PASADENA, Calif. (December 19, 2024) – As the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® prepares for the 136th Rose Parade® presented by Honda, we’re excited to unveil the fifth Sneak Peek of the spectacular floral floats set to captivate a global audience on January 1, 2025. Since 1890, Rose Parade floats have brought unique themes and stories to life through beautiful floral designs, and this year’s theme, “Best Day Ever!,” is no exception.
This year, the parade will showcase an inspiring lineup of floats from Enjoy Illinois, the Illinois Office of Tourism, Kindness is Free Powered by Boys & Girls Clubs of West San Gabriel Valley and Eastside, and CFP Quarterfinal at the 111th Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential—Team Floats. Each float tells a unique story through breathtaking designs and vibrant displays, bringing to life themes of hope, innovation, kindness, and service. As they make their way along the 5 ½-mile route, these stunning entries will captivate audiences on the streets of Pasadena and millions more watching around the globe, embodying the spirit of America’s New Year Celebration®.
Enjoy Illinois, the Illinois Office of Tourism – Phoenix Decorating Company
Enjoy Illinois is bringing Chicago movie magic to Pasadena with a “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”-inspired float. “Play Hooky in Illinois” is a true celebration of Illinois pride, pop culture and the unifying power of music. This whimsical float captures the carefree spirit of the iconic Illinois 80s film, with nods to its unforgettable scenes and characters. Acclaimed artist and Illinois native Brian Culbertson will take center stage, blending his signature mix of jazz, funk, and R&B into an electrifying Danke Schoen performance. Joining him are lively dancers and Ferris Bueller lookalike Tyler Lankston, creating a fun and spontaneous celebration for viewers around the world on New Year’s Day. As Brian’s music fills the air, the Enjoy Illinois float will showcase why Illinois is the ultimate destination for creating your own “Best Day Ever” memories—full of adventure, nostalgia, and unforgettable moments.
Kindness is Free Powered by Boys & Girls Clubs of West San Gabriel Valley and Eastside – Artistic Entertainment Services
The “Kindness is Free” float by the Boys & Girls Clubs of West San Gabriel Valley celebrates acts of kindness through friendship and florals in a lively woodland scene. At the center of the float stands a majestic tree crafted from crushed walnut, onion seed and dark lettuce seed, adorned with lush Ti leaves, leather fern and amaranth. Squirrels share an acorn high in the tree, symbolizing generosity, while a cheerful frog befriends a butterfly, celebrating friendship. Bright pink strawflowers, cranberry seeds and carnations bring bold color to the tree, while orchids, yarrows and roses form the base. A family of colorful birds, including a mama bird with a tail of macaroon coconut and wings of seaweed and lentils, are among the gentle acts of friendship and kindness. This float encourages viewers to join the “Kindness is Free” movement, creating a ripple of compassion and kindness with each caring deed.
CFP Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential—University of Oregon – Artistic Entertainment Services
The excitement continues after the Parade when thousands of fans gather for the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential. The winner of The Granddaddy of Them All will go on to play in a CFP Semifinal. This float inspires enthusiasm and admiration for the amazing student-athletes competing in this year’s Rose Bowl Game. The first Tournament of Roses football game, which was the first post-season football game in the nation, was staged at Tournament Park on January 1, 1902. This collegiate classic has been the occasion of many firsts. The Rose Bowl Game was the first local radio broadcast of an East-West bowl game in 1926, the first transcontinental radio broadcast of a sporting event in 1927, the first local telecast of a college football game in 1948, the first national telecast of a college football game in 1952, the first coast-to-coast color telecast of a collegiate football game in 1962 and the first College Football Playoff Semifinal in 2015.
CFP Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential—The winner of the College Football Playoff first-round game between Ohio State and Tennessee on December 21 – Artistic Entertainment Services
The team float features the team’s spirit squad to jump-start the excitement and support among football fans for today’s game. The float also features a giant football surrounded by beautiful flowers to help rally the fans of the Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential and the Rose Parade presented by Honda. The first Tournament of Roses football game, which was the first post-season football game in the nation, was staged at Tournament Park on January 1, 1902. This collegiate classic has been the occasion of many firsts. The Rose Bowl Game was the first local radio broadcast of an East-West bowl game in 1926, the first transcontinental radio broadcast of a sporting event in 1927, the first local telecast of a college football game in 1948, the first national telecast of a college football game in 1952, the first coast-to-coast color telecast of a collegiate football game in 1962 and the first College Football Playoff Semifinal in 2015.
Join us on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, to experience the awe and wonder of the floats, bands and equestrian units of the 136th Rose Parade presented by Honda.
Catch all the Rose Parade excitement wherever you are! Be part of the magic in person and purchase grandstand tickets at sharpseating.com. Watching from home? Stream the Parade on Christmas Plus, Fubo or Pluto TV. For a full list of our national broadcast partners, visit tournamentofroses.com/broadcast-partners. Stay up to date by following us on Instagram and YouTube, and don’t forget to like us on Facebook.
