Are you going on a New Year’s Day holiday in Southern California? If so, then you should pass by Pasadena. There’s a lot going on there this coming January that you shouldn’t miss. We’ve got the most exciting Pasadena events in January all listed here.
Descanso Gardens’ Enchanted Forest of Light
When: November 25, 2016 to January 8, 2017
Where: Descanso Gardens, La Cañada Flintbridge
Descanso Gardens, a private botanical garden just outside Pasadena in La Cañada Flintridge, hosts the annual Enchanted Forest of Light as part of the Garden’s holiday activities. You can still catch it for a week after New Year’s Day and see the Garden’s woodlands transform into a nighttime fairyland through light displays and light installations. The Descanso Gardens is just as enchanting during the daytime, as it is home to a marvelous rose garden and the largest collection of camellias in the western hemisphere.
The Rose Parade 2017
When: January 2, 2017
Where: Orange Grove Boulevard, Pasadena
The Rose Parade, one of the great American New Year’s Day traditions and the most awaited of Pasadena events, returns for its 128th year on January 2, 2017. On that day, 44 flower-covered floats, 22 marching bands, and 19 equestrian units will make a procession down Orange Grove Boulevard. The five-mile procession is expected to last for two hours starting at 8:00 AM. The 2017 Parade will run on the theme “Echoes of Success”; the Grand Marshals of the Parade are Olympic medalists Allyson Felix, Janet Evans, and Greg Louganis.
The 2017 Rose Bowl Game
When: January 2, 2017
Where: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena
Right after the Rose Parade follows the 2017 Rose Bowl Game, the so-called “Granddaddy of Them All.” It is the oldest bowl tournament in American football. For the 2017 game, Pennsylvania State University will play against University of Southern California. This will be the third Rose Bowl meeting between these two teams. These teams faced off in 1923 and 2009, with USC winning both games. The pre-game begins at 1:00 PM on January 2.
Pasadena Cheeseburger Week
When: January 8-13, 2017
Where: Various locations in Pasadena
Pasadena closely follows the Rose Parade with another grand event: the Pasadena Cheeseburger Week. If you love cheeseburgers, you need to make the journey to participate in the week-long burger crawl of the participating burger joints in the city. Most of these restaurants have been named among the best of the best places to eat in Los Angeles County. Why does Pasadena celebrate cheeseburgers? Legend has it that Pasadena native Lionel Sternberger invented the cheeseburger in the 1920s, which was then called “aristocratic burger,” thus making it one of the highlighting Pasadena events of January.
The Pasadena Half Marathon and 5K at the Rose Bowl
When: January 22, 2017
Where: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena
The Pasadena Half Marathon and 5K at the Rose Bowl will hold its inaugural run on January 22, 2017. So, participating in this event will give you the bragging rights of being part of the first time this event is ever held. Joining the marathon will give you a good cardio workout and an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful and historic Pasadena sights. Also, you’ll get a goodie bag, a medal just for finishing the event, and free race pictures. The marathon starts and ends at the Rose Bowl Stadium.
Golden State Tattoo Expo
When: January 27-29, 2017
Where: Pasadena Convention Center
If you love tattoos and you proudly sport ink on your body, or if you simply admire body art, then you must not miss the Golden State Tattoo Expo. The Expo is a showcase of talent in the body art industry. Special guests to the Expo include renowned tattoo artists Stefano Alcantara, Paul Booth, and Big Sleeps. Among the highlights of the Expo are tattoo competitions on various categories, which are guaranteed to attract up-and-coming talent as well as admirers of body art. The Expo is a weekend event happening from January 27 to 29 at the Pasadena Convention Center.
If you’re going on a New Year holiday to Southern California, make it a point to pass by Pasadena. Taking part in the exciting Pasadena events in January shall make it worth your while.
