Pasadena Lights up For the Holidays

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that brings holiday cheer like the Christmas lights around town.

In Today’s News N’ Roses:

Upper Hastings Ranch Lights Return
Altadena’s Christmas Tree Lane Lights Up Again
Events this Monday & Tuesday
- with Save the Dates
Civil News
Restaurant Spotlight: Houston’s — Review by Peter Dills, Local Food Dude
Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

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Happy birthday Russell and Shiva! 🎂

🎅THE DIGEST

Upper Hastings Ranch Lights Return

The holiday lights are glowing again in Upper Hastings Ranch, and if you’ve ever driven through, you know this neighborhood doesn’t hold back. For 74 years, families here have turned their streets into one of the most magical displays in Pasadena.

This season feels different, though. After the Eaton Fire destroyed 80 homes, the tradition has become a reminder of the community’s strength. Each empty lot now has a bright star, and on Valley Lights Drive, neighbors rebuilt nearly two dozen handmade angels to replace the originals that were lost.

Visitors are still coming out with their kids, hot cocoa in hand, taking in the lights and the hope behind them. Many residents say they’re looking forward to the day when families return and rebuild — and the lights make that future feel a little closer.

You can visit Upper Hastings Ranch nightly from 6–10 p.m. through January 4.

Altadena’s Christmas Tree Lane Lights Up Again

Along with Upper Hastings Ranch, Christmas Tree Lane made its return this year too. Altadena held its 105th lighting ceremony on Saturday night, bringing thousands of lights back to Santa Rosa Avenue after the Eaton Fire left major damage earlier this year.

Volunteers spent weeks repairing wiring and replacing bulbs, and before the countdown, the crowd observed a 1 minute, 19-second silence for the 19 lives lost. A memorial tree at the Altadena Library also honored them with small green bulbs.

Thousands of residents and visitors came out. It really was a strong show of community resilience. The lane now shines for more than five blocks, continuing a tradition that started in 1920 and remains one of Altadena’s most meaningful holiday events.

🎁@NEWSN_ROSES

📷@newn_roses📍Pasadena City Hall
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☃️WHAT’S HAPPENING

Monday (12/8/25)

🎄 Patchwork Ornament Pop-in: Drop by the Santa Catalina Branch anytime this week to add a handmade patchwork ornament to their community Christmas tree. Pasadena Public Library. Monday, December 8 (all day; runs through Dec 13).

🌿 Environmental Education: When Art and Science Collide: The Huntington hosts a full-day educator workshop exploring hands-on environmental science activities and how they blend with art and other subjects. The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Monday, December 8 from 9AM–3PM.

🪐 The Continuing Legacy of Galileo at 30: JPL and Caltech host a special panel reflecting on the Galileo mission’s groundbreaking discoveries at Jupiter and the future missions inspired by it. Caltech, Chen 100 Lecture Hall. Monday, December 8 at 5PM (check-in at 4:30PM).

✨ Enchanted Forest of Light: Descanso Gardens lights up after dark with immersive, walk-through installations, glowing art, and a magical holiday atmosphere. Descanso Gardens. Monday, December 8 from 5:30PM–10PM.

📚 Elline Lipkin Reads Girl in a Forest: Poet Elline Lipkin joins Lois Jones at Vroman’s for a reading and conversation about her new collection inspired by the Hansel and Gretel tale and the complexities of womanhood. Vroman’s Bookstore. Monday, December 8 at 7PM.

Tuesday (12/8/25)

🥭 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Villa Parke: Start your morning with fresh, locally grown produce and farm goods straight from the growers at this weekly neighborhood market. Pasadena Farmers’ Market, Villa Parke. Tuesday, December 9 from 8:30AM–12:30PM.

💼 SCORE Small Business Mentoring: Get personalized, one-on-one guidance for your small business from experienced SCORE mentors during these free biweekly sessions. Pasadena Public Library. Tuesday, December 9 at 1PM.

🍪 Hot Cocoa Bar & Cookie Decorating Social: The Oaks of Pasadena invites you for a cozy afternoon of holiday treats, warm cocoa, and festive cookie decorating—perfect if you’re exploring senior independent living or just want to join the fun. The Oaks of Pasadena. Tuesday, December 9 at 2PM.

❄️ Hastings Winter Ball Celebration: Enjoy a cozy afternoon of carols, stories, crafts, festive treats, and a winter-themed photobooth at this family-friendly holiday celebration. Hastings Branch Library. Tuesday, December 9 at 4PM.

🌹 Rose Bowl Celebration Mixer: Meet the 2026 Rose Queen and Royal Court at this annual Big Ten Club gathering, complete with photos, gourmet bites, and a festive toy drive at the historic Valley Hunt Club. Valley Hunt Club. Tuesday, December 9 from 5:30PM–8:30PM.

🎼 Melodia Mariposa Lecture Series: Maestro Larry Blank in Conversation: Enjoy an evening of music insight as Maestro Larry Blank chats with PCC faculty Zac Matthews and Henry Shin about their wide-ranging careers and creative work. Pasadena City College Foundation. Tuesday, December 9 at 7PM.

Save the Date

🎁 Holiday Toy Drive Supporting USHS (One Colorado): Help spread some holiday magic by donating new, unwrapped toys, books, wrapping paper, or gift bags for Union Station Homeless Services. Drop off donations in the collection barrel near Santa in The Courtyard at One Colorado—running daily through December 15. 9AM–10PM.

💌 Letters to Santa (One Colorado): Kids—and anyone feeling festive—can drop their holiday wishes into Santa’s official North Pole Mailbox in The Courtyard. Send your letter by December 15 to get a personalized reply from Santa himself. Running daily through December 15. 9AM–10PM.

🎄 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, 11AM-2PM.

✨ Enchant Los Angeles at Santa Anita Park: Wander through glowing trails, a dazzling light maze, festive treats, and all the cozy, magical touches that make Enchant a holiday favorite. A perfect way to light up your weekend. Various dates and times.

🕯️ 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 and 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).

🛍️ 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.

🏰 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.

🌼 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

Finance Committee Special Meeting

Pasadena’s Finance Committee meets to review city budget matters and ongoing fiscal priorities. Pasadena City Hall Council Chambers. Monday, December 8 at 3PM. For full agenda, click here.

Senior Commission Regular Meeting

The Senior Commission meets monthly to discuss and advise on issues affecting Pasadena’s older adults. Jackie Robinson Community Center. Tuesday, December 9 at 2PM. For full agenda, click here.

Municipal Services Committee Meeting

Pasadena’s Municipal Services Committee gathers to review city infrastructure, utilities, and service-related updates. Pasadena City Hall Council Chambers. Tuesday, December 9 at 4PM. For full agenda, click here.

Environmental Advisory Commission Meeting

The commission meets monthly to discuss environmental priorities, sustainability policy, and progress on Pasadena’s Green City goals. Permit Center Hearing Room. Tuesday, December 9 at 6PM. For full agenda, click here.

Northwest Commission Meeting

This monthly meeting focuses on community priorities, development, and ongoing projects shaping Pasadena’s Northwest neighborhoods. Jackie Robinson Community Center. Tuesday, December 9 at 6:30PM. For full agenda, click here.

🍖RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

Houston’s – One Man’s Opinion (or… “What I Like About You”)

by Peter Dills, Local Food Dude ([email protected])

Most of you already know Houston’s, so this isn’t some underground discovery. But when people ask me — and they ask a lot — “Peter, what’s your favorite restaurant?” I still say Houston’s. One man’s opinion, sure, but after all these years it still holds up.

And since I only get 200 words, let me borrow from that great 80s tune: “What I like about you…”

Well, Houston’s, what I like about you is consistency. Not every visit is a grand slam — even Pete Rose struck out — but more often than not, Houston’s comes through in the clutch. Once you’re seated, everything flows. Somewhere mid-meal I always do my usual check: clean dining room, clean bathroom. You know the rule — clean bathroom, clean kitchen. Houston’s passes every time.

“What I like about you…”
The French Dip Sandwich. Warm, juicy, carved just right.
“What I like about you…”
The Baby Back Ribs. Solid every time.
“What I really like about you…”
That cool, crisp coleslaw. My sleeper favorite.

Albert, the manager, keeps the place running like a disciplined ballclub. Tommy Lasorda would’ve loved the hustle; Dave Roberts would tip his cap.

Houston’s | Pasadena
320 S Arroyo Parkway
Opens at 11:30 AM
(626) 577-6001

❄️NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Monday

77 🌡️ 54 |☀️| 💨 NE 6 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 32 (Good)

Tuesday

79 🌡️ 59 |☀️| 💨 N 3 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

🌟LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

🎶 Live Music at Edwin Mills: The Riner Scivally Trio: Settle in for a night of jazz standards, Brazilian tunes, and original pieces from acclaimed guitarist Riner Scivally and his trio. Edwin Mills. Monday, December 8 from 6PM–10PM.

🎄THANKS!

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Pasadena Lights up For the Holidays