Holiday Activities 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.

UPPER HASTINGS RANCH

Try to do this one during the week. It is very popular and almost gridlocks on weekends. Exit the 210 freeway at Michelinda and go north until you see the lights. The neighborhood is decorated between Michelinda Ave. on the east and Riviera on the west. Each block is decorated in a different theme and decorated they are. The roofs, windows, porches, and yards are filled with lights and scenes. Many also have music. Jews participate by showing giant stars of David or Menorahs. There is not one house that does not decorate lavishly. Surely there must be a few people who really don't want to go to all this trouble and expense but they go along anyway. Perhaps one has to sign an agreement to decorate for holiday activities as a condition for buying one of these houses.

PASADENA POSADA

Of all the holiday activities in Pasadena, this one is the most moving and the most important. Priests created the posada in Latin America and it is a ceremony that recreates the efforts of Joseph and Mary to find shelter and safety in Bethlehem. It is also a thoughtful celebration of light and hope. The Pasadena Posada was started 16 years ago to raise funds and awareness of HIV/AIDS. It is a two mile candlelight walk around Old Town Pasadena to remember those who have died of AIDS. There is music and scenes. A highlight of the Posada is the display of the Aids Memorial Quilt on which each square memorializes someone who has died of Aids. Over the years, the Posada has been stripped of any religious symbolism so that non-Christians can be included in the walk without feeling that they are taking part in a Christian ceremony. For the most part the walk is also wheelchair friendly, although there are a few buildings that are not accessible. This year the Posada is sponsored by the AIDS Service Center and Paseo Colorado. The Posada is always held as near as possible to World AIDS Day and in 2006 it will be held on Dec. 2. The walk will start and end at the courtyard and Paseo Colorado. Walkers can register at the Paseo or by phone at the AIDS Service Center at 626 441 8495. Organizers appreciate it if walkers already have their pledges ready to turn in. This walk is a very moving experience that won't easily be forgotten. To get to the Paseo Colorado exit on Los Robles south to Colorado Blvd. Turn right on Colorado and turn left at the next light into the parking structure for Paseo Colorado. Go to the main floor to the west end of the Paseo. There you will find the courtyard and the beginning of the walk.