Why go now: The throwback town makes an art of the old-fashioned folksy Christmas like nowhere else. Discover this (sunnier) North Pole—snowman included—while you can.
Where is it again? 7 miles east of downtown Pasadena in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains.
What you’ll find: A village that looks like it hasn’t changed since the early 1900s, and a small-town scene that makes you feel as if everyone knows your name.
What you won’t find: A stoplight. There’s never been one and, if the 11,000 residents have their way, there never will be.
Take a walk: Past 100-year-old Craftsman homes and antique lampposts decked with garlands and red bows.
Lay of the land: Sierra Madre has two intersecting and walkable main drags: Baldwin Avenue and Sierra Madre Boulevard.
Look familiar? Parts of the 1956 film Invasion of the Body Snatchers were shot here.
Don’t even think of leaving without: Treats from the Wildflour Baking Co. (closed Sun; 328 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.; 626/355-9000): decorated Santa sugar cookies, addictive pumpkin spice bread, and authentic bûche de Noël ($29; order a week ahead).
It’s beginning to look a lot like ... Holiday charm is this town’s forte. Every year just before Christmas, three Sierra Madreans drive up the mountainside and truck snow to Kersting Court, the town’s main hub, then build a snowman decked out in a hat, scarf, and carrot nose. Catch him while you can—in the SoCal sun, Frosty doesn’t last long. Check out the square’s life-size manger scene and baubled Christmas tree. Sierra Madre Blvd. at Baldwin Ave.; call the chamber of commerce for details: 626/355-5111.
A winter hike to a waterfall: Drive 15 minutes east to the Adams’ Pack Station, where mules get loaded up with food and supplies for guests of the rustic Sturtevant’s Camp, 4 miles away. Stock up at the store before heading out on the trails. We like the easy 2-mile hike to Sturtevant Falls (usually gushing in early winter).
Hit the shops: Mounds of chocolates, cookies, and jams line the shelves of Savor the Flavor (11 Kersting Ct.; 626/355-5153). Pop in to florist Leonora Moss (closed Sun; 9 Kersting; 626/355-1180) for made-to-order wreaths of manzanita branches, pomegranates, and berries. Pick up ornaments and design advice for your tree at Browns Classic Interiors (closed Sun; 64 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.; 626/355-2712).
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