Top Things To Do Between Christmas and New Year’s
The week between Christmas and New Year’s doesn’t have to be sleepy and slow.
Check out our recommendations for ways to make the most of your time off in Pasadena and close out 2025 on a high note.
Holiday Activations
Christmas might be over, but there is still plenty of festive fun to be had in Pasadena! Check out these very merry holiday events and displays, perfect to keep the celebration going all week long.
Enchant Christmas | through December 28, 2025
Enchanted Forest of Light | through January 4, 2026
Kidspace Children's Museum Winter Frolic | through January 11, 2026
Events
This week is the perfect chance to explore Pasadena, discover more about the destination, and enjoy events filled with great food and fun.
Equestfest
Date: December 29, 2025
Location: Los Angeles Equestrian Center | 480 W. Riverside Dr.
Time: 10am-3pm
Watch skilled riders and stunning horses move through choreographed drills, trick riding, and roping demonstrations. Attendees can explore the stables, chat with riders, and see the equipment they rely on. Enjoy learning about different horse breeds while taking in the vendor court, displays, music, food, and drinks.
Pasadena Walking Film Tour
Date: December 27, 2025
Location: Pasadena Civic Auditorium | 300 E Green St.
Time: 10am-12pm
Take a walk with My Valley Pass co-founder Jared Cowan through Old Pasadena and the Pasadena Civic Center, and discover the movie and TV locations that make this historic area a filmmaker's favorite, with access to a few spots no tour bus can reach.
Old Pasadena Food Tasting Walking Tour
Date: December 27 & 28, 2025
Location: Melting Pot Food Tours | 860 S. Los Angeles St., Ste 301
Time: 10:30am-1:30pm
Explore Old Pasadena with Melting Pot Food Tours on a tasting walk through alleys and hidden paths, sampling multicultural eats, artisan chocolates, specialty bakeries, and more, all while learning the area’s history and meeting local merchants.
Rose Bowl Activities
The most exciting thing happening in Pasadena this week is the Rose Bowl and all of the activities leading up to the big game and the parade! Here’s what you can check out before New Year’s Day.
Rose Bowl Holiday Tours
Date: December 26-28, 2025, and January 2, 2026
Location: Rose Bowl Stadium | 1001 Rose Bowl Dr.
Time: Various times
Step into the footsteps of legends and take a behind-the-scenes look at the historic Rose Bowl Stadium. The 2-hour tour includes visits to the original 1922 locker rooms, the current locker rooms, the press box, the Court of Champions, and more.
Rose Parade Float Decorating Viewing
Date: December 28-30, 2025
Location: Rosemont Pavilion | 700 Seco St.
Time: Various times
Before their Rose Parade debut, floats get their final touches at Decorating Places. Take a behind-the-scenes look at how intricate natural and floral designs are applied, with skilled professionals and volunteers at work.
Bandfest
Date: December 29-30, 2025
Location: Robinson Stadium at Pasadena City College | 1570 E. Colorado Blvd.
Time: Various times
This annual event showcases the top bands chosen for the upcoming Rose Parade. Over two days, each band, along with dancers and auxiliary performers, delivers impressive field shows before marching the full 5½ miles down Colorado Boulevard on New Year’s morning.
Rose Bowl Bash
Date: December 31, 2025
Location: Rose Bowl Stadium Lot K | 1001 Rose Bowl Dr.
Time: 11am-5pm
The Rose Bowl Bash is free and open to the public, featuring a beer garden, games, photo activations, and Rose Bowl Game merchandise. Enjoy university band performances, team cheer squads, an on-site DJ, exclusive giveaways, and big screens showing the day’s football games, plus a chance to snap a photo with the Rose Bowl Game Leishman Trophy.
lululemon Run With the Roses 5K
Date: December 31, 2025
Location: 103 W Colorado Blvd.
Time: 11:59pm
Hit the ground running in 2026! Join lululemon and the Tournament of Roses for the third annual 5K Run with the Roses, taking place along the iconic Rose Parade route at midnight. Finishers receive a race bib, custom medal, complimentary photos, and an invitation to the post-race celebration.
Attractions
Pasadena offers plenty to explore during the week between Christmas and New Year’s. Stroll through Old Pasadena’s historic streets or visit the Pasadena Civic Center to admire its stunning architecture. Art lovers can explore the Norton Simon Museum or take in a performance at the Pasadena Playhouse.
Dining
Pasadena’s dining scene is a treat for every palate. Cozy cafes and bistros serve up comforting winter favorites, and upscale restaurants offer inventive menus perfect for a celebratory meal or cocktail. Enjoy international flavors, from Italian and Mediterranean to Asian fusion, or indulge your sweet tooth at local bakeries and dessert shops. Many spots feature seasonal specials, giving you a chance to taste unique dishes inspired by the holidays.
Shopping
Got some holiday cash to burn? Explore the boutiques and shops along Colorado Boulevard or browse specialty stores in Old Pasadena for unique gifts and keepsakes. Local markets, artisan shops, and well-known retailers provide everything from fashion and accessories to home goods.
Experience Builder
Quick Search
Popular Searches
Best Annual Events, Celebrations, and Festivals in Pasadena
Pasadena knows how to throw a party, and its annual events are the talk of the town. Whether you're a local or a visitor, there are plenty of music festivals, food festivals, and city-wide celebrations to go around. Don't worry, we'll start with the granddaddy of them all – the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade.
Outdoor Dining Directory
Alfresco dining where diners can soak in the sun alongside some of the region’s most tantalizing cuisine
Memorable Museums
Pasadena is known for its abundance of renowned cultural institutions, many within walking distance of one another.
Shopping in Pasadena
Shopping in Pasadena is a popular recreational activity, count it in as sightseeing, catching up with friends, or treasure hunting.