their vintage style and big, lively sound to Old Pasadena. Perfect for listeners and dancers. Wednesday, November 26 from 6PM–10PM.
🎸 Live Jazz at Edwin Mills: Doug MacDonald: Unwind with an evening of warm, classic jazz from guitarist Doug MacDonald, a true musician’s musician whose clean tone and timeless swing have made him a staple of the West Coast jazz scene. Thursday, November 27 from 6PM–10PM.
THANKS!🦃
Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who thinks store-bought pies are homemade if you put them on a real plate.
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