‘Holidayfest!’ Returns Dec. 3

Pasadena’s premiere restaurant and retail district announces the return of the annual South Lake Avenue Holidayfest! in Pasadena on Saturday, Dec. 3, between 12 and 5 p.m.
The South Lake Avenue community in Pasadena will be kicking off holiday celebrations and shopping season at the South Lake Avenue HolidayFest! during their districtwide event on Dec. 3. Holidayfest! is open to the public, complimentary and will feature photos with Santa Claus, live music, raffles, family-friendly holiday activities, shopping and dining promotions, along with free family-family activities throughout the South Lake Avenue district.
Whether on the naughty or nice list, all guests are welcome to take a complimentary photo with the season’s biggest star, Santa Claus! Santa will be available for photos all afternoon in Santa’s Village, located in the Macy’s outdoor courtyard at 345 S. Lake Ave.
In addition to Santa Claus, many other life-sized winter and holiday characters such as Olaf, the Grinch, Frosty, Snoopy, Mr. and Mrs. Mouse (Mickey and Minnie), the Abominable Snowman, reindeer, Cat in the Hat, plus carolers and a barbershop quartet, will also be ringing in the holidays at Santa’s Village to also meet, greet, and take free photos with guests.
The community can get into the winter seasonal spirit at the Holiday Artisans Market at the South Lake Avenue Holidayfest!, and participate in activities that include live cookie decorating demonstrations where guests join in to create their own cookie masterpieces. Just down the block from the Holiday Artisans Market, guests can explore their crafty side at the Winter Workshop and learn tips to create and craft their own holiday ornaments, as well as take part in a snow globe-making station.
Holidayfest! offers an amazingly diverse and festive lineup of live musical performances at Santa’s Village throughout the afternoon. Guests will be treated to free live music from acts such as Quitapenas (1 p.m.), Las Cafeteras (4 p.m.), DJ William Reed (all afternoon), as well as a special Selena tribute performance by Dreaming of You (2:30 p.m.).
The South Lake Avenue Holidayfest! Shop, Dine and Win Event will also have live raffles throughout the afternoon giving away thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes. Participants can snap a photo of your their receipt from Dec. 3 from any South Lake Avenue business or restaurant and submit it through the Holiday Raffle Entry Form.
“Our holiday celebration always gets event attendees into the holiday spirit and invites everyone to explore the district while creating memories with friends and family,” said Gina Tleel, executive director of the South Lake Business Association. “Holidayfest! is a great way to support local Pasadena businesses while enjoying the magic of the holiday season.
“This community building experience also inspires guests to start tackling their holiday shopping lists by taking advantage of special in-store promotions and dining specials offered the day of the event,” Tleel added.