Pasadena offer free holiday events

Join in the merrymaking at any or all of the following events sponsored by the City of Pasadena. All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.

Thursday, Dec. 9, at 5:30 p.m. – Mayor Bill Bogaard will flip the switch that turns on thousands of energy-saving lights on the Christmas tree in the grand entrance of Pasadena City Hall, 100 N. Garfield Ave. The Pasadena City College Brass Quintet will perform music of the season and refreshments will be served. Please consider bringing a new, unwrapped gift for the Spark of Love Toy Drive to benefit needy infants, children and teens, and help firefighters load them into a Pasadena Fire Department ambulance. (626) 744-4755.

Friday, Dec. 10, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. – Join a community sing-along, make crafts and enjoy refreshments from 3 to 5 p.m. at La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Ave. The tree-lighting will begin at 5:15 p.m. (626) 744-7268.

Saturday, Dec. 11, at 4:30 p.m. – Enjoy holiday music and refreshments during the tree-lighting celebration at Allendale Branch Library, 1130 S. Marengo Ave. (626) 744-7260.

Tuesday, Dec. 14, at 10 a.m. – Flights of Fantasy Story Theatre will entertain children with stories about Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and the wonder of the solstice in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library, 285 E. Walnut St. (626) 744-4045.

Tuesday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m. – Children will make winter crafts at Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd. All materials will be provided. (626) 744-7262.

Wednesday, Dec. 15, at 10:30 a.m. – Preschoolers will have a happy holiday storytime at San Rafael Branch Library, 1240 Nithsdale Rd. (626) 744-7270.

Wednesday, Dec. 15, at 1 p.m. – The film “A Christmas Carol” (1984, PG) starring George C. Scott will be shown in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library. (626) 744-4066.

Wednesday, Dec. 15, from 2 to 5 p.m. – Create Christmas tree ornaments with flair at Santa Catalina Branch library, 999 E. Washington Blvd., then take it home or add it to the library’s tree. (626) 744-7272.

Thursday, Dec. 16, at 3:30 p.m. – Make run ornaments, listen to stories, enjoy special treats and help decorate the Christmas tree at Lamanda Park Branch Library, 140 S. Altadena Dr. (626) 744-7266.

Thursday, Dec. 16, from 3 to 6:30 p.m. – The Neighborhood Connections Office will host a holiday open house where you’ll enjoy refreshments and meet neighborhood leaders and city officials. 1384 E. Walnut St. (626) 744-7290.

Saturday, Dec. 18, at 10 a.m. – Children will enjoy holiday fun and hear stories about Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa in the Story Room at Pasadena Central Library.

Saturday, Dec. 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – The Festival of Giving at Victory Park, 2575 Paloma St., will include photos with Santa, arts and crafts, a gift-wrapping fundraiser and a bake sale. Bring a new, unwrapped gift for the Spark of Love Toy Drive and non-perishable food items and gently used outerwear for Union Station Homeless Services. Please note items for donation may be dropped off through Dec. 23. (626) 744-7507.

Wednesday, Dec. 22, at 1 p.m. – The film “The Nutcracker” (1977, G) starring the American Ballet Theatre will be shown in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library.

Monday, Dec. 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Enjoy tasty dishes prepared by members of the Pasadena Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority during a celebration of Kwanzaa at La Pintoresca Branch Library.

Wednesday, Dec. 29, at 1 p.m. – The film “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946, G) starring James Stewart and Donna Reed will be shown in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library.