By Mickala Becktor
The Holiday season is already here and i have collected some local activities to get you in the holiday spirit. This calendar has something for everyone, whether you like a cozy drive through cedar trees with Christmas lights, hot cocoa and carols or meetings Santa Claus with the kids. There are endless activities in the Los Angeles area this month, but these are some of the most local and hopefully an easy overview so you dont have to do all the research. Enjoy!
Dec 5th, 12th and 19th – Pasadena Commons Cocoa & Carols
Get in the holiday spirit in the cozy courtyard of Pasadena Commons. 3 magical Thursday evenings with festive cheer and song while enjoying hot cocoa from Philz Coffee. This event and the hot cocoa is free of charge but requires RSVP to Philz Coffee so they know how much cocoa to make. Link to rsvp below.
When and where: The Commons, Shoppers Lane Pasadena. 6-8 pm.
Info and RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cocoa-carols-tickets-1076983369249
Dec 6th – The mayors annual holiday tree lighting ceremony
Pasadena Mayor Victor M. Gordo will kick off the holiday season with this free celebration for the whole family. There will be festive musical performances, crafts for the kids and a special appearance of Santa Clause.
When and where: Pasadena City Hall, 100 N. Garfield Avenue. From 5-7 pm.
More info: https://www.cityofpasadena.net/event/mayors-annual-tree-lighting-ceremony/
Dec 7th – Tree lighting at Christmas Tree Lane – Altadena
Since 1920 the cedars on Santa Rosa Avenue in Altadena have been lighted annually as a Holiday Display earning the nickname Christmas Tree Lane. There is a small winter arts and crafts fair by Altadena library from 3-9 pm with activities for all ages. The lighting ceremony is on December 7th but they are worth a drive through all month long. The street has no sidewalks, so i would recommend to plan this as a drive and not a walk.
When and where: The center part of Santa Rosa Avenue between Woodbury Rd. and Altadena dr. Visit the fair on dec. 7th or drive through the street any time you like.
Dec 7th – Meet Santa at Vroman’s bookstore
There will be a small children’s event at the super cozy Vroman’s Bookstore where kids can get photos with Santa. The photos are free of charge, courtesy of the Bookstore, and if you haven’t visited before, this is a really unique place to browse for gifts for all ages.
When and where: 695 East Colorado Boulevard from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Dec 7th – Holiday Market at Pasadena Commons
There will be a Holiday Boutique Pop-Up at Pasadena Commons by Creative Communal. There will be live holiday music and fun activities for kids and a chance to find unique gifts from local artisans.
When and where: 140-146 South Lake Ave. 12:00-5:00 pm.
Info: https://www.pasadenacommons.com/events
Dec 7th – South Lake Avenue Holidayfest
Shop, dine and win! The South Lake Avenue district has its annual holiday celebration with family friendly activities around the whole district. It starts at noon and goes on for as long as the individual shops and restaurants are open.
When and where: South Lake Avenue district. Starts at 12:00 pm.
More info: https://www.southlakeavenue.org/holiday-shop-dine-win-on-south-lake-avenue/
Dec 7th-31st – Upper Hastings Ranch Holiday Light Up
Take a drive through this neighborhood and enjoy a festival of lights and parkway displays that looks like something from a movie. The tradition began in 1951 when a few families decorated their driveways to guide Santa Claus to their homes, but it quickly turned into a competition between the blocks.
For more info and directions: https://upperhastingsranch.org/events
Dec 21st – Santa, Snacks and stories in Old Pasadena
One Colorado in charming Old Pasadena is hosting this jolly festive gathering for the whole family. There will be fun stories, delicious treats and of course a visit from Santa himself.
When and where: One Colorado in the courtyard near Sage Restaurant. From 1:00-2:00 pm.
Info: https://www.onecolorado.com/events/santa-snacks-stories/
Kidspace Winter Frolic
At Kidspace museum you can visit a winter wonderland this month with their winter frolic theme. Decorate a snowman, twirl around the sock ice skating rink or build a fort of ice blocks without freezing. This place offers hours of fun for the kids and is one of our personal favorites both in December and all year round.
More info and tickets: https://kidspacemuseum.org/winter-frolic/
Descanso Gardens – Enchanted Forest of Light
Enchanted is a by night experience showcasing a series of installations with light, color, and music. The familiar garden is transformed into a whimsical, magic botanical artscape.
When and where: Descanso Gardens every day from 5:30 – 10:00 pm.
More info and tickets: https://www.descansogardens.org/events-and-activities/enchanted/
Drive around your neighborhood to see Christmas lights
There are so many beautiful and fun Christmas lights and decorations around local neighborhoods if you just go for a little drive. Grab your favorite hot drink or hit a drive through coffee shop and take a drive around the city and be amazed how much work people put into their decorations. I love to take my kids for at short drive and look for the best decorated houses, they are all over the place.
Editor’s note: I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year and i hope this could inspire you to some holiday fun. If you have any experiences of your own that you would like to share, no matter how big or small, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at blogcisc@gmail.com and I would love help turn it into a blog post for our community.
Mickala Becktor.
Via Pasadena 