The annual tradition of the Rose Parade is set to return for its 136th iteration on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2025, carrying with it the theme "Best Day Ever!" This year’s celebration promises to be packed with performances, vibrant floral floats, and the anticipation of millions, both attending live and watching from home.
With the parade scheduled to step off at 8:00 AM PST (11:00 AM EST), it is the kickoff event for the day, leading up to the highly anticipated 111th Rose Bowl Game, which will follow right after at 2:00 PM PST (5:00 PM EST). This annual floral extravaganza, organized by the Tournament of Roses, will be broadcast live on numerous networks including ABC, NBC, and Univision.
Tournament of Roses President Ed Morales described the parade's theme as one celebrating life’s moments: “The 2025 theme celebrates life's best moments -- those unexpected times ... together, we celebrate where we've been and what we look forward to.” This sentiment resonates through various features of the parade, including performances by notable artists such as Kiesza and Aloe Blacc.
The grand marshal for this year’s parade, tennis legend Billie Jean King, brings her advocacy for equality to this festive occasion. Known for her impressive achievements on the tennis court and her role as a champion for gender equality, King has said, “On New Year's Day and throughout the year, let's celebrate the times.” Her presence at the parade emphasizes not just celebration, but also the impact of sports on culture.
For those planning to catch the parade live, free curbside seating is available starting at noon on New Year’s Eve. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early as seating is first-come, first-served, and the line for curbside spots can grow quickly. The official guidelines state, “People sitting in the grandstand seats on Orange Grove Boulevard... are encouraged to arrive by 6:30 AM.”
While Colorado Boulevard will close early at 10 PM on New Year's Eve for setup, the path is closed until after the parade, with expected reopening by 2 PM on New Year’s Day. The parade will travel along its traditional 5.5-mile route, featuring not just floats but also marching bands and equestrian units, showcasing the best of local and national talent.
Alongside the parade festivities, logistics for getting to the Rose Bowl game will also be important on January 1. Parking lots at the Rose Bowl will open at 4 AM, with pre-game activities beginning at 1 PM. Fans are encouraged to use Metro public transportation to avoid parking hassles, especially since heavy traffic is expected.
With virtual access options becoming increasingly popular, streaming for the Rose Parade will be available on platforms like Peacock and Prime Video, allowing more fans to enjoy the spectacle without attending in person. The game, featuring the Oregon Ducks versus the Ohio State Buckeyes, will also be easily accessible on ESPN.
The artistry and effort behind the floats are noteworthy, as this year’s parade will include up to 32 floats created from organic materials, showcasing the skills and creativity of over 935 dedicated volunteers. Each float embodies the theme and tells unique stories, as mentioned by the Tournament of Roses, highlighting how “since 1890, Rose Parade floats have brought unique themes to life through beautiful floral designs.”
This year's performers will add to the parade's charm. According to the Rose Parade, the festivities will feature newcomers like Timothy Wayne and Chapel Hart, and the grand finale will showcase pop favorites Betty Who and Debbie Gibson, promising to wrap up the celebration on a high note.
With so much anticipation surrounding the 2025 Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game, it is undeniable why it has become America’s favorite New Year’s tradition. From the vibrant floats to the powerful performances, this iconic event continues to inspire and unite people from all walks of life, celebrating not just the new year, but the memories and connections we cherish along the way.