Every New Year’s Day, Pasadena becomes home to one of America’s most beloved traditions. The 137th Rose Parade rolls down the streets on Thursday, January 1, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM PST. This year’s theme is “The Magic in Teamwork” with NBA legend Magic Johnson as Grand Marshal.
More than 800,000 people crowd the sidewalks to watch flower-covered floats, marching bands, and horse units pass by. The parade has run since 1890 and keeps getting better each year.
Here’s everything you need to know about the route, where to watch, and how to plan your day.
2026 Rose Parade Quick Facts
Date: Thursday, January 1, 2026
Start Time: 8:00 AM PST (11:00 AM EST)
Route Length: 5.5 miles
Duration: About 2 hours at any spot
Theme: “The Magic in Teamwork”
Grand Marshal: Magic Johnson
Expected Crowd: 800,000+ people
Check out the complete 2026 Rose Parade lineup and participants
How Long is the Rose Parade? Duration and Timing Explained
You’ll spend about 2 hours watching the parade go by from any single spot. The whole thing takes 2 to 4 hours to pass completely from start to finish.
People at the starting point see everything in roughly 90 minutes. Those near the end might not see the first floats until 10:00 AM or later.
The parade crawls along at 2.5 miles per hour. That slow pace lets you really see the flowers and watch the bands perform.
Plan on being there for 3 to 4 hours total. The pre-parade energy starts building way before 8:00 AM. Most folks arrive by 6:00 AM to grab decent spots.
Complete Rose Parade Route Map: Turn-by-Turn Guide
Starting Point: Green Street & Orange Grove Boulevard
Everything kicks off at Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard in northwest Pasadena. Floats look their absolute best here with fresh flowers still perfect.
On December 31, the city blocks off streets south of this intersection. That’s where crews organize dozens of floats, bands, and horse units before showtime.
Orange Grove Boulevard Section
The parade heads north on Orange Grove for a short stretch. This is premium real estate for watching. You see everything first when it’s brand new.
Tournament House sits right here as parade headquarters. But crowds fill up fastest in this section. You need to show up super early or buy grandstand tickets.
“The Turn” onto Colorado Boulevard
The parade makes its signature turn onto Colorado Boulevard. TV crews call this spot “TV Corner” because ABC sets up their broadcast booth right at this intersection.
Find out how to watch the 2026 Rose Parade on TV and streaming
Colorado Boulevard – The Main Route
Colorado Boulevard is the main event. The parade rolls east through Old Pasadena and past City Hall. This is where most people watch.
Bands give their best performances here because the big grandstands line this street. The vibe is electric with people packed shoulder to shoulder.
This stretch gets the biggest crowds but also delivers the best energy. First-timers should aim for this section to get the full experience.
Sierra Madre Boulevard Section
Near the end, the parade turns north onto Sierra Madre Boulevard. This area is way more chill with lighter crowds than Colorado Boulevard.
Parking is easier to find here. Families with little kids often pick this spot because there’s more room to spread out.
End Point: Villa Street
The parade wraps up at Villa Street after traveling all 5.5 miles. Floats still look beautiful but the crowds thin out a lot compared to earlier sections.
Best Viewing Spots Along the Rose Parade Route
Orange Grove Boulevard (Start Zone)
You see floats at their freshest here. Magic Johnson passes through first. Photographers love this spot for getting perfect shots.
The downside? You need to arrive by 5:00 or 6:00 AM for free viewing. Grandstand tickets cost the most here. Expect massive crowds pushing in from all sides.
Colorado Boulevard (Central Viewing Area)
This is where the parade really comes alive. The atmosphere buzzes with excitement as bands perform and floats roll by. You can walk to restaurants and coffee shops easily.
Free spots fill up by 7:00 AM. You’ll be standing close to strangers all morning. But the energy and excitement make it worth the squeeze.
Sierra Madre Boulevard (End Zone)
Way fewer people hang out here. Parking is simpler. You still see every float and band performance.
The parade arrives later (after 9:00 or 10:00 AM). Less crowded means less excitement. Great choice for families who want breathing room and a more relaxed vibe.
Near Old Pasadena
These spots put you near coffee shops, bathrooms, and the Metro station. You pay more for parking but gain serious convenience.
Rose Parade Tickets: Grandstand Seating vs. Free Viewing
Grandstand Tickets (Paid Seating)
Sharp Seating Company sells official tickets starting around $60. Price goes up based on which section you want. Grandstand seats give you reserved seating, bathroom access, better views, and some weather protection.
Complete guide to Rose Parade tickets and pricing options
Best seats sell out fast. Buy through SharpSeating.com or call (626) 795-4171.
Free Public Viewing
You can watch the whole parade for free from any sidewalk along the route. Just bring your own chairs, blankets, or cushions.
Arrive early (by 6:00 or 7:00 AM minimum) to snag a decent spot. Better yet, camp overnight starting at noon on December 31. Stake your claim with blankets and chairs. Police patrol to make sure everyone plays fair.
At 11:00 PM on December 31, you can move from the curb to the blue “Honor Line” but not past it.
Accessible Viewing Areas
Three free street-level areas are set aside for people with disabilities. Each person can bring up to four guests.
One spot has audio description for people with vision issues. Another has sign language interpreters. No chairs provided so bring your own.
Request your space through the Tournament of Roses website.
How to Get to the 2026 Rose Parade: Parking and Transportation
Public Transportation (Recommended)
The Metro A Line makes getting there easy. Four stations work well:
- Del Mar Station (walk 2 blocks north)
- Memorial Park Station (walk 2 blocks south)
- Lake Station (walk 4 blocks south)
- Allen Station (walk 4 blocks)
Trains start running around 4:00 AM on parade day. Load your TAP card the night before to skip the long lines.
Metrolink runs special early trains on five lines. Call (800) 371-5465 for schedules.
Parking Options
Official parking runs $30 to $100 depending on how close you want to be. Book ahead through Sharp Seating (626) 795-4171, Colorado Boulevard Parking (858) 692-0868, City of Pasadena (626) 744-6470, or LAZ Parking (626) 578-1705.
Street parking opens up at noon on December 31. Red curbs and “No Parking” zones are still off limits. Park illegally and your car gets towed.
Homeowners near the route sell spots for $30 to $60. First come, first served.
Rideshare and Drop-off
Uber and Lyft work but expect crazy surge pricing. Drop-off spots are limited because of street closures. Plan where you’ll get picked up before you go.
Street Closures and Road Restrictions for 2026 Rose Parade
Colorado Boulevard shuts down at 10:00 PM on December 31. Stays closed until 2:00 PM on January 1.
The closure covers the whole route from Orange Grove Boulevard to Sierra Madre Boulevard. Sierra Madre also closes northbound to Paloma Street.
Get there before 10:00 PM on December 31 if you’re driving. Tell your guests and delivery people about the closures if you live nearby.
What to Expect: Floats, Bands, and Entertainment
Floral Floats
Dozens of floats covered with tens of thousands of flowers roll by. Each one takes almost a year to build.
See the complete 2026 Rose Parade float lineup
Teams work “Deco Week” (December 26 to January 1) covering every inch with fresh flowers, seeds, leaves, and bark. Some floats have over 100,000 blooms.
Marching Bands
Bands from high schools, colleges, and other countries perform. The Opening Spectacular features three Marine bands playing together.
Bands save their best moves for Colorado Boulevard where the big grandstands sit.
Equestrian Units
Multiple horse units show off decorated horses and skilled riders. The Arabian Horse Association makes its ninth appearance.
Grand Marshal Magic Johnson
NBA legend Magic Johnson rides down Colorado Boulevard as Grand Marshal. The five-time NBA champion fits perfectly with this year’s “The Magic in Teamwork” theme.
He’ll also do the coin flip at the Rose Bowl Game later.
Overnight Camping on the Rose Parade Route: Rules and Tips
Camping Rules and Regulations
Camping starts at noon on December 31. Not before. Everything stays on the curb until 11:00 PM. Then you can move to the honor line.
You can bring:
- Blankets, chairs, cushions
- Small elevated barbecues (1 foot off ground, 25 feet from buildings)
- Fire extinguisher (required with barbecue)
- Sealed water bottles (24 oz max, limit 2)
- Whole fruits and vegetables
Don’t bring:
- Tents in the street
- Stuff that blocks driveways
- Unoccupied chairs (they get removed)
- Spray paint or rope
- Bonfires or fireworks
- Alcohol
Overnight Camping Survival Tips
Pasadena mornings in January hit the mid-40s to low 50s. Warms up to about 65 by midday. Layer up so you can peel clothes off later.
Bring portable chargers for your phone. LED lanterns help at night. Battery-powered blankets keep you warm.
Pack snacks and drinks. Bring books, cards, or games but keep the noise reasonable for your neighbors.
The overnight scene is actually fun. Music, food, and stories with the people around you. Police cruise by regularly. Many families come back year after year and make friends.
Safety Guidelines and Prohibited Items
Security Measures
Police officers and dogs patrol the whole route. You might get searched going in.
See something weird? Say something. Call 911 for emergencies. Call (626) 744-4241 for other stuff.
Prohibited Items
Leave at home:
- Alcohol and drugs
- Weapons
- Cans and bottles (except 2 sealed waters)
- Umbrellas
- Flagpoles and signs
- Noise makers
- Skateboards and scooters
- Drones (flight ban in effect)
Important Safety Rules
Don’t throw anything onto the route. Not even flowers or marshmallows. Stay behind the blue line.
Kids under 18 need adult supervision between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM. No smoking at the parade.
Dress warm. Drink water. Eat real food. The fire department gets twice as many calls on parade day for hypothermia and other medical issues.
Weather and What to Wear to the Rose Parade
Layer your clothes. Start with a long-sleeve shirt or thermal. Add a sweater. Bring a jacket you can take off.
Pack a hat, gloves, and scarf for early morning. Wear comfy shoes because you’ll stand for hours. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen for later.
The parade happens no matter what. Rain or shine. The 2006 parade got soaked but kept going. Bring a rain jacket just in case.
After the Parade: Floatfest and Things to Do in Pasadena
Floatfest: A Rose Parade Showcase
Walk right up to the floats after the parade ends. See all the tiny details up close. Take photos next to your favorites.
Runs January 1-2, 2026. Check the official website for times and location.
Rose Bowl Game
The Rose Bowl Game kicks off at 1:00 PM PST on ESPN. Number 1 Indiana plays number 9 Alabama in the College Football Playoff.
Magic Johnson does the coin flip before the game.
Explore Pasadena
Old Pasadena has shops and restaurants within walking distance. The Huntington Library has 120 acres of gardens. Norton Simon Museum shows over 12,000 artworks.
City Hall makes a great photo backdrop along the route.
Lululemon 5K Run With the Roses
The 5K race starts at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Begins at 11:59 PM December 31 and finishes by 2:00 AM January 1.
The course runs on Colorado Boulevard from 103 W. Colorado to 300 E. Colorado. Finishers get a bib, photos, medal, and party invite.
Rose Parade History: A Pasadena Tradition Since 1890
The first parade happened in 1890. The Valley Hunt Club wanted to show off Southern California’s warm winter weather. About 3,000 people watched horse-drawn carriages decorated with orange blossoms.
By 1895, the parade got too big. Community leaders formed the Tournament of Roses Association. Today, 935 volunteers put in over 80,000 hours each year.
The “Never on Sunday” rule started in 1893. The parade moves to January 2 if New Year’s Day falls on Sunday. The reason? They didn’t want to spook horses tied up outside churches.
Modern floats hide high-tech gear under millions of fresh flowers. Thousands of volunteers cover them during “Deco Week” right before the parade.
Plan Your 2026 Rose Parade Experience Today
The 2026 Rose Parade promises an amazing New Year’s Day. The 5.5-mile route through Pasadena shows off incredible floats, talented performers, and traditions going back to 1890.
Get there early for good spots. Take the Metro to skip parking headaches. Dress warm and bring snacks and water. Most importantly, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy this incredible American tradition.
Check tournamentofroses.com for official maps and updates. Follow @RoseParade on social media for behind-the-scenes stuff.