Our constantly-updated listing of events in and around Altadena over the holidays.
Ongoing:
Altadena Sheriff Food and Toy Drive: The Altadena Sheriff Station's annual holiday food and toy drive is underway through Dec. 20, looking for unwrapped toys (for ages 2-12) and canned and nonperishable food items for its annual giveaway. Items can be left at the Altadena Sheriff Station, 780 E. Altadena Drive. Some local neighborhood groups (notable La Vina, President Streets, and Palm Street) will be holding collections on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Farnsworth Park Toy Drive: Farnsworth Park is also having its annual toy drive thorugh Dec. 20. The park is looking for unwrapped new toys for boys and girls ages 1-14, to be given away at their Holiday Posada and Toy Giveaway on Friday, Dec. 20. Donate toys at the park or at El Patron Mexican Restaurant. Donations are tax deductible -- come to the park to get the federal tax ID and a donation letter (not available at El Patron). Donations at the park will be taken Monday-Friday 9 AM-6 PM, or Saturday-Sunday 10 AM-5 PM.
Farnsworth Park Winter Camp Registration: Farnsworth Park will be taking registrations for its annual winter camp, which runs from Dec. 23-Jan. 3, from 8 AM-6 PM. For ages 6-13, the camp features arts and crafts, dancing, sports and games, hiking, movies, and more. Cost is $70 a week ($10 registration fee). Children must bring a lunch and snack. Camp is closed Christmas (Dec. 25) and New Year's Day (Jan. 1). Space is limited -- register at the park.
Centering prayer at Altadena Community Church: All are welcome for Centering Prayer in the Altadena Community Church chapel from 7 to 8 PM on Wednesday evenings, Dec. 4, 11, or 18. Pastor Joe McGowan will lead this silent prayer practice. You can enter the chapel from the west driveway at 943 E. Altadena Drive.
Tues., Dec. 3
Library - Graham Cracker Gingerbread House; Get in the holiday spirit by making a graham cracker "gingerbread" house at the Altadena Main Library Dec. 3 at 4 PM. The whole family is invited to create a house with gingerbread crackers, frosting, and candy. The Altadena Main Library is at 600 E. Mariposa St.
Fri., Dec. 6
Teen Cookie Creations: Teens and tweens ages 11-17 are invited to get in the holiday spirit by decorating cute, funny, and delectable cookies—and, of course, eating them! Make melted snowmen, snowflakes, and much much more! "Cookie Creations" takes place in the meeting room at the Main Library. This program is free, and all supplies are provided. This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Library. 4 PM, Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa Street.
Sat., Dec. 7
Open Studio Holiday Sale: Join Kathleen Swayden at her studio along with friends, wth artwork including painting, photography, ceramics, jewelry, and more. The open studio will be held from 10 AM-4 PM, rain or shine, at 3061 Ridgeview Drive on Dec. 7 and 8.
Sun., Dec. 8
Alternative Christmas Market: Altadena Community Church will have an Alternative Christmas Market on Dec. 8, from noon until 2 p.m. Participants can give the true gift of Christmas by supporting a worthwhile cause in honor of someone on their gift list. Fair trade coffee, tea, and chocolate will also be for sale. There is no charge for the event. Light refreshments will be served. Please enter the fellowship hall from the upper parking lot. For more information, call the church office at (626) 798-118 or visit www.altadenaucc.org.
And another open studio sale: Altadena artists are gathering together to hold the first Altadena Open Studios Art Walk this Sunday, December 8, 10 AM-5 PM. There will be 16 artists displaying their work in four different locations: Sidewalk Cafe: 2057 N. Los Robles Ave #10, Pasadena, CA 91104 626-797-WALK LA General Store Design Studio:149 W. Altadena Drive, Altadena, CA 91001 626- 529-338 Gothard Art Studio: 215 Laurel Drive, Altadena, CA 91001 Greg Marquez Studio: 523 Altadena Drive, Altadena, CA 91001, Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/AltaOpSt
Thurs., Dec. 12
Mark Twain Bellringers: Join the Altadena Library for an evening of Holiday Music with the Mark Twain Bell Ringers from Mark Twain Middle School. Ron Theile, Director. The group has performed five tiems at the London Olympics, so you know they're good! Light refreshments start at 6 PM, concert promptly at 6:30. Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa Street.
Friday, Dec. 13
Webster's Community Pharmacy will host Altadena Farmers' Market manager Joseph Shuldiner on Friday, Dec. 13, in a celebration of his cookbook, Pure Vegan. Shuldiner will sign copies of his bestselling cookbook (and will proffer tastes from some of the 70 recipes it contains) from 5-7 PM at the store. Webster's Community Pharmacy will also have special services for holiday shoppers: personal shopping services, gift wrapping service (free wrapping if store purchase), corporate gifts and party favors, free delivery inside a five mile radius, and gift certificates.
Pasadena Waldorf School will sponsor a stage adaptation of Truman Capote's "A Christmas Memory" on December 13 and 14 in Old Town Pasadena. The play will be performed at 8 PM Friday, Dec. 13, and 2 PM and 8 PM on Saturday, December 14. The performance will be held at the Rudolph Steiner Community Center, 110 Martin Alley in Old Town Pasadena. Suggested donation $25. For tickets and more information, please visit www.pasadenawaldorf.org. All proceeds from the performace benefits the Pasadena Waldorf School and will be matched by a grant from the Los Angeles Anthroposophical Society for a maximum of $10,000.
Sat., Dec. 14
St. Mark's School/Church Winterfest: Get ready for all your favorite things – games, bounce houses, confetti snowballs, yummy food, sweet treats and crafts – now all with a winter theme. Oh, and did we mention the snow? Yes, a sledding run is in the works. Plus there will be a holiday boutique so you can get out of the mall and get a jump on your shopping while supporting Saint Mark’s. Plus there will be holiday greens, used uniforms and plenty of festive cheer. The event is open to the public. Family and friends are welcome. 12-4 PM, 1014 E. Altadena Drive.
Christ the Shepherd Holiday Boutique/Rummage Sale: Christ the Shepherd Luthern Church, 185 West Altadena Drive, will be holding a Holiday Boutique and Rummage Sale to benefit CTS' Youth Programs on Saturday, December 14, 12-4 and Sunday December 15, 12-2. The sale will feature handmade jewelry, clothing & home goods by local artisans, vintage dolls, a bake sale and gently used treasures.
Arroyo Food Co-op All Member Meeting and Holiday Gathering: 2 PM at the Co-op (494 N. Wilson Ave, Pasadena). There will be a vote of the membership at the meeting so please make every effort to attend.
Christmas Tree Lane Winter Arts & Crafts Festival: The lead-up to the Christmas Tree Lane lighting ceremony features local artists and craftspeople, good food, music, and a chance to enjoy the holidays. Parking lot at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa Street, 2-6 PM.
Christmas Tree Lane Lighting Ceremony: Altadena celebrates a small-town Christmas with the annual lighting of the trees along Santa Rosa Street. Ceremony starts next to the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa Street, at 6 PM.
Sunday, Dec. 15
Altadena Heritage is holding its famous annual meeting/holiday celebration Sunday, Dec. 15, from 3-6 PM at 234 E. Mendocino Street. The celebration will feature music, food, and the election of new board. This is members-only event, but new and lapsed members may join at the door or online at altadenaheritage.com or altadenaheritage.org. More info: altadenaheritage@earthlink.net
Altadena Community Church: Briton Ensemble: The Briton Ensemble will perform their annual free holiday concert at the Altadena Community Church this Sunday at 6 PM (Doors open at 5:30). Lead by James Briton Hendricks, this fine Renaissance ensemble performs a wide variety of winter music, ranging from Gloucester Wassail and a Ukrainian carol to Deck the Halls and Joy to the World, spreading good cheer and fun. These fine singers are sure to delight. Admission is gratis, but voluntary donations will go to the church in gratitude for the space. 943 E. Altadena Drive.
Westminster Presbyterian Church Brass Concert. 7 PM, 1757 N. Lake Avenue, Pasadena. Admission: free.
Wed., Dec. 18
Santa Claus comes to the libraries: Santa will be taking time out of his busy schedule to visit the library. Grab your kids and your cameras for a chance to meet Santa. 11 am at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa Street, and 12 PM at Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 N. Lincoln Ave.
Friday, Dec. 20
Las Posadas at Farnsworth Park: Children can celebrate a traditional Latin American Christmas at Farnsworth Park on Friday, Dec. 20. The event starts at 7 PM, and includes a "Las Posadas" celebration, with hot chocolate and pan dulce. There will also be folklorico dancers performing, pinatas, and a toy giveaway. Santa has also promised to make an appearance. The celebration will be at the Davies Auditorium at Farnsworth Park, 568 E. Mt. Curve.
Sat., Dec. 21
Altadena Sheriff Food and Toy Drive distribution at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr. Families in need should fill out a form available at the Altadena Sheriff Station to be eligible.
Sun., Dec. 22
St. Mark's Church: Blue Christmas Service: "Blue”–as in sad, or lonely, or hurting–because Christmas is not a joyous season of celebration for everyone. Recognizing that this may be a challenging time for some in our midst, we’ll gather for a “Blue Christmas” service. Our worship will be quiet and reflective, accepting the hurts we bear and offering the hope of comfort and healing. Join us and invite friends or family to gather with us, as we hold fast to the gospel promise that “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 1014 E. Altadena Drive, 7 PM.
