32 Things to Do in Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley in November 2026

A local guide to festivals, family outings, holiday lights, artisan markets, Thanksgiving traditions, and meaningful ways to give back.

November is one of my favorite times to explore Pasadena and its neighboring communities. The weather invites us outside, our local shops start dressing up for the holidays, and the calendar is full of opportunities to make memories close to home. Whether you're planning a family weekend, a date night, or a day out with friends, here are 32 events worth bookmarking across Pasadena, Altadena, Monrovia, Sierra Madre, Glendale, and greater Los Angeles.

I've organized them by when they begin. Some events run over several days or into January, so check the linked organizer pages for exact available dates, admission, accessibility, parking, and reservations.

Early November: Culture, Community and Local Discoveries

1. San Gabriel Día de los Muertos Celebration | November 6

Where: Mission Playhouse, 320 S. Mission Drive, San Gabriel | When: 5:30–8 p.m.

Honor loved ones and experience the beauty of this tradition through a community altar, cultural performances, and refreshments available for purchase. It's a meaningful evening to share across generations. Event details.

2. Anime Pasadena | November 6–8

Where: Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena.

Fans of anime, cosplay, gaming, and pop culture can spend a weekend meeting fellow enthusiasts, browsing vendors, and enjoying convention programming. Check schedules and ticket types before going. Official website.

3. Sierra Madre Community Yard Sale | November 7

Where: Memorial Park, 222 W. Sierra Madre Boulevard, Sierra Madre | When: 8 a.m.–1 p.m.

Love a good secondhand find? Browse household goods, vintage pieces, clothing, and treasures from local sellers. Arrive early if you're hoping to uncover the best selection. City event page.

4. Fall/Winter Planting Workshop | November 7

Where: Earth Commons Community Garden, Monrovia | When: Noon.

Get ideas for a thriving cool-season garden, with useful planting advice for our Southern California climate. A lovely stop for gardeners and anyone starting a kitchen garden. Workshop listings.

5. Wonder Lanes Neon Exhibit | Opens November 7

Where: Museum of Neon Art, 216 S. Brand Boulevard, Glendale.

Take a colorful trip through the style of midcentury bowling with the Museum of Neon Art's Wonder Lanes: The Signs and Style of Mid-century Bowling. The opening reception is November 7, 4–7 p.m.; check regular museum hours if visiting later. Museum exhibition information and opening reception.

6. Pasadena Veterans Day Celebration | November 11

Where: Pasadena City Hall, 100 N. Garfield Avenue | When: 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Join neighbors in recognizing veterans and their service, with a commemorative program, historical exhibits, guest speakers, and family-friendly activities. City announcement.

7. Monrovia Veterans Day Ceremony | November 11

Where: Library Park, 321 S. Myrtle Avenue, Monrovia | When: 11 a.m.–noon.

A thoughtful local ceremony to honor military veterans and their families. Monrovia city calendar.

8. NightTales: An Illuminated Museum Experience | Select nights November 12–January 10

Where: Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles.

See the museum in a completely different light through glowing art, immersive projections, and illuminated indoor-outdoor installations. It's an unusual evening outing for art and science lovers. Ticketed, with timed entry. Official event page.

Mid-Month: Art, Food, Stars and Holiday Shopping

9. Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair | November 14–15

Where: Central Park, 275 S. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena | When: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. both days.

Shop more than 200 curated makers selling jewelry, original art, home goods, fashion, and gifts. This outdoor fair is an easy way to support small creative businesses and get a head start on holiday shopping. Official event page.

10. Route 66 Trivia Night | November 14

Where: Wild Parrot Brewing Company, Pasadena | When: 7–8:30 p.m.

Celebrate the Mother Road's centennial year with history-themed trivia, friendly competition, and a casual brewery atmosphere. Pasadena Museum of History event page.

11. E. Waldo Ward & Son Jam Factory / Museum Tour | November 14

Where: 273 E. Highland Avenue, Sierra Madre | When: Noon–2 p.m.

Discover a piece of Sierra Madre's food history and the traditions behind this longtime family preserve-making business. Confirm tour access and any admission requirements before visiting. Sierra Madre community calendar.

12. Family Astronomy Night | November 14

Where: The Huntington, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino | When: 6–8 p.m.

Look at the crescent Moon through telescopes, take part in a guided constellation tour, and learn why the night sky has fascinated people for centuries. This outdoor program is for ages 4 and up, with ticketed adults required to accompany minors. Advance registration is required; admission to the Huntington's daytime grounds is separate. Official event and tickets.

13. For the Love of Paper Fest | November 14

Where: Courtyard by Marriott, 700 W. Huntington Drive, Monrovia | When: Noon–6 p.m.

If you love beautiful notebooks, fountain pens, stickers, stamps, and paper crafts, this is your kind of afternoon. The festival brings together more than 50 stationery vendors. General admission is reported at $25, with free admission for children 12 and under; check the ticket page for availability. Event information.

14. Artazan Handcraft Market | November 14–15

Where: Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green Street | When: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. both days.

Explore 200 artisan exhibits featuring handmade jewelry, ceramics, textiles, art, specialty foods, demonstrations, and live music. Admission is listed at $8 online or $10 at the door, with ages 17 and under free. Official event and tickets.

15. CicLAvia Pasadena | November 15

Where: Colorado Boulevard and Raymond Avenue corridor, Pasadena | When: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Experience Pasadena streets without regular car traffic. Walk, bike, skate, or roll along the route at your own pace, stopping at businesses and community activities along the way. Check the route map and temporary road closures if you're driving nearby. Official route and visitor information.

16. Union Station Homeless Services Turkey Drive | November 16–17

Where: USHS Adult Center, Pasadena | When: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

Make Thanksgiving brighter for a neighbor by donating turkey and requested holiday meal ingredients. The nonprofit's public materials currently display different street numbers for the Adult Center (412 and 422 S. Raymond Avenue), so verify the drop-off address with the organizer before heading out. Check which foods and packaging are most needed. Official event page and Dinner in the Park initiative.

17. Swiss Winter Village at Santa Monica Pier | November 18–January 3

Where: Santa Monica Pier.

The coast gets a European-style holiday makeover with market stalls, seasonal treats, gifts, and festive activities. It makes for a fun day trip if you'd like ocean views with your holiday atmosphere. Verify hours and which activities require tickets. Official website.

18. Monrovia Thankful & Grateful Holiday Gathering | November 19

Where: Library Park, 321 S. Myrtle Avenue, Monrovia | When: 5–8 p.m.

Welcome the holiday season with community entertainment, crafts, story times, carriage rides, and the city's tree lighting. A charming evening to spend with neighbors. City calendar.

Holiday Lights and Seasonal Celebrations

19. Enchant Christmas | Select dates November 20–December 27

Where: Santa Anita Park, 285 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia.

Step into an enormous illuminated Christmas maze and festive village with seasonal entertainment and treats. This popular ticketed attraction is best planned in advance, particularly for weekends and school breaks. Official Los Angeles event and tickets.

20. L.A. Zoo Lights | Select nights November 20–January 10

Where: Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles.

Glowing installations, colorful animal-inspired displays, photo opportunities, and seasonal treats make this an easy family holiday outing. Note that Zoo Lights is not open every night; consult its specific ticket calendar. Official information.

21. Glendora Village Holiday Stroll & Tree Lighting | November 20

Where: Glendora Village, Glendora Avenue | When: 6–9 p.m.

Explore local shops, hear festive music, and watch the village tree light up at approximately 6:30 p.m. It's a sweet way to support neighborhood businesses while getting into the holiday spirit. Official event page.

22. Los Angeles Auto Show | November 20–29

Where: Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles.

From electric vehicles and new models to interactive exhibits, the LA Auto Show is a substantial outing for car enthusiasts and curious shoppers alike. Admission and operating hours vary by date. Official show information.

23. Burbank Winter Wine Walk & Holiday Street Fair | November 21

Where: Downtown Burbank, San Fernando Boulevard.

Enjoy a lively seasonal street fair with shopping, vendors, entertainment, and an optional ticketed wine-tasting experience for adults. Check tasting check-in requirements and participating locations. Official event website.

24. Altadena Family & Friendsgiving Celebration | November 21

Where: Loma Alta Park Gymnasium, 3330 Sunset Ridge Road, Altadena | When: 2–6 p.m.

An all-ages community gathering centered on friendship, food, gratitude, and connection. The event listing indicates free admission and parking; review registration instructions before arriving. Event details.

25. Descanso Gardens' Enchanted Forest of Light | November 22–January 9

Where: Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge | When: 5:30–10 p.m. on operating dates.

Wander glowing botanical landscapes, luminous art, and whimsical light installations. This timed-entry ticketed experience is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, so reserve a specific date and check the official calendar. Official FAQs and tickets.

26. Aircraft Display Day | November 22

Where: San Gabriel Valley Airport, 4233 Santa Anita Avenue, El Monte | When: 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

Get an up-close look at classic, antique, and vintage aircraft, and meet some of the people who care for them. A particularly fun outing for aviation-minded kids and adults. L.A. County event page.

27. Kids Friendsgiving Camp | November 23–25

Where: The Studio, 2100 E. Foothill Boulevard, Pasadena | When: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. daily.

For families looking for a Thanksgiving-break activity, this three-day hands-on camp combines cooking, baking, crafts, and a Friendsgiving feast. The organizer lists ages 5+, $275 per camper, and optional extended care. Register ahead; space is limited. Registration and details.

Thanksgiving Weekend and the Start of Winter

28. 33rd Annual Thanksgiving Day Run & Food Drive | November 26

Where: Olberz Park, One Civic Center Drive, La Cañada Flintridge | When: 5K begins at 8:15 a.m., followed by the Kids' Mile.

Start Thanksgiving with a community 5K or children's run while supporting a local food drive. Registration fees apply, and participants can review the donation wish list online. Official event page and registration.

29. 9th Annual Rose Bowl Turkey Trot | November 26

Where: Rose Bowl Stadium, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena | When: 8:30–10:30 a.m. event window.

Walk, jog, or run the beloved 5K loop around the Rose Bowl on Thanksgiving morning. It's a welcoming community tradition for a wide range of ages and abilities. Registration is required. Official event and registration.

30. LA Kings Holiday Ice Festival | November 27–January 3

Where: L.A. LIVE, 800 W. Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles.

Make a holiday memory on the outdoor ice rink with seasonal lights, shopping, food, and festive programming in Downtown L.A. Book a skating time in advance and check the session schedule. Official L.A. LIVE event.

31. Sierra Madre Winter Festival | November 28

Where: Downtown Sierra Madre and Memorial Park | When: Festival activities advertised from noon–5 p.m.; some community schedules show a longer overall day.

Celebrate Small Business Saturday with artisan vendors, live music, neighborhood shopping, food, and family fun including a snow-sledding hill. Confirm the hour-by-hour schedule before going. Sierra Madre Chamber event page.

32. Altadena Winter Bloom Market & Gathering | November 28–29

Where: Odyssey Charter School, 725 W. Altadena Drive, Altadena | When: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. both days.

Find handcrafted gifts, local food, creative workshops, live activities, and a wonderful opportunity to show up for Altadena's makers and small businesses. The community focus makes this more than a shopping trip. Official website and FAQ.

A Few Tips Before You Go

• Reserve early: Holiday light attractions, museum nights, camps, and ticketed workshops can fill up, especially on weekends.

• Check parking and street closures: This is especially important for CicLAvia, downtown holiday celebrations, and major convention-center events.

• Plan for November evenings: Bring an extra layer for outdoor markets, stargazing, and light displays.

• Shop and give locally: Consider pairing your outing with a neighborhood restaurant or locally owned shop, or donating to the Thanksgiving food drive.

• Check age requirements: Astronomy Night is for ages 4+, Friendsgiving Camp is for ages 5+, and alcohol tasting is for adults of legal drinking age.

Thinking About Calling Pasadena Home?

One of the things I love about Pasadena is that there's always something to discover, from the neighborhood traditions in Altadena and Sierra Madre to our museums, parks, markets, and historic streets. Each community has its own personality, and finding the right neighborhood is about more than choosing a house. It's about finding the life you want to build there.

If you're thinking about buying or selling in Pasadena, Altadena, San Marino, South Pasadena, or the surrounding San Gabriel Valley, I'd love to help you explore your options, understand the local market, and make a move that feels right for you. Reach out to me, Jenny Lin, your Pasadena-area Realtor, and let's talk about what you're looking for.

Jenny Lin | Realtor® | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties | 626-318-2918 | homesbyjennylin@gmail.com

Disclaimer

Event information was researched and compiled as of November 1, 2026, using organizer, venue, municipal, and event-registration sources. Dates, times, locations, ticket prices, availability, age requirements, parking, accessibility, and programming may change or be canceled without notice. Please consult the linked official event or organizer page immediately before visiting or purchasing tickets. Some entries are hosted outside Pasadena and require travel. This guide is informational and is not an endorsement of any organizer or a guarantee of event availability. The Union Station turkey-drive address is inconsistent across published organizer materials, so confirm the drop-off site directly before visiting.