Holiday Events Around LCF You Don't Want to Miss

The heat waves are finally behind us, the temperature is dropping and it’s dark at 4:30, which can mean only one thing: the holidays are right around the corner. We’ve put together a highlight list for LCF residents of the holiday festivities in and around LCF, Glendale and Pasadena. If we missed anything, email us at [email protected] and we’ll post it here.

La Cañada Flintridge

Descanso Gardens opens the Enchanted Forest of Light on November 22 and runs it through January 9. The walk uses the existing oak groves and adds light installations; tickets and hours are on the gardens’ site. The CCLCF Thanksgiving Run & Food Drive starts at Olberz Park on November 26. It’s the local Turkey Trot, and the entry fee supports the community center’s food bank work.

• Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens — November 22, 2026 – January 9, 2027
• CCLCF Thanksgiving Run & Food Drive — November 26, 2026

Glendale

The Americana at Brand puts up one of the taller trees in the area and runs fountain shows to holiday music. Santa’s House is there, and they do the nightly artificial snow. The Alex Theatre (the 1925 Art Deco building on Brand) books Nutcracker productions through December, both visiting companies and local youth groups.

• The Americana at Brand holiday displays — Throughout December
• Alex Theatre holiday productions — Throughout December

Old Pasadena & Downtown Pasadena

Old Pasadena adds lights and holiday shopping. Castle Green on South Raymond opens for seasonal tours. A Noise Within stages A Christmas Carol. The Pasadena Symphony does its Holiday Candlelight Concert at All Saints Church; check their calendar for the exact date.

• Old Pasadena holiday strolls & Castle Green tours — Throughout December
• A Christmas Carol at A Noise Within — Throughout December
• Pasadena Symphony Holiday Candlelight Concert — December (check schedule)

Griffith Park & The L.A. Zoo

L.A. Zoo Lights runs selected nights from November 20 through January 10. It’s a self-guided walk with light displays, tunnels, and food carts. From LCF it’s a short drive over the 134.

• L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow — November 20, 2026 – January 10, 2027 (select nights)

Tournament of Roses

The Rose Parade is January 1 on Colorado Boulevard. In the days before, the float decorating places are open so you can watch the volunteers apply the flowers and other materials. Addresses and hours are on the Tournament and Visit Pasadena sites.

• Tournament of Roses Parade — January 1, 2027
• Float Decorating Places — Late December (leading up to the parade)