WEEKEND FESTIVALS.

Parades bring plenty of community pride

Celebrate the holiday season with the City of Pacoima at the 38th annual Pacoima Holiday Parade and Festival, featuring Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa as this year's grand marshal.

The parade features more than 70 participants, including Assemblyman Alex Padilla, Spanish equestrian groups, marching bands, floats, low-rider car clubs, and even Mrs. Claus. There will also be rides, games and foods from local vendors.

The parade begins at 9 a.m. Saturday and will travel down Van Nuys Boulevard starting near Laurel Canyon Boulevard and ending at David Gonzales Park. The festival takes place from noon to 6 p.m. at the park, 10943 Herrick Ave., Pacoima. Admission for the parade and festival is free. For more information, call [phone].

Also happening this weekend:

Descanso Gardens Holiday Festival: featuring a variety of holiday events, including a wreath-making class, a holiday dinner, family brunch, enchanted railroad, a gingerbread-baking class and more. The holiday dinner takes place at 5:30 p.m. Friday, a family brunch starts at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, and the baking class takes place at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Admission for the wreath-making class is $10; other weekend events are free with gardens admission ($7 adults, $2 children). Festival events take place through Dec. 18. Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada Flintridge. [phone]. www.descansogardens.org.

Holiday Arts Festival: Artisan displays and sales, craft booths, musical performances and a raffle. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Brand Library and Art Center, 1601 W. Mountain St., Glendale. Admission is free. [phone]. www.brand-arts.org.

Los Feliz Village Holiday Festival: Trolley rides, antique fire and police car displays, the ``Spark of Love'' donation program, artists' exhibits, the Zoo Mobile, Santa Claus, carolers and more. 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday on Hillhurst Avenue between Los Feliz Boulevard and Franklin Avenue in Los Feliz. Tree-lighting ceremony starts at at 6:45 p.m. Admission is free. [phone]. www.losfelizvillageonline.com.

Pierce College Winter Arts Festival: Ceramic and chili bowl sale, bookbinding, silk painting and sculpting demonstrations, artist marketplace, food and drink, and more. The art gallery will be open with a display of faculty art. Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Pierce College Art Department quad, 6201 Winnetka Ave., Woodland Hills. Admission is free. [phone]. www.piercecollege.edu.

The Rotary Club of Woodland Hills Arts & Crafts Faire: Information booths, food, and arts and crafts from local artists. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in front of the Warner Center Marriott, corner of Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Oxnard Street, Woodland Hills. Admission is free. [phone]. www.whrotary.org.

Hanukkah Mega-Festival: Art projects, sing-alongs, live performances and magic show. 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday at the Zimmer Children's Museum, 6505 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. Admission is free. [phone].

Holiday Open House and Festival: Food, clowns, live entertainment, games, moon bounce, door prizes and more. Noon to 4:30 p.m. Sunday at Canoga Park Lutheran Church, 7357 Jordan Ave., Canoga Park. Admission is free (raffle tickets are $1, $10 for 12 tickets, $20 for 25 tickets). [phone].

The San Fernando Valley Holiday Parade and Family Festival: Live music, food, shopping and more. This year's theme is ``Rocking in the Valley.'' Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Festival takes place from noon to 6 p.m. on Winnetka Avenue between Plummer and Prairie streets. Parade begins at 1 p.m. and travels from the corner of Canoga Avenue and Devonshire Street to Lassen Street. Admission is free. [phone].

12 Days of Holiday Cheer in downtown Burbank: Holly Trolley Holiday Tour at 6 p.m. Friday, Breakfast With Santa at 8:30 a.m. Saturday ($7), Farmers Market Holiday Festival, 9:30 a.m. Saturday and the YMCA Reindeer Run, 8 a.m. Sunday in downtown Burbank. Also features concerts, a tree sale, crafts and more. For more information, call [phone] or visit www.downtown- burbank.org.

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(1 -- 2) The Pacoima Holiday Parade, featuring equestrian groups and special guests, will travel down Van Nuys Boulevard beginning near Laurel Canyon Boulevard at 9 a.m. Saturday. The parade will feature more than 70 participants.