For many people, New Year’s Day brings a sense of renewal: we make resolutions for the year ahead, reflect on the past, and maybe nurse some post-celebration fatigue from New Year’s Eve festivities. But for countless fans around the country (and the globe), January 1 also signifies a beloved tradition: tuning into the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.
Now in its 136th year, the 2025 Rose Parade—officially called the “Tournament of Roses Parade”—is set to bring bright floats, spirited music, and star-studded appearances to kick off the new year. This event has become as iconic as confetti, countdowns, and midnight kisses when the clock strikes 12. If you’re ready to immerse yourself in floral-themed pageantry and uplifting performances, read on to learn all about this year’s Rose Parade, including when it starts, where to watch, who will be performing, and more.
When is the 2025 Rose Parade?
- Date: Wednesday, January 1, 2025
- Location: Pasadena, California
- Time: The Parade starts at 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT
The parade typically lasts around two hours, although the exact run time can vary depending on pacing, the number of floats, and any unanticipated delays. Since the Rose Bowl game follows that same day, the parade stays on a pretty tight schedule.
One fun note is that the Rose Parade traditionally never lands on a Sunday—so in cases where January 1 falls on a Sunday, the parade is pushed to January 2. That’s not the case this time around, but it’s a quirk from decades of tradition meant to avoid interfering with church services on Sunday mornings.
The 2025 Rose Parade Route
The Rose Bowl Parade, a beloved New Year’s Day tradition, follows a consistent route each year in Pasadena, California. Here’s a breakdown of the 2025 parade route:
Starting Point:
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- The parade kicks off at the intersection of Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard in Pasadena.
The Route:
- North on Orange Grove Boulevard: The parade proceeds north along Orange Grove Boulevard. This is the initial leg of the parade, where the floats, bands, and equestrian units begin their journey.
- East on Colorado Boulevard: The parade then turns east onto Colorado Boulevard, which is the main thoroughfare and the most famous part of the parade route. Most of the televised coverage focuses on this stretch.
- North on Sierra Madre Boulevard: Near the end of the route, the parade makes a turn north onto Sierra Madre Boulevard.
- Ending Point: The parade concludes at the intersection of Sierra Madre Boulevard and Villa Street.
Route Length and Duration:
- The parade route is approximately 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) long.
- It typically takes about two hours for all the participants to complete the route.
Street Closures:
It’s important to note that the parade route will be closed to vehicle traffic for an extended period surrounding the event. Typically, closures begin the night before New Year’s Day and remain in effect until after the parade has concluded and the streets have been cleaned.
Here’s a summary of the street closures based on previous years (always confirm with official sources closer to the date):
- Colorado Boulevard: From Orange Grove Boulevard to Sierra Madre Boulevard.
- Sierra Madre Boulevard: To Paloma Street.
If you plan to attend in person:
- Plan your transportation and parking in advance. Street parking will be extremely limited, and it’s recommended to use public transportation or park further away and walk.
- Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot. People often camp out overnight to get the best views.
- Be aware of street closures and plan your route accordingly.
2025 Rose Parade Theme and Grand Marshall
This year’s official Tournament of Roses theme is “Best Day Ever.” The concept behind it is to uplift and celebrate the idea that any day can be your best day, whether it’s launching fresh dreams for a new year or recognizing the simple blessings in life. Expect floats that highlight joyous moments, from imaginative storytelling to real-life accomplishments.
Tennis legend Billie Jean King will serve as the 136th Rose Parade Grand Marshall. Known for her career-shaping triumphs on the tennis court and activism in social justice and gender equality, King is an ideal pick: her life journey reflects the ideals of empowerment, overcoming challenges, and reaching for one’s best day, every day.
Who Will Be Performing in The 2025 Rose Parade?
The 2025 Rose Parade promises an array of musical talent to energize the crowd. Announced performers include:
- Debbie Gibson: This ’80s pop icon is known for hits like “Lost in Your Eyes” and “Only in My Dreams.” Expect a spirited throwback performance that might spark nostalgia.
- Betty Who: The Australian singer-songwriter is celebrated for her upbeat pop tunes and engaging live performances.
- Kiesza: A pop singer with notable dance influences, best known for “Hideaway,” who often delivers dynamic stage shows.
- Aloe Blacc: The soulful vocalist behind songs like “I Need a Dollar” and “The Man,” known for blending R&B, hip-hop, and pop.
- Brandon Bennett: Country flair with a warm presence.
- Chapel Hart: An emerging group that merges country authenticity with powerful harmonies.
Additionally, each year brings dozens of marching bands from around the world, from high schools in small towns to collegiate powerhouses, each vying to put on a memorable show. The parade route also features festive equestrian groups and car clubs, maintaining the event’s kaleidoscope of color, music, and movement.
Spotlight on the 2025 Rose Queen: Lindsay Charles
Every year, the Tournament of Roses selects a court of local high school seniors, one of whom is named the Rose Queen. This year, 17-year-old Lindsay Charles earns the honor of leading the Royal Court. She will be seen riding a special float, greeting attendees, and embodying the spirit of the parade’s theme. The Rose Queen’s presence highlights that the Rose Parade is as much about youth, new beginnings, and community recognition as it is about eye-popping floats.
Floats, Flowers, and Festivity
One of the biggest draws of the Rose Parade is the floats themselves. Each float is covered primarily in natural materials—flowers, seeds, leaves, bark, fruit, and more—leading to some seriously imaginative designs. Past floats have featured everything from animated jungle scenes to tributes to classic fairy tales. The level of detail is truly a testament to the artistry and dedication of the float builders, many of whom volunteer year-round to ensure each display is perfect.
If you’re lucky enough to be in the Pasadena area, you can sometimes visit the float decorating sites in the days leading up to the parade to see volunteers apply the finishing touches. It’s an excellent way to witness firsthand how much labor and creativity go into each entry.
How To Watch the 2025 Rose Parade
The Rose Bowl Parade, officially known as the Tournament of Roses Parade, starts at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time (PT) on New Year’s Day. Here options to watch the parade:
On Television
- ABC and NBC: Both major networks will broadcast the Rose Parade live. If you have a traditional cable or an OTA antenna for local channels, you can flip over to either station at 8 a.m. PT / 11 a.m. ET to catch the festivities.
- Local Affiliates: Depending on your city or region, other local channels may also provide coverage, often with their own commentators or special features.
Online Streaming
- YouTube Livestream via Pasadena Star-News: For those who prefer digital platforms or don’t have cable, the Pasadena Star-News has announced it will livestream the parade free on YouTube, starting around 10 a.m. PT. This coverage will be stationed near a spot where the floats must fold and navigate under the 210 freeway bridge—an interesting vantage point to watch how these gigantic, flower-laden structures adjust to real-life constraints.
- NBC on Peacock: For streaming fans, an $8/month Peacock subscription (ad-supported) grants access to NBC’s live events and sports, including the 2025 Rose Parade. You can upgrade to an ad-free tier at $14/month for additional perks like offline downloads and local NBC affiliate streams at any time.
While many people tune in just for the pageantry of the parade, plenty of sports fans will be excited about the Rose Bowl game that follows. Known as the “Granddaddy of Them All,” the Rose Bowl is one of college football’s oldest and most prestigious bowl games. For 2025:
- Kickoff Time: 5 p.m. ET
- Channel: ESPN
The matchup often pairs powerhouse college teams, ensuring a thrilling showdown to launch the year’s football events. If you’re already in front of the TV for the parade, you can keep the festivities rolling by watching the game immediately afterward.
The Rose Parade is more than just an event; it’s a symbol of renewal and optimism at the dawn of a new year. Beginning in 1890 as a humble “Tournament of Roses,” the parade was initially organized by the Valley Hunt Club to celebrate Pasadena’s warmer winter climate compared to the snow-laden East. Over 100 years later, it has morphed into a cultural phenomenon that draws hundreds of thousands of spectators to Pasadena’s streets and millions more via TV and streaming platforms worldwide.
Beyond the floats, music, and the crowning of a Rose Queen, the parade’s charm lies in its unwavering positivity. Each year, the theme reminds us of the power of hope, community, and global goodwill. With “Best Day Ever” as the 2025 motto—and a trailblazing athlete like Billie Jean King leading the charge—this year’s parade aims to leave viewers with a renewed sense of joy and possibility.
Tips for an Enjoyable Parade Experience
- Start Early: Whether watching from home or attending in person, be aware that coverage and commentary often begin well before 8 a.m. PT. If you’re heading to Pasadena, expect road closures and arrive early to secure a good spot.
- Bundle Up: Even in sunny Southern California, early mornings on January 1 can be chilly. The temperatures might climb as the day goes on, so dress in layers if you’re in the stands or curbside.
- Check Social Media: For real-time insights, behind-the-scenes peeks, or official announcements about any delays, keep an eye on social media handles of the Tournament of Roses, local news, and your preferred broadcast network.
- Have Patience: Floats occasionally break down or have mechanical hitches. Sometimes a marching band might slow the parade’s pace. Embrace the spontaneity—these moments often offer unscripted glimpses of how the parade operates.
The 2025 Rose Parade is shaping up to be a can’t-miss New Year’s Day spectacle. With the theme “Best Day Ever,” a star-studded lineup of musical performances, and Grand Marshall Billie Jean King at the helm, the Tournament of Roses continues its historic tradition of kicking off each new year with color, creativity, and community spirit. Whether you opt to watch via ABC, NBC, a YouTube livestream from Pasadena Star-News, or a streaming service like Peacock, you’ll be joining millions of viewers celebrating a vibrant, flower-filled salute to fresh beginnings.
So set your alarm for 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT on January 1, 2025, gather your family or friends, cozy up with some post-New Year’s Eve snacks, and get ready for a feast of music, flowers, and good cheer. Happy New Year—and enjoy the parade!
