Old Pasadena is launching a free sticker-collecting challenge at 21 small retailers, offering $2,225 in prizes. Participants must collect stickers from at least 12 shops and submit their passport by 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29, to enter the drawing.

The 2026 Holiday Passport, billed as the district's first program of its kind, launches Sunday, Nov. 15, the same day CicLAvia returns to Pasadena's streets. Shoppers can grab a passport card at any participating location and start collecting stickers. No purchase is required.

Participants have two weeks to visit at least 12 of the 21 retailers and request a sticker at each stop. Once they hit the threshold, they photograph the completed card and email it to Old Pasadena by 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29.

One grand prize winner takes home a $1,225 package that includes a $50 gift card and merchandise from each of the 21 participating shops. Two runners-up each receive a $500 prize package.

The passport page also encourages shoppers to bring their cards to Holidays on Holly and Small Business Saturday.

CicLAvia sets the stage

The passport launch coincides with CicLAvia Pasadena, a car-free street event running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 15. The city of Pasadena said the 2.7-mile route covers Colorado Boulevard from Pasadena Avenue to Allen Avenue and Raymond Avenue from Pacific Alley to Dayton Street. It threads through Old Pasadena, Playhouse Village and the South Lake Avenue area, connecting Metro's Memorial Park and Del Mar stations.

Streets along the route close to cars from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no parking allowed starting at 4 a.m. Two activity hubs at Memorial Park and at Colorado Boulevard and Allen Avenue will offer free family activities, water refilling stations, bike repair and pedicab rides.

CicLAvia Executive Director Romel Pascual said the return has been a long time coming. "It's been 11 years since CicLAvia held a Pasadena event, and we are thrilled to be returning," Pascual said in a city statement. He noted that Colorado Boulevard is marking its 150th anniversary and sits on Route 66, which celebrates its centennial this year.

Pasadena Mayor Victor M. Gordo called the event "a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together" and said opening streets to walking, biking and rolling creates "more opportunities to connect with one another, support local businesses …"

Passports will be available at all 21 participating retailers starting Nov. 15.