December means more in Pasadena than fake snow and Old Town mobs — it means it’s time for the seasonal open house and tour of the historic Castle Green, the building that defines Pasadena almost as much as City Hall. Normally closed to the public, this ornate remnant from the city’s days as a 19th-century resort-town opens the first Sunday of December, and docents lead tours of the ballroom, sunroom, main salon, lobby and Moorish and Turkish rooms. Visitors will also get to see up to 20 private apartments, including the legendary (and renovated) penthouse. There will be holiday music, a decorated tree, food, cider and coffee.

Proceeds benefit the endless restoration efforts of Friends of the Castle Green.

Castle Green Holiday Tour
Sunday, December 6, 1 – 5 p.m.
99 S. Raymond Ave., Old Pasadena
626.577.6765, castlegreen.com
Tickets $20