Pasadena Tree Lighting Tonight!

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. Pasadena City Hall Tree lights up tonight, and the holiday vibes are rolling in—if they haven’t already. 🎄

In Today’s News N’ Roses:

• Pasadena’s Holiday Tree Lighting Is Tonight

• Candlelight Concerts Return to All Saints — With an Extra Show This Year

• Events this Weekend

• Civil News: Holiday Open House with Pasadena’s Rent Stabilization Department

• 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!

&

🎂 HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my brother-in-law Mo! He’s the best soccer coach, the best cook, the best baba to my crazy nephews, the best wedding officiant, and my best brother-in-law!

🎅THE DIGEST

Pasadena’s Holiday Tree Lighting Is Tonight

Pasadena’s ready to flip the switch on the season tonight at City Hall, where the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting runs from 5–7PM. Mayor Victor Gordo leads the countdown at 6PM, and the whole thing usually draws a big, excited crowd — so getting there a little early is definitely worth it.

There’s a full lineup of performers, including Afterschool Adventures Cheer & Dance, Outspoken Dance Company, the Rosebud Academy Choir, the Jackie Robinson Line Dancers, and Elements Dance Space. Everything wraps up shortly after the tree lights up around 6:15PM.

Kids have plenty to do, too. The Armory Center for the Arts is hosting craft activities, and the Pasadena Jaycees are helping kids write letters to Santa through Operation Santa. There’ll be hot cocoa to keep things warm and a holiday photo booth ready for Santa pictures.

The Pasadena Fire Department will also be collecting toys, sports gear, and gift cards for the Spark of Love Toy Drive — a long-standing part of the event that turns the night into a big community give-back.

City crews spent the week decorating the huge tree, and it’s looking great for tonight’s countdown. Once it lights up, expect carols, dancing, and a solid dose of holiday energy to carry things through the evening.

Candlelight Concerts Return to All Saints — With an Extra Show This Year

Pasadena’s beloved Holiday Candlelight Concerts are back at All Saints Church, and demand is so high that a third performance has been added. Shows take place Friday, Dec. 12 at 7PM, and Saturday, Dec. 13 at 4PM and 7PM.

This year’s concerts feature vocalist Sarah Uriarte Berry, the Pasadena Symphony and Pops conducted by Larry Blank, and a lineup of local favorites including the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus, the Donald Brinegar Singers, and the LA Bronze Handbell Ensemble.

Expect classics like The Christmas Song, Sleigh Ride, and Hallelujah performed by candlelight — a big part of why this event has become a Pasadena holiday staple. The Children’s Chorus splits performances between two choirs this year to keep up with the expanded schedule.

Artistic Director Fernando Malvar-Ruiz says the concerts are a highlight of the season for both performers and audiences, drawing people who return year after year for the music and atmosphere. For tickets and more information click here.

🎁@NEWSN_ROSES

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

All Weekend

✨ 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.

💎 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 running Friday, Dec. 5 from 12pm–6pm; Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10am–6pm; and Sunday, Dec. 7 from 11am–5pm. A fun place to explore everything from diamonds to unique handcrafted pieces.

🏡 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. Saturday & Sunday, December 6–7, 9:30AM – 5PM.

🎭 A Christmas Carol: A Noise Within’s cherished holiday tradition returns with music, merriment, and Scrooge’s heartwarming transformation. A joyful seasonal outing for all ages. November 29 – December 24, 2025, various times.

🎄 Holidays @ the Sierra Madre Playhouse: Bob Baker’s “Nutcracker”: This charming marionette spin on the classic ballet returns with whimsical characters and dreamy sets, making it a beloved Sierra Madre holiday tradition. November 29 – January 4, various times.

Friday (12/5/25)

🐶 Hidden Gems: Pop-Up Dog Adoption at Howie’s Market: Meet Pasadena Humane’s “Hidden Gems”—wonderful dogs who’ve been waiting a little longer for their forever homes. Stop by Howie’s Market to give them some extra love and maybe find your perfect match. Friday, December 5 (all day).

📚 Poetry & Author Talk with Carla Sameth: Local author and writing teacher Carla Rachel Sameth shares her creative journey, reads from her work, and invites attendees to ask questions—or even try a little writing themselves. Open to all. Friday, December 5 at 2PM.

🎤 The Jam: PCM’s monthly open mic invites students and faculty to take the stage, build performance skills, and cheer each other on—plus enjoy a set from a featured faculty guest. Held outdoors in the Webster Amphitheater. Friday, December 5 at 4PM.

🖼️ Free First Friday at the Norton Simon: Wander the galleries and sculpture garden for free during Norton Simon’s monthly free-admission evening—no tickets or reservations needed. Friday, December 5 at 4–7PM.

🔬 PUSD’s Innovation Exposition 2025: Blair High School hosts a lively showcase of student creativity and STEM projects—from 3D printing and inventions to environmental innovations and science fiction writing. A fun, inspiring alternative to the traditional science fair. Friday, December 5 at 5PM.

🎄 Mayor’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony: Join Mayor Victor Gordo at Pasadena City Hall for an evening of music, dancing, kids’ crafts, photos with Santa, and the big tree-lighting moment at 6PM. A fun, festive community tradition—plus Pasadena Fire will be collecting toys for the Spark of Love Drive if you’d like to give back. Friday, December 5 at 5–7PM.

🎨 Conversations@PAM: A Japanese Art Journey: Japanese art historian Meher McArthur shares stories from her new memoir and her decades curating everything from woodblock prints to contemporary art—an inspiring look at how art shapes identity and connection. Friday, December 5 at 6PM.

🧘‍♂️ Caltech Tai Chi Club: Wind down the week with a friendly tai chi class open to all levels, with instruction in Hao-style tai chi plus some Yang-style and kung fu practice in a low-pressure setting. Friday, December 5 at 7PM.

Saturday (12/6/25)

🍎 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Victory Park: Start your Saturday with fresh, locally grown produce and farm goods—plus jams, jellies, and more—all straight from the farmers who grew them. A perfect weekend morning stop. Saturday, December 6 at 8AM–12PM.

🐦 Bimonthly Bird Sit with Pasadena Audubon: Slow down and welcome the morning with a peaceful hour of bird listening and observation at Arlington Garden—part mindfulness, part nature appreciation, all relaxing. Bring a blanket or pillow and settle in. Saturday, December 6 at 8:30AM.

🏡 58th Annual Holiday Look In Home Tour: Tour four beautifully decorated Pasadena homes, complete with stunning gardens, expert floral designs, and live holiday music as you wander. Don’t miss the free boutique for festive shopping. Saturday, December 6 at 9:30AM–5PM.

🎨 2025 Annual Holiday Ceramic Sale: Browse beautifully crafted pottery—from vases and bowls to playful sculptures—at this holiday ceramic sale showcasing the work of local artists. A great spot for unique gifts and handmade treasures. Saturday, December 6 at 10AM–4PM.

💻 DevFest LA 2025: The global Google Developer Groups conference returns to Pasadena with a full day of sessions on AI, cloud tools, and building safe, scalable tech—plus plenty of networking with developers and Google experts. Saturday, December 6 at 10AM.

🌿 Flower Arranging: Winter Solstice Wreath: Create a beautiful seasonal wreath using grapevines, evergreens, and dried florals in a hands-on workshop led by Flower Duet—then enjoy complimentary admission to The Huntington after class. Saturday, December 6 at 10AM–12PM.

🐾 Santa Paws: Holiday Crafting Workshop: Make cozy beds, toys, and festive treats for shelter animals while creating a holiday craft of your own to take home. A sweet way for families and animal lovers to give back this season. Saturday, December 6 at 10AM.

🎅 Santa Comes to Vroman’s + Kids Holiday Crafting Fun: Stop by Vroman’s for free Santa photos, then head upstairs for a holiday craft project the kids will love—supplies included, RSVP recommended. Saturday, December 6 from 11AM–1PM.

🎅 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.

🎨 Ornament Crafting with The Unicorn Store: A fun, hands-on holiday workshop at The Unicorn Store in One Colorado where kids can design and decorate their own festive ornaments with plenty of glittery, creative extras. Saturday, December 6 at 1PM.

❄️ Winterfest: Arts & Crafts Festival: Altadena’s Christmas Tree Lane comes alive with handmade goods, live music, treats, and festive fun for the whole family as part of the annual lighting celebration. Saturday, December 6 from 3PM–9PM.

🖼️ SPARC’s Annual Give the Gift of Art Holiday Exhibition: Celebrate local creativity at SPARC’s opening reception, featuring original artwork and handcrafted pieces perfect for holiday gifting at their South Pasadena gallery. Saturday, December 6 from 3PM–6PM.

🌲 Christmas Tree Lane Altadena Annual Lighting Ceremony: Join the community for the big countdown as nearly a mile of deodar trees light up for the season, complete with live performances and a visit from Santa. Saturday, December 6 at 6PM.

🎭 A Christmas Carol: A Noise Within’s beloved holiday tradition returns with music, merriment, and Scrooge’s classic transformation—perfect for getting into the spirit of the season. Saturday, December 6 at 7PM.

🎤 Home Alone – A 30-Minute Musical Parody: The 30MM troupe brings a fast, funny, music-packed spoof of the holiday classic to Sierra Madre Playhouse—expect big laughs and plenty of chaotic Kevin energy. Saturday, December 6 at 7:30PM.

Sunday (12/7/25)

🛍️ 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, 8AM-3PM.

🏡 58th Annual Holiday Look In Home Tour: Stroll through stunning Pasadena homes and gardens beautifully decorated for the season, complete with live holiday music and a free boutique for browsing and gifts. Sunday, December 7 from 9:30AM–5PM.

🏺 2025 Annual Holiday Ceramic Sale: Browse beautiful handcrafted pottery and ceramics by local artists at this festive biannual sale in La Cañada Flintridge—perfect for gift hunting or treating yourself. Sunday, December 7 from 10AM–4PM.

🌿 Garden Bazaar: A Sustainable Holiday Market: Shop eco-friendly gifts, plants, art, and treats from local vendors while wandering through Arlington Garden’s beautiful, wildlife-filled paths. Sunday, December 7 from 10AM–2PM.

🎨 California Art Club Annual Holiday Party: Celebrate the season at the Valley Hunt Club with an elegant holiday lunch, artful mingling, and a festive silent auction featuring works by CAC artists. Sunday, December 7 from 11:30AM–2PM.

🏛️ Pasadena Museum of History: Free Holiday Open House: Explore the Fényes Mansion dressed in Edwardian holiday décor, enjoy hands-on crafts, visit the rarely open Finnish Folk Art Museum, and browse unique gifts from local artists—all for free. A festive way to soak up Pasadena’s history. Sunday, December 7 at 12–5PM.

🍬 Annual Gingerbread House Decorating Party: Vroman’s brings back its super popular gingerbread workshop, where families can decorate a festive house to take home—just pick the time slot that works for you. Sunday, December 7 from 12PM–5PM.

💃 Foothills Dancemakers: Four Pasadena-based dance companies come together for an evening of original choreography, creativity, and modern dance rooted in local artistry. Sunday, December 7 at 4PM.

🎶 Los Angeles Children’s Chorus Annual Winter Concert: LACC’s choirs take the stage at Pasadena Presbyterian Church for a warm, seasonal program that celebrates the holidays with beautiful young voices. Sunday, December 7 at 7PM.

🎼 Annual Service of Lessons and Carols and Choir Concert: St. Edmund’s in San Marino brings together choir, organ, and congregation for a beautiful evening of Advent music, scripture, and holiday tradition—followed by a festive reception. Sunday, December 7 at 7:30PM.

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.

🕯️ 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 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, 1PM & 5PM.

🏰 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

Holiday Open House with Pasadena’s Rent Stabilization Department

Pasadena’s Rent Stabilization Department is hosting its Holiday Open House on Tuesday, Dec. 16, from 4–5:30PM at the Los Robles Building (Suite 350). The event is free and open to all residents, property owners, and community members.

Stop by to meet the RSD team, learn about services like rental registry support and tenant/landlord resources, and enjoy holiday treats, refreshments, and music.

Director Helen Morales says the team is excited to welcome the community and share some holiday cheer.

Parking: Street parking on Euclid and Cordova, plus paid parking in the building garage.

❄️NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Friday

69 🌡️ 51 |☀️| 💨 NW 2 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 32 (Good)

Saturday

68 🌡️ 53 |☀️| 💨 NW 3 mph

Sunday

71 🌡️ 52 |☀️| 💨 W 2 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

🌟LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

🎤 The Jam: PCM’s monthly open mic invites students and faculty to take the stage, build performance skills, and cheer each other on—plus enjoy a set from a featured faculty guest. Held outdoors in the Webster Amphitheater. Friday, December 5 at 4PM.

🎻 Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra Winter Concerts: Enjoy a full day of free performances by talented young musicians, featuring classical works and festive seasonal pieces across multiple ensembles at Pasadena High School. Saturday, December 6 at 10AM–6PM.

🎶 Los Angeles Children’s Chorus Annual Winter Concert: LACC’s choirs come together at First United Methodist Church for a warm, seasonal program that’s perfect for anyone who loves holiday music and stunning young voices. Saturday, December 6 at 3PM.

🍷 Jazz + Wine: Matt Wilson’s Christmas Tree-O: Enjoy an evening of great food, wine, and festive jazz as Matt Wilson’s Christmas Tree-O brings holiday cheer to Bacchus’ Kitchen. Saturday, December 6 at 6PM.

🎻 Broceliande: Songs of the Season: Enjoy a warm, seasonal concert at Knox Presbyterian Church as Broceliande performs Celtic, Medieval, and Renaissance music on an array of beautiful instruments. Saturday, December 6 at 7:30PM.

🕯️ 81st Annual Candlelight & Carols: Pasadena Presbyterian Church’s choirs come together for a beautiful evening of Christmas music—both classic and new—followed by a festive reception. Saturday, December 6 at 7:30PM.

🎷 Holiday Concert at Vroman’s Bookstore | Jazz Trio: Enjoy a cozy afternoon of holiday classics as Pasadena Conservatory of Music jazz faculty bring smooth, festive vibes to Vroman’s. Sunday, December 7 at 1PM.

🎶 Los Angeles Children’s Chorus Annual Winter Concert: LACC’s choirs take the stage at Pasadena Presbyterian Church for a warm, seasonal program that celebrates the holidays with beautiful young voices. Sunday, December 7 at 7PM.

🎼 Annual Service of Lessons and Carols and Choir Concert: St. Edmund’s in San Marino brings together choir, organ, and congregation for a beautiful evening of Advent music, scripture, and holiday tradition—followed by a festive reception. Sunday, December 7 at 7:30PM.

🎄THANKS!

Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who wishes it snowed in Pasadena. ❄️

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