For millions of people around the world and locally, the Rose Parade is a beloved tradition, featuring a vibrant display of art, creativity and community spirit along Pasadena’s famous Colorado Boulevard. What began in 1890 as an event with horse-drawn carriages covered in flowers grew into a spectacular 5.5-mile procession with dazzling floral floatsmarching bands and special tournament entries.
Over the decades, many participants have maintained close ties to the event, continuing its rich legacy. The elaborate floats, which today are marvels of modern technology and organic beauty, owe their success to the dedication of 935 “White Suiter” volunteers, who collectively devote more than 80,000 hours each year to ensure the smooth running of the parade and the Rose Bowl Game.
The next Rose Parade will be no exception and will be spectacular. Whether admiring these floral masterpieces in person or viewing them with family at homejoin the Tournament of Roses on January 1, 2025 to start the new year with an unforgettable celebration and make it the “Best Day Ever”.
???? When does the 2025 Rose Parade take place?
The 136e Rose Parade will take place on Wednesday January 1, 2025 in Pasadena, California, starting at 8 a.m. local time.
???? What is the theme of the 2025 Rose Parade?
“The 2025 theme celebrates the best moments in life – those unexpected moments that make us smile, warm our hearts and fill us with joy. Whether it’s a unique experience or the simplest pleasures, each one is indelibly etched in our memory,” explained Ed Morales, tournament chairman. “Together we celebrate what we have experienced and what lies ahead. It’s about family, friends, community and what we have to celebrate – and what we are grateful for. On New Year’s Day and throughout the year, let’s celebrate the moments that make us best day of our lives!
⭐ Who is the Grand Marshal?
The 2025 Rose Parade embodies the thème « Best Day Ever ! » and welcomes the Grand Marshal Billie Jean Kingsports legend and advocate for equality. The first female athlete to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom and soon to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, Billie Jean King will open the parade and participate in the pre-game ceremony during the 111e Rose Bowl Game. Her lifelong commitment to social change and inclusion makes her an inspiring figure for this year’s celebrations.
???? Who will close the Rose Parade?
The pop icon Debbie Gibson will close the parade with a grand finale show on the Mansion Entertainment Group float. Known for her record-breaking hit “Foolish Beat” and a decades-long career in music and theater, Debbie Gibson continues a tradition of leading female performers on the Rose Parade. Its “Winterlicious” holiday events in Los Angeles, New York and Florida celebrate inclusion and joy, aligning perfectly with the parade’s theme.
???? How to attend the Rose Parade in person?
The Rose Parade runs 5.5 miles, in starting at Green Street and Orange Grove Blvd, then heading north before turning east onto Colorado Blvd, where most of the action takes place. The parade ends by turning north on Sierra Madre Blvd. and stopping at Villa St.
Curbside Visits
- Camping: Authorized from noon on December 31.
- Departure time: At 11 p.m., campers can move up to the “blue honor line”, but not beyond.
- What to bring: Chairs, blankets, water and snacks.
- Prohibited items: Tents, sofas, campfires, ladders, alcohol, drones or fireworks.
????️ Grandstand tickets
Grandstand seats
For a more enjoyable experience, reserve your grandstand seats through Sharp Seating, the official ticket office of the Tournament of Roses. Prices range from $75 to $125, depending on location and view.
- Orange Grove Boulevard Tickets: Arrive before 6:30 a.m.
- Tickets west of Fair Oaks Avenue: Arrive at 7:00 a.m. near the starting point.
- All other grandstand seats: Plan to arrive at least two hours early, as the parade starts at 8 a.m.
Route Closures and Safety Measures for the Rose Parade
To ensure public safety, Pasadena police and tournament officials will close parade routes 10:00 p.m. on December 31 has 2:00 p.m. January 1. These closures concern in particular
- Colorado Blvd. (from Orange Grove Blvd. to Sierra Madre Blvd.)
- Sierra Madre Blvd. heading north (to Paloma St.)
If you’re hosting a viewing party, make sure guests arrive before closings. Ticket holders for seats along Orange Grove Boulevard near Colorado Boulevard must have tickets to enter and are asked to arrive before 6 h 30 for security checks.
???? How to watch the Rose Parade in streaming?
The Rose Parade is broadcast on ABC, NBC, Hallmark Channel and Univision. Subscribers can also choose from a variety of online streaming options to watch the event. You can watch the Rose Parade streaming on:
- ABC.com
- NBC.com
- hallmarkchannel.com
- Univision.com
- DirectTV Stream
- Hulu +
- Live TV
- Peacock
- Sling TV
- YouTube TV
Kick off 2025 with the Rose Parade – a timeless tradition that will make this day the “best day ever.”
???? Floatfest — A showcase of the Rose Parade
Did you miss the parade? Don’t worry. To admire the breathtaking floats up close, visit Floatfest: A Rose Parade Showcase, January 1-3, 2025. Usually lasting two days, this year’s event has been extended to three days, allowing even more time to admire and photograph the stunning floral creations. More information here!
Floatfest tickets
Tickets are available only online at sharpseating.com or by phone at (626) 795-4171. Cash and credit cards are not accepted on site.
Floatfest Schedule
- January 1 – 1:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. (ticket sales end at 3:30 p.m., last entry at 4 p.m.)
- January 2 – 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. (reserved for seniors and people with reduced mobility)
- January 2 – 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (ticket sales end at 3:30 p.m., last entry at 4:00 p.m.)
- January 3 – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (ticket sales end at 2:30 p.m., last entry at 3:00 p.m.)
