AMERICA’S NEW YEAR CELEBRATION
THE ROSE PARADE BEGINS AT 8AM PST ON JANUARY 1 IN PASADENA, CALIFORNIA, USA.
For millions of people around the world, the Rose Parade is an iconic New Year’s Day tradition.
The Rose Parade travels 5 ½ miles along Colorado Blvd., featuring four main types of entries: floral-covered floats, equestrian units, marching bands, and Tournament Entries. Many of these participants have long-standing ties to the Tournament of Roses, helping to keep the event’s traditions alive.
The earliest Tournament of Roses, drew 3,000 spectators and showcased beautiful, flower-covered, horse-drawn carriages. More than a century later, the parade floats are a marvel of state of the art technology, all tucked away beneath flowers and other all-natural materials.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ROSE PARADE HISTORY
LEARN MORE ABOUT ROSE PARADE PARTICIPANTS
Each year, more than 80,000 hours of volunteer work are contributed by 935 volunteer members of the Tournament of Roses Association. Known as “White Suiters” for their iconic white uniforms, these community-spirited volunteers donate their evenings, weekends, and holidays to ensure the success of both the Rose Parade® and the Rose Bowl Game®.
LEARN MORE ABOUT VOLUNTEER MEMBERSHIP
The Rose Parade is broadcast live in the U.S. by several networks. Check our list of broadcasters or your local listings for more information. For seating and ticket information, please see our Tickets and Events page.
For safety tips and parade-day guidelines, take a look at our Parade Day Guide.
935
ACTIVE VOLUNTEER MEMBERS
80,000
HOURS ANNUALLY CONTRIBUTED
31
OPERATING COMMITTEES
Upcoming
Rose Parade Events
Decorating Places Presented by Alaska Airlines
December 28, 2024 | 9:00 AM - December 30, 2024 | 5:00 PM
Equestfest
December 29, 2024 | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Bandfest presented by REMO
December 29, 2024 | 2:00 PM - December 30, 2024 | 4:00 PM
lululemon Run With the Roses 5K
December 31, 2024 | 11:59 PM - January 1, 2025 | 2:00 AM
136th Rose Parade presented by Honda
January 1, 2025 | 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
THEME & GRAND MARSHAL
2025 ROSE PARADE THEME – “BEST DAY EVER!”
On January 18, newly installed President Ed Morales announced the 2025 Pasadena Tournament of Roses theme, “Best Day Ever!”
“The 2025 theme celebrates life’s best moments – those unexpected times that bring a smile, warm our hearts and fill us with joy. From a once-in-a-lifetime experience to the simplest pleasures, each is indelibly etched into our memory,” explained Morales. “Together, we celebrate where we’ve been and what we look forward to. It’s about family, friends, and community and what we have to celebrate – and to be thankful for. On New Year’s Day and throughout the year, let’s celebrate the times that make up our Best Day Ever!”
2025 GRAND MARSHAL – BILLIE JEAN KING
On October 7, The Pasadena Tournament of Roses proudly announced Billie Jean King, sports icon and champion for equality as the Grand Marshal of the 2025 Rose Parade presented by Honda. Tournament of Roses President Ed Morales announced on the front steps of the iconic Tournament House as King made a grand entrance to Elton John’s hit song “Philadelphia Freedom”—a song famously written in her honor. King’s selection as Grand Marshal ties seamlessly into this year’s parade theme: “Best Day Ever!”, celebrating life’s best moments.
ROSE PARADE PARTICIPANTS
The Rose Parade features three types of entries: floral-decorated floats sponsored by a participating corporation or community organization, equestrian units, and marching bands. The only cars that appear in the Rose Parade are those that may carry the Grand Marshal, the Mayor of Pasadena, the Rose Bowl Game Hall of Fame Inductees and the Tournament of Roses President. Many of the Rose Parade’s participating organizations have long histories with the Tournament of Roses and have made numerous appearances in the parade.
INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THE ROSE PARADE?
Visit our Apply page for more information about applying to be a Rose Parade participant. Deadlines for floats, equestrian units and marching bands vary.
FLOATS
The Rose Parade’s stunning floats have come a long way since the early days of the Tournament, but the parade has always stayed true to its floral roots. Every inch of each float is covered in flowers or other natural materials, such as leaves, seeds, and bark. Even the most delicate blooms, like roses, are carefully placed in individual vials of water and added to the float, one flower at a time. It’s a process that blends artistry, tradition, and nature!
MARCHING BANDS
The Rose Parade’s musical tradition began in 1891, when the Monrovia, California City Band joined the second Tournament of Roses Parade, marching alongside flower-covered pony carts. Since then, musicians from all over the world have been part of this iconic New Year’s Day celebration. The parade has welcomed high school, college, and military bands, as well as a wide range of performers—from marching bands and drum and bugle corps to brass bands, percussion groups, and even bagpipes, all adding their own rhythm and flair to the festivities.
EQUESTRIAN UNITS
On January 1, 1890, Grand Marshal Francis Rowland and President Charles Holder rode out on horseback to lead the very first Rose Parade through Pasadena. Equestrian units have been a beloved part of the parade ever since. Each year, a mix of horse breeds—ranging from Curly Horses and American Saddlebreds to Gypsy Cobs, Andalusians, Miniature Horses, and Draft Horses—parade down the route, each adding its own flair and style. With colorful costumes and impressive skills, these riders and horses not only honor the parade’s traditions but also bring the theme to life with excitement.
AWARDS
Each year the Tournament of Roses selects three judges to grant float awards based on many criteria including float design, floral presentation and entertainment value. The Tournament of Roses announces the award-winning floats on New Year’s Day prior to the Rose Parade. As the award-winning floats venture down the parade route, they are preceded by banners showcasing their award. The banners are carried by select members of the Tournament of Roses Eagle Scout and Gold Award Girl Scout Troops.
On September 12, the Tournament of Roses announced the selection of Morgan Anderson, Bill Brzeski and Drew Rios as the distinguished judges for the 2025 Float Awards sponsored by FTD®. The 2025 Float Judges bios can be read here.
FTD is the official floral partner of the Tournament of Roses. The iconic American company has been affiliated with the Rose Parade for more than 60 years. FTD decorates the antique automobiles which carry the Rose Parade VIPs down Colorado Boulevard including the Grand Marshal, Tournament of Roses President, Mayor of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame cars. FTD is also the sponsor of the Rose Parade Float Awards.
Float Design
This category showcases attractive, visually well-balanced floats that over a creative treatment of the designer’s idea. The floats are in line with the parade’s theme and include the use of animation.
Floral Presentation
This category provides a visual balance and cohesive mix of floral and non-floral materials. The floats are predominantly floral in appearance and display an abundance of flowers.
Entertainment Value
This category creates a dramatic impact by creatively using additional elements to advance the design concept. Additions may include, but are not limited to, float riders, outwalkers, pyrotechnics, and showmanship.
TOP AWARD
Sweepstakes
Most beautiful entry encompassing float design, floral presentation and entertainment.