Christmas With a Filipino Twist

“Merry Pasko Sa Nayon” doesn’t exactly roll off the lips of most holiday well-wishers, but it may ring a bell with those who’ve been to the Philippines. That island nation has celebrated Christmas--or Pasko Sa Nayon-- with great enthusiasm for more than two centuries. Filipinos have decked the halls--not with boughs of holly, but with something every bit as colorful: star-shaped lanterns with streamers called parols .

The courtyard garden of the Imperial Palace-style Pacific Asia Museum, a stately structure in Pasadena for more than 60 years, will be decorated with parols for the Filipino Christmas celebration Saturday from 1-4 p.m. The museum features a different Asian culture each month on its Family Free Day and, in honor of the Philippines, dedicates December to the traditional Filipino Christmas. Highlights include performances by the Philippine American Chorale from St. Bernard’s Church of Eagle Rock, the Philippine dance group Kayamanan Ng Lahi and Christmas carols in Tagalog and English.

A parols workshop is among the activities at the Free Day program, along with children’s games and workshops, demonstrations of cultural traditions and a fine and folk art display. The Family Free Days are held the third Saturday of the month. Pacific Asia Museum, 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. Free. (818) 449-2742, Ext. 0.