Holiday Activities in Pasadena

Celebrating the Holidays in Pasadena

There are many holiday activities in Pasadena. You can go into a decoration buying frenzy at the huge, jammed packed with decorations, Stats store. You can sneak down the road apiece and join the mob Messiah sing along at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Paseo Colorado has many holiday activities, including the nightly lighting of a giant Menorah by Chabad of Pasadena.
And, of course, there is the world famous Tournament of Roses Parade and New Year’s Eve bash along the parade route. But Pasadena has other, less well-known activities that are known mostly by locals.

CHRISTMAS TREE LANE

In the late 19th century a millionaire put in a mile of Italian Cedar trees that were to herald the entrance to his mansion. The mansion was never built but the trees still exist. Each year volunteers decorate them with 10,000 multicolored lights to create a magical street. Strictly speaking, Christmas Tree Lane is in Altadena but Pasadena likes to claim the good stuff as its own. From the 210 freeway you exit Fair Oaks North to Woodbury. Turn right on Woodbury and left on Santa Rosa Ave. You will see the lights.

BALIAN HOUSE

A popular holiday activity in Pasadena is a stop off at the Balian House. This can be combined with Christmas tree lane by turning right on Altadena to Allen. Turn right on Allen and then left on Mendocino. You can miss the Balian House. For many, many years the Balian family has decorated their mansion and the three and one half acres that surround it. Park and join the throngs enjoying the sights. There are over 10,000 colored lights, many scenes like Santa Claus with his reindeers, elves, a nativity scene, and many others. Many of the scenes have movement. Live groups sing Christmas carols. You and your kids can have a photo op with Santa Claus. Hot chocolate or coffee are available for free.

After your first two Pasadena holiday activities you can go home, have some more hot chocolate and get ready for your next outing.

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