2026 Holiday Event Guide: La Crescenta, Montrose, La Cañada, Pasadena & Beyond
Looking for family-friendly holiday events in La Crescenta, Montrose, La Cañada Flintridge, Glendale, Pasadena or Altadena? Robbyn Battles, The House Agent, has gathered this 2026 holiday event guide featuring Thanksgiving celebrations, Christmas tree lightings, Santa visits, holiday parades, outdoor light displays, artisan markets and independent holiday shopping. From November 15, 2026, through January 1, 2027, discover ways to celebrate with family, gather with friends and enjoy the communities we call home.
Planning your holiday activities? This guide answers the questions neighbors are asking: When is the La Crescenta Christmas Tree Lighting? Does Montrose have a Christmas tree lighting, and when is the Montrose Christmas Parade? Where can families see Christmas lights in La Cañada Flintridge and Altadena? What Thanksgiving Day runs are happening in La Cañada and Pasadena? Where can you find fall festivals, holiday markets and local Christmas shopping in La Crescenta, Montrose, Pasadena and Altadena? You’ll also find Santa visits, holiday performances, family activities and New Year’s Day celebrations, all organized to help you find the events that interest you most.
Last updated October 26, 2026. Event details are subject to change. Please check the linked organizer websites before attending.
Where Can You Find Fall Festivals and Holiday Markets in La Crescenta, Pasadena and Nearby Communities?
November 15 | Jackalope Art Fair, Pasadena
Time: 10 AM–4 PM
Location: Central Park, Pasadena
Admission: Free
Get an early start on holiday shopping while supporting independent artists and makers. Browse handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, artwork, accessories and creative gifts at this outdoor artisan fair. It’s a great opportunity to find something different while enjoying a day in Pasadena.
Jackalope Art Fair event information
November 19 | Holidays on Holly, Old Pasadena
Time: Primarily 2–8 PM
Location: Holly Street, Old Pasadena
Independent businesses along Holly Street welcome holiday shoppers with special events, trunk shows and refreshments. This neighborhood shopping event is a wonderful way to discover locally owned stores and begin checking names off your holiday gift list.
Holidays on Holly event details
November 20 | Harvest Festival at Crescenta Valley Park, La Crescenta
Time: 4–7 PM
Location: Crescenta Valley Park, 3901 Dunsmore Avenue, La Crescenta
Organizer: Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation
Celebrate the fall season at the Harvest Festival at Crescenta Valley Park. Hosted through Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation, this neighborhood event brings families and friends together for a seasonal community gathering in La Crescenta.
Check with Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation for additional information about festival activities.
Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation
November 21 | Huntington Holiday Market, San Marino
Time: 10 AM–6 PM
Location: The Huntington, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino
Admission: Free public event; capacity limited
Browse handcrafted home goods, artisan gifts, specialty foods and other holiday finds. The Huntington Holiday Market is an opportunity to discover creative gifts from local and international makers.
Huntington Holiday Market details
November 28 | Small Business Saturday, Old Pasadena
Location: Throughout Old Pasadena
Thanksgiving weekend is an excellent time to explore Pasadena’s independently owned stores. Small Business Saturday encourages shoppers to support local retailers, discover neighborhood boutiques and find unique holiday gifts.
Old Pasadena shopping and events
November 28–29 | Green & Bisque Holiday Market, Pasadena
Time: 10 AM–5 PM both days
Location: 1563 N. Lake Avenue, Pasadena
Admission: Free
Shop handmade ceramics, pottery and gifts from local artists at this Thanksgiving weekend market. The event includes indoor and outdoor vendor spaces, food, music and a chance to meet the people creating the gifts.
Green & Bisque Holiday Market details
November 28–29 | Winter Bloom Market & Gathering, Altadena
Location: Odyssey Charter School, 725 W. Altadena Drive, Altadena
Admission: Free
Winter Bloom celebrates Altadena’s local artists, makers, growers and independent businesses. Enjoy an artisan marketplace, local food, music, workshops and creative activities for children. It’s a community-centered way to spend Thanksgiving weekend and support Altadena businesses.
Check the organizer’s website for final event hours.
Winter Bloom Market official website
December 2–6 | Descanso Gardens Holiday Market, La Cañada Flintridge
Time: 1–8:30 PM
Location: Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge
Admission: Check applicable garden or evening event admission
Discover handmade jewelry, artisan pottery, botanical gifts and seasonal plants at the Descanso Gardens Holiday Market. This five-day shopping event brings together art, nature and seasonal gifts in one of La Cañada Flintridge’s best-known destinations.
Descanso Gardens holiday events
December 5–6 | Pasadena Holiday Look In Home Tour & Boutique
Home tour: 9:30 AM–4 PM
Boutique hours: 9:30 AM–5 PM
Boutique location: Pasadena Scottish Rite Center, 150 N. Madison Avenue
Admission: Boutique free; home tour ticketed
Explore beautifully decorated homes and gardens during the 59th Annual Holiday Look In Home Tour. Four homes feature holiday decorations by local floral designers, with docents and music adding to the experience.
The accompanying Holiday Look In Boutique is free and open to the public, even without a home tour ticket. It provides another opportunity to shop for unique gifts while supporting a Pasadena community tradition.
Pasadena Holiday Look In Home Tour and Boutique
December 12 | Lanterman House Holiday Market Place & Open House, La Cañada Flintridge
Time: 1–4 PM
Location: Lanterman House, 4420 Encinas Drive, La Cañada Flintridge
Visit the historic Lanterman House for its Holiday Market Place and Open House. Browse gifts from local vendors while enjoying a seasonal community gathering at one of La Cañada Flintridge’s historic landmarks.
Lanterman House official events calendar
Where Can Families Find Thanksgiving Day Runs and Activities in La Cañada and Pasadena?
Thanksgiving Day, November 26 | La Cañada Thanksgiving Day Run & Food Drive
Time: 5K at 8:15 AM; Kids’ Mile at 9:30 AM
Location: Olberz Park, La Cañada Flintridge
Thanksgiving morning in La Cañada Flintridge brings neighbors together for the annual Thanksgiving Day Run and Food Drive. Families can participate in the 5K or children’s run while supporting a community tradition that combines exercise and giving back.
La Cañada Thanksgiving Day Run information and registration
Thanksgiving Day, November 26 | Rose Bowl Turkey Trot, Pasadena
Time: 8:30 AM
Location: Rose Bowl Stadium, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena
Start Thanksgiving morning with a 5K run or walk at the Rose Bowl. This family-friendly event welcomes participants of different ages and abilities and has become a popular Pasadena Thanksgiving tradition.
Rose Bowl Stadium Turkey Trot information
When Are the Christmas Tree Lightings in Montrose and La Crescenta?
Two of the most anticipated local Christmas tree lighting traditions take place in Montrose and La Crescenta. Both bring neighbors together for music, seasonal activities and a community celebration.
Friday, November 27 | Montrose Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Carolers: 5:30 PM
Christmas Tree Lighting: 6:15 PM
Location: Montrose Shopping Park, Honolulu Avenue
Admission: Free
Celebrate the start of the Christmas season in Montrose with the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. Strolling carolers begin the evening at 5:30 PM, followed by the official Christmas tree lighting at 6:15 PM. Santa Claus joins the festivities, bringing another favorite holiday tradition to Honolulu Avenue.
Before or after the ceremony, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant or browse the independently owned boutiques that make Montrose Shopping Park a favorite neighborhood destination.
Shop Montrose: Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Wednesday, December 2 | La Crescenta Christmas Tree Lighting at the La Crescenta Library
Christmas Tree Lighting: 6 PM
Location: La Crescenta Library, 2809 Foothill Boulevard, La Crescenta
Admission: Free
One of La Crescenta’s cherished holiday traditions brings neighbors together for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at the La Crescenta Library. This community celebration is a wonderful way to begin December with family, friends and neighbors while enjoying the festive atmosphere in the heart of La Crescenta.
Past celebrations have featured local school choirs, student performances, hot chocolate and activities for children. Additional details about this year’s entertainment and activities will be added as they are announced.
La Crescenta Library information
Where Can You See Holiday Light Displays in La Cañada, Altadena and La Crescenta?
November 22, 2026–January 9, 2027 | Enchanted Forest of Light, La Cañada Flintridge
Time: 5:30–10 PM, with timed entry
Location: Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge
Admission: Advance timed tickets required
Enjoy an evening outdoors surrounded by illuminated trees, creative lighting installations and glowing garden landscapes. Enchanted Forest of Light transforms Descanso Gardens into a seasonal nighttime experience for families and friends.
The 2026 event includes interactive displays, colorful illuminated gardens and a new laser light show with a snowfall finale on the Main Lawn.
Descanso Gardens Enchanted Forest of Light information
Friday, December 4 | Festival in Lights at Memorial Park, La Cañada Flintridge
Time: 4–6:30 PM
Location: Memorial Park, 1301 Foothill Boulevard, La Cañada Flintridge
Admission: Free
La Cañada Flintridge’s Festival in Lights brings families and friends together at Memorial Park for an afternoon of holiday activities. Enjoy live reindeer, holiday music, balloon bubbles, Santa Claus and the announcement of the Miss La Cañada Flintridge Royal Court.
The celebration also features colorful light installations and interactive displays, making Memorial Park a festive gathering place for the community.
City of La Cañada Flintridge Festival in Lights event details
Saturday, December 5 | Altadena Christmas Tree Lane Lighting
Christmas Tree Lane Lighting: 6 PM
Winterfest: 3–9 PM
Location: Santa Rosa Avenue and Mariposa Street, Altadena
Admission: Free
One of Altadena’s most beloved holiday traditions is the annual lighting of Christmas Tree Lane. At 6 PM, the towering deodar cedar trees lining Santa Rosa Avenue are illuminated, transforming the historic roadway into a spectacular display of Christmas lights.
The celebration also includes Winterfest from 3–9 PM, featuring holiday music, food, artisan vendors and family activities. The lighting of Christmas Tree Lane remains the highlight of this longstanding Altadena tradition.
Altadena Christmas Tree Lane official event information
Saturday, December 12 | Holiday at the Stone Barn, La Crescenta
Location: Stone Barn Nature Center, Deukmejian Wilderness Park, 3429 Markridge Road, La Crescenta
Time: See official event listing
Holiday at the Stone Barn takes place at Deukmejian Wilderness Park in La Crescenta. This seasonal community gathering brings holiday activities to the Stone Barn Nature Center, a distinctive setting surrounded by the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains.
Visit the City of Glendale’s event listing for the complete schedule, activities and visitor information.
City of Glendale: Holiday at the Stone Barn official event details
Where Can Families See Santa, Christmas Parades and Holiday Celebrations in Montrose, Glendale and Pasadena?
November 20 | Holiday in the Park, Magnolia Park, Burbank
Time: 4–10 PM
Location: Magnolia Boulevard, Burbank
Admission: Free
One of the area’s early outdoor holiday celebrations includes Santa, live entertainment, an arts fair, carnival games, food trucks and neighborhood shopping. Magnolia Boulevard becomes a festive gathering place for families and friends.
Holiday in the Park official website
November 28–December 20 | Old Town Christmas Activities, Montrose
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 11 AM–3 PM
Location: Montrose Shopping Park, 2200, 2300 and 2400 blocks of Honolulu Avenue
Admission: Free public activities
Old Town Christmas brings holiday traditions to Montrose every weekend from November 28 through December 20. Enjoy a horse-drawn trolley, strolling carolers, Christmas music and visits from Santa Claus while exploring the shops and restaurants along Honolulu Avenue.
With independently owned boutiques throughout the Montrose Shopping Park, these weekends are a wonderful opportunity to shop locally, meet friends for lunch and spend an afternoon enjoying the holiday atmosphere.
Shop Montrose: Old Town Christmas schedule and activities
December 5 | South Lake Avenue Holidayfest, Pasadena
Time: Noon–6 PM
Location: South Lake Avenue Shopping District, Pasadena
Admission: Free
Holidayfest includes Santa’s Village, holiday music, children’s activities, an artisan market, cookie decorating and special shopping events. Visit Santa at Macy’s, 401 S. Lake Avenue, and the artisan market at The Commons, 140 S. Lake Avenue.
South Lake Avenue Holidayfest details
Saturday, December 5 | 48th Annual Montrose-Glendale Christmas Parade
Parade begins: 6:10 PM
Parade route: Begins at Rosemont Avenue and travels east along Honolulu Avenue, Montrose
Admission: Free public viewing
The 48th Annual Montrose-Glendale Christmas Parade is one of the area’s most anticipated community holiday traditions. More than 150 community and youth groups participate, including marching bands, drill teams, local police, fire and rescue units, and neighborhood organizations.
One of the evening’s highlights is Santa Claus arriving by police helicopter before joining the festivities. Families from La Crescenta, Montrose, Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge and surrounding communities line Honolulu Avenue to enjoy the parade.
Shop Montrose: 48th Annual Montrose-Glendale Christmas Parade details
December 5–27 | Teddy Bear Tea, Pasadena
Dates: December 5–6, 12–13, 17–24 and 26–27
Seatings: 10 AM and 1 PM
Location: The Langham Huntington, 1401 S. Oak Knoll Avenue, Pasadena
Admission: Reservations and payment required
Families can enjoy a holiday afternoon tea featuring seasonal sandwiches, scones and sweet treats, along with a puppet show and a visit from Santa Claus. Children ages 12 and under receive a keepsake teddy bear.
The Langham Huntington Teddy Bear Tea 2026 reservations
Where Can Families Enjoy Christmas Shows, Ballet and Holiday Performances Near Pasadena?
November 20–December 27 | Enchant Christmas, Arcadia
Location: Santa Anita Park, 285 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia
Admission: Ticketed
For families looking for Christmas lights, ice skating and snow activities, Enchant Christmas features an illuminated holiday maze, ice-skating trail, snow slide, entertainment and a Christmas Village with seasonal shopping and food.
Enchant Christmas official event information and tickets
November 28–December 24 | A Christmas Carol, Pasadena
Location: A Noise Within, 3352 E. Foothill Boulevard, Pasadena
Admission: Ticketed
Celebrate the season with a live stage production of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas story. The production provides an opportunity to enjoy holiday theater with family and friends.
A Noise Within performances and tickets
December 11–12 | Pasadena Symphony Holiday Candlelight Concerts
Location: All Saints Church, 132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena
Admission: Ticketed
Enjoy traditional holiday music, choruses and handbells in a candlelit church setting. These concerts provide a seasonal evening activity for friends and family members who enjoy live performances.
Pasadena Symphony holiday concert information
December 18 | Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet, Pasadena
Location: Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green Street
Admission: Ticketed
Celebrate the holiday season with a performance of the Christmas ballet featuring elaborate costumes, music and theatrical scenery.
Visit Pasadena holiday performances
What Is Happening in Pasadena on New Year’s Day 2027?
January 1, 2027 | Rose Parade, Pasadena
Location: Colorado Boulevard and the official parade route, Pasadena
Welcome the New Year with Pasadena’s Rose Parade, featuring elaborate floral floats, marching bands and equestrian groups. It’s one of Southern California’s best-known New Year’s Day traditions.
Tournament of Roses official website
Where Can You Shop Local for Holiday Gifts in La Crescenta, Montrose, Pasadena and Altadena?
Holiday shopping is an opportunity to support the independently owned businesses that contribute to our communities throughout the year. From Montrose Shopping Park and Old Pasadena to artisan markets in Altadena and La Cañada Flintridge, there are many places to find thoughtful gifts beyond the usual department store selections.
The Montrose Shopping Park is particularly festive during its Old Town Christmas weekends, while Old Pasadena provides opportunities to explore local boutiques and restaurants. The Winter Bloom Market in Altadena and Green & Bisque Holiday Market in Pasadena bring together local artists and makers.
Whether you’re shopping for a holiday gift, meeting friends for lunch or enjoying an evening of Christmas lights, consider spending some of your holiday season with neighborhood merchants.
What Holiday Events Are Coming to Sunland, Tujunga, Sylmar and Lake View Terrace?
Our holiday guide also includes Sunland, Tujunga, Sylmar and Lake View Terrace. We are watching for official announcements of Christmas tree lightings, Santa visits, outdoor celebrations, school and community holiday boutiques, and neighborhood festivities in these communities.
Rather than publish dates from previous years, we’ll add these activities as soon as organizers confirm their 2026 schedules.
More Holiday Events Are on the Way!
We’re still waiting for the official 2026 date for The Americana at Brand Christmas Tree Lighting in Glendale.
As soon as the date is announced, we’ll add the event to this guide, along with other newly confirmed holiday celebrations throughout the Foothills.
Bookmark this page and check back for updates as more community events are announced throughout the season.
Celebrate the Holidays Close to Home
From Thanksgiving morning traditions in La Cañada Flintridge and Pasadena to Christmas celebrations in La Crescenta, Montrose, Glendale and Altadena, the Foothills offer plenty of opportunities to spend time with family, reconnect with friends and enjoy the neighborhoods around us.
Some celebrations draw visitors from across Southern California. Others are organized by neighbors, volunteers and local businesses. Each contributes something different to the holiday season.
Whether you’re new to the Foothills or have lived here for decades, we hope this guide helps you discover a new tradition or revisit a favorite community celebration.
Robbyn Battles, The House Agent
Sharing local traditions, community events and neighborhood information throughout La Crescenta, Montrose, La Cañada Flintridge, Glendale, Pasadena, Altadena and the surrounding Foothills.