Saturday, November 29, 2025

Pasadena Presbyterian’s 81st Annual Candlelight & Carols Kicks Off Christmas Season

Church’s beloved tradition blends sacred and secular holiday music with seven choirs and featured soloists

Pasadena Presbyterian Church will present its 81st Annual Candlelight & Carols concert on Saturday, December 6, at 7:30 p.m. The concert is free to the public, with a voluntary offering accepted.

“This beloved annual event brings together all of the church’s resident choirs for a spectacular performance that blends both sacred and secular holiday music—offering something for everyone in the family to enjoy,” John Boucher wrote in ColoradoBoulevard.net.

Seven performing groups will take the stage: the Kirk Choir, Trinity Choir, Pasadena Singers, Van Etten Handbell Choir, Rainbow Choir, Carol Choir, and Friends of Music Orchestra. Featured soloists include Timothy Howard, Kayla Kim, F. Thomas Simpson, Michelle Kardos, Vena Luthey, and Nora de la Torre.

“Serving as a thrilling kickoff to the Christmas season for many, this year’s program features sacred and secular music composed or arranged by Dan Forrest, Elaine Hagenberg, John Rutter, Sarah Quartel, Calvin Taylor, and Joel Raney, among others,” according to PPC Friends of Music.

A post-concert holiday reception with seasonal treats will follow the performance.

Parking Information: Free street parking is available after 6 p.m. Additional free parking is offered at 40 S. Madison Ave., and paid parking ($5) is available at Trio Apartments, 44 N. Madison Ave.

81st Annual Candlelight & Carols will run on Saturday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. Pasadena Presbyterian Church, 585 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, California. For more information, call (626) 793-2191 or visit https://ppcmusic.org/friends-of-music/2025-2026/candlelight-and-carols-2025/. Ticket prices: Free admission with voluntary offering.