Spectacular Holiday Shows, Lights, and Shopping

Holiday Spectaculars at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium

Celebrate the festive season and get tickets to limited-time Christmas shows at one of the most revered performance halls in the nation.

LOS ANGELES BALLET PRESENTS: THE NUTCRACKER

Los Angeles Ballet’s The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score in 1912 Los Angeles with hints and tastes of Southern California. Showtimes: Friday, December 1 at 8 pm; Saturday, December 2 at 6 pm; Sunday, December 3 at 2 pm

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CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE

From Cirque du Soleil, a Broadway-style production with an ensemble of aerial circus acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, fun-loving skippers, breath-catching acrobatics, and much more. Showtimes: Tuesday, December 12 at 7:30 pm; Wednesday, December 13 at 7:30 pm

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NUTCRACKER! MAGICAL CHRISTMAS BALLET

Talmi Entertainment’s NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet tells the beloved holiday story with an extraordinary international cast and Ukrainian Principal Artists. Showtime: Wednesday, December 20 at 4 pm

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Holiday Theater Classics

Grab your tickets to the tinsel in Tinseltown in Pasadena's theater district. These limited-time holiday theater will be sure to jingle all the way.

Pasadena Playhouse Holiday Spectacular

Tony nominee Sam Pinkerton returns to the iconic Pasadena Playhouse to sleigh audiences with a brand-new holiday spectacular. Savor the holiday spirit in the historic Playhouse Village district in Pasadena, which comes alive with twinkling lights, leaving you feeling merry and bright. Production runs December 7 through December 23.

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A Christmas Carol at A Noise Within

More than a play, A Christmas Carol at A Noise Within theater is a spectacular holiday experience including special snacks, pre-show crafts, and photo ops before the show in our decorated lobby and after the show with the cast. Production runs December 1 through December 27.

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Festive Holiday Pop-Ups

Pasadena's neighborhoods are transformed into holiday wonderlands, complete with Santa Claus appearances, gifts, and activities for the whole family.

Old Pasadena For the Holidays

Experience the holiday magic of Old Pasadena as the annual Tree Lighting commences on Friday, December 2, 2023. During the holiday season, One Colorado’s celebrations are a must and include photos with Santa, letters to Santa, holiday carolers, and more.

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South Lake Shopping District's Holidayfest

Holidayfest returns on Saturday, December 2, 2023 on South Lake Avenue for its annual holiday celebration at noon. Enjoy photos with santa, a cookie decorating station, ornament making station, music, raffles, holiday airbrushing and more. The event features performances by El Santo Golpe, Dustbowl Revival, Twisted Gypsy, and DJ William Reed.

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Kid-Approved Holiday Joy

Gather the family and head to Pasadena for kid-approved holiday festivities. From illuminated gardens to sock skating, it's time to get in the ho ho holiday spirit.

Winter Frolic at Kidspace Children’s Museum

Experience the transformation at Kidspace Children's Museum for the holiday season, as it turns into a winter wonderland for Winter Frolic. Grab your favorite socks to skate on the no-ice sock skating rink, go ice fishing, build sculptures out of ice blocks, and dress up a life-size no-melt snowman in the icy cave. Dates: November 10, 2023– January 7, 2024

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Enchanted at Descanso Gardens

Descanso Gardens transforms into a shimmering nocturnal wonderland. Walk one-mile through illuminated trees, enjoy an entire town of magical “stained glass,” enjoy exquisite lighting effects in the Ancient Forest, and more. Dates: November 19, 2023 – January 7, 2024

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Teddy Bear Tea

Head to the Langham Huntington, Pasadena for the coveted holiday Teddy Bear Tea experience, where tiny sandwiches meet a puppet show and a visit from Santa Claus himself. Each child will receive a limited-edition Paddington x The Langham bear to take home as a memento. Dates: December 3, 8, 9, 10, 15 – 24

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Holiday Tours

Rose Bowl Stadium Holiday Tours

On December 27, 2023, walk in the footsteps of legends and delight in an unforgettable opportunity to go behind-the-scenes of America’s Stadium for two special holiday tours. Your tour guide will lead you through this National Historic Landmark, including the original 1922 locker room, current locker rooms, press box, Court of Champions and more.

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Pasadena Holiday Look In Home Tour

The Womens’ Committee of the Pasadena Symphony Association is putting on the 56th Annual Holiday Look In Home Tour, offering a feast for the eyes, December 2-3, 2023. Experience the beautiful gardens and magnificent architecture of four elegant homes while docents point out interesting features and musicians provide holiday music. Don’t forget to check out the boutique for unique shopping finds.

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