This Holiday Weekend

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. Hope you are enjoying the holidays! And staying safe and dry.

In Today’s News N’ Roses:

• Parade Week Starts Monday

• Events this Weekend

• Civic News

  • Rain Storm Update

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

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🎅THE DIGEST

Parade Week Starts Monday

Just to be clear—Christmas is not over yet. I know I will still be having Christmas dinners with family and friends, taking turns visiting each other, exchanging gifts, and enjoying the holiday together for the next two weeks. But, in Pasadena, the Rose Parade is the biggest event of the year, and it’s finally here.

It all ramps up Monday with float decorating at Rosemont Pavilion, where volunteers bring the floats to life, while Equestfest in Burbank and Bandfest I at PCC kick off a full week of music and pageantry. Tuesday keeps the momentum going with more float viewing and two Bandfests, plus visiting bands quietly giving back through community donation projects across Pasadena and Altadena.

By Wednesday, the pace shifts. Families head to the Rose Bowl Bash during the day, then just before midnight, runners take over Old Pasadena for the Run With the Roses 5K, officially ushering in New Year’s Day.

Thursday starts early; float awards at dawn, the Rose Parade at 8AM, the Rose Bowl Game in the afternoon, and then Floatfest, where you can finally see the floats up close. The celebration stretches into Friday with more Floatfest viewing, trophy presentations, and special band performances, before wrapping up Saturday with one last chance to see the floats before they’re dismantled.

Here’s the Parade Week at a Glance

Mon · Dec 29
Decorating Places 11AM–5PM · Equestfest Noon–3PM · Bandfest I 2PM

Tue · Dec 30
Decorating Places 11AM–6PM · Bandfest II 10AM · Bandfest III 2PM

Wed · Dec 31
Rose Bowl Bash 10AM–4PM · Run With the Roses 5K 11:59PM

Thu · Jan 1
Float Awards 6AM · Rose Parade 8AM · Rose Bowl Game 1PM · Floatfest 1:30–5PM

Fri · Jan 2
Floatfest 9AM–5PM · Sweepstakes Trophy 11AM

Sat · Jan 3
Floatfest (Final Day) 9AM–4PM

For more information on The Rose Parade events, visit the Tournament of Roses website here.

 ☃️WHAT’S HAPPENING

Friday (12/26/25)

🏟️ Rose Bowl Holiday Tours: Go behind the scenes at America’s Stadium and explore historic locker rooms, the press box, and legendary moments as the Rose Bowl gears up for the New Year’s game. Rose Bowl Stadium. Friday, December 26 at 10:30AM & 12:30PM.

🧘 Caltech Tai Chi Club: Unwind and move mindfully with an open, beginner-friendly Tai Chi practice featuring Hao-style forms in a relaxed, no-pressure setting. Caltech Tai Chi Club. Friday, December 26 at 7PM.

😂 Comedy Night at The Ice House: Spend your Friday night laughing it up with a stacked lineup of shows—from high-energy stand-up and rising stars to a festive holiday comedy special—all under one legendary roof. The Ice House Comedy Club. Friday, December 26 starting at 7:30PM.

Saturday (12/27/25)

🥬 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Victory Park: Stock up on fresh, locally grown fruits, veggies, and farm goods while chatting directly with the farmers who grow everything you take home. Victory Park (Pasadena Farmers’ Market). Saturday, December 27 from 8AM–12PM.

🧺 La Cañada Farmers’ Market: Wander through a cheerful Saturday market filled with fresh produce, baked goods, juices, and locally made foods—rain or shine. La Cañada Farmers’ Market. Saturday, December 27 from 9AM–1PM.

🎄 Holidays @ the Playhouse: Bob Baker’s “Nutcracker”: Catch this charming marionette take on the classic Nutcracker, filled with whimsical characters and magical sets that delight audiences of all ages. Sierra Madre Playhouse. Saturday, December 27 at 10:30AM, 1:30PM, & 4:30PM.

🚶‍♂️ Historic Old Pasadena Walking Tour: Discover hidden alleyways, glowing vintage signs, and fascinating stories of preservation as a docent leads this special walking tour through Old Pasadena. Memorial Park at the corner of Walnut Street and Raymond Ave. Saturday, December 27 at 10AM.

🏟️ Rose Bowl Holiday Tours: Go behind the scenes at America’s Stadium and explore historic locker rooms, the press box, and legendary moments as the Rose Bowl prepares for the New Year’s game. Rose Bowl Stadium. Saturday, December 27 at 10:30AM & 12:30PM.

🕯️ Celebrate African American Heritage Through Kwanzaa!: Come together for a joyful community celebration featuring music, storytelling, youth performances, and shared traditions honoring Kwanzaa. La Pintoresca Branch Library. Saturday, December 27 from 11AM–1PM.

🏡 Holiday Open House Touring: Stroll through the Gamble House beautifully decorated for the holidays and explore at your own pace with docents on hand to share stories and answer questions. The Gamble House. Saturday, December 27 at 11AM.

💃 Black & White Ball w/ Lil’ Mo & the Dynaflos: Dress in black and white and dance the night away with live swing music, a pre-show lesson, and plenty of festive energy as Lil’ Mo & the Dynaflos light up the floor. Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association. Saturday, December 27 from 7:30PM–11PM.

😂 Jeremiah Watkins, Nikki Glaser, Dean Delray: Catch a stacked late-night comedy lineup as Scott Blugrind and friends bring big laughs and high-energy stand-up to the California Room. The Ice House Comedy Club. Saturday, December 27 at 9PM.

Sunday (12/28/25)

🌼 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. Rosemont Pavilion. December 28–30 (hours vary by day).

❄️ Winter Frolic: Spend the day exploring Kidspace’s playful winter wonderland filled with hands-on seasonal activities, imaginative play, and cozy holiday fun for the whole family. Kidspace Children’s Museum. Sunday, December 28 (all day).

🌿 Boddy House Botanical Display: Take a peaceful pause and enjoy a beautifully curated botanical display crafted by Descanso’s Horticulture team inside the Boddy House. Descanso Gardens. Sunday, December 28 at 10AM.

🪨 Viewing Stones Show: Wander through a serene exhibition of naturally formed stones and discover the quiet beauty and artistry shaped by time and nature. The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Sunday, December 28 from 10AM–5PM.

🏟️ Rose Bowl Holiday Tours: Go behind the scenes at the Rose Bowl Stadium and explore historic locker rooms, the press box, and legendary moments as the Rose Bowl prepares for the New Year’s game. Rose Bowl Stadium. Sunday, December 28 at 10:30AM & 12:30PM.

🎄 Holidays @ the Playhouse: Bob Baker’s “Nutcracker”: Catch this charming marionette take on the classic Nutcracker, filled with whimsical characters and magical sets that delight audiences of all ages. Sierra Madre Playhouse. Sunday, December 28 at 10:30AM, 1:30PM, & 4:30PM.

Save the Date

🔭 Astronomy on Tap: Supermassive Black Holes & Radio Astronomy: Grab a drink and dive into mind-blowing space science with short, engaging talks, live Q&A, pub trivia, and guided stargazing with telescopes. Dog Haus Biergarten, Old Town Pasadena. Monday, January 12 at 7:30PM.

✨ Enchanted Forest of Light: Descanso Gardens lights up after dark with immersive, walk-through installations, glowing art, and a magical holiday atmosphere. Descanso Gardens. Runs to January 4, 5:30PM–10PM.

🎺 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!

🔔CIVIC NEWS

Rain Storm Update

After soaking rain on Christmas, forecasters say a second wave of rain is moving through today, with flooding still a real concern. The ground is already saturated, so it won’t take much to cause problems, especially near hillsides and burn areas.

The National Weather Service warns that some areas could see brief heavy downpours, and while rain should become more scattered later today, most of the region will pick up additional rainfall into tonight.

A flood watch remains in effect across much of Los Angeles County, and evacuation warnings are still active in several burn scar areas, including near Eaton Fire zones. Sheriff’s deputies have already gone door-to-door in some high-risk neighborhoods.

What to know today

• Expect periods of rain, possibly heavy at times

• Watch for flooded roads, debris, and slick conditions

• Avoid canyons and hillsides if you can

• Rain tapers off tonight, with clearer weather expected Saturday

If you want to double-check evacuation status or sign up for alerts, county officials recommend:

• protect.genasys.com for evacuation info

• lacounty.gov/emergency for alerts and updates

❄️NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Friday

58 🌡️ 45 |🌧️| 💨 N 6 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 26 (Good)

Saturday

57 🌡️ 41 |⛅| 💨 NE 4 mph

Sunday

64 🌡️ 43 |⛅| 💨 NE 6 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

🌟LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

🎷 Catalina Combo: Settle in for a lively night of jazz standards and world café vibes with smooth vocals and swinging guitar-led grooves. Edwin Mills. Friday, December 26 from 7PM–11PM.

🎶 Jenny & The Jazz Birds: Ease into your Saturday morning with classic jazz, blues, and funk from this beloved local group that’s become a Jones Coffee favorite. Jones Coffee Roasters. Saturday, December 27 at 10AM.

🎶 Chloe Perrier: Enjoy an elegant evening of French jazz as vocalist Chloe Perrier brings classic standards, bossa nova, and original songs to life with her warm, expressive style. Edwin Mills. Saturday, December 27 from 7PM–11PM.

🎷 The Gold Line Jazz Collective: Enjoy a laid-back morning of cool jazz, hard bop, and Latin fusion led by pianist Hank Mehren with a rotating lineup of local talent. Jones Coffee Roasters. Sunday, December 28 at 10AM.

🎄THANKS!

Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who’s ignoring calories during the holidays with full confidence to begin working out at the start of the new year.

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