What Makes It Guide-Worthy: Nearly a year after the Eaton Fire devastated sections of Pasadena, the 137th Tournament of Roses Parade will hold special meaning this New Year’s Day. The 2026 theme, “The Magic in Teamwork,” pays tribute to the resilience and unity shown in the wake of the fire. The parade will honor those who lost their lives, as well as the community that rallied to support fire victims. A hallmark of New Year’s celebrations, the Rose Parade is one of the largest live-flower displays in the world and a breathtaking experience to witness in person. The tradition began in 1890, when local horticulturists sought to showcase California’s mild winter climate—perfect for growing roses. Since then, the parade has grown in scale and grandeur. Today’s floats feature more than 18 million blooms, including roses, carnations and chrysanthemums. Now a nationally televised event, the parade draws millions of viewers. But nothing compares to experiencing it from the 5.5-mile route itself—especially for this year’s showcase of community strength and shared spirit.
When to Book: As the New Year’s Day celebration includes both the large-scale parade and the annual Rose Bowl Game, hotels in Pasadena can fill up as early as a year in advance. Travelers can usually still find availability about three months before the event in nearby hotels. Cities like Arcadia, about 15 minutes from the parade route, often offer more options at lower rates. The Rose Parade is free to watch from the curb, while grandstand seats go on sale in February for the following January’s parade and usually sell out by late fall.
Must-See & Do: Pasadena is eager to welcome back guests, lifting spirits with a dazzling display of fresh florals and a resonating message of perseverance. Here are some of the top highlights to enjoy when visiting this year’s parade.
Pre-Parade Fun: Get an exciting sneak peek at the action of how each float is crafted at the city’s Float Decorating Barns. Head to the Rosemont Pavilion in the days leading up to the big event and witness the large teams of professionals and volunteers meticulously gluing millions of flowers, seeds and petals onto the floats. Tickets for time-entry are required.
Bandfest: Join in on the thrill as some of the world’s best marching bands, selected to perform at the Rose Parade, preview their field routines. Buy tickets in advance for the rousing showcase of marching bands, featuring dancers, flag twirlers and crowd-pleasing entertainers.
Claim Your Spot Along the Parade Route: Parade-goers are notoriously serious about staking their curbside spots for the parade, often camping out along Colorado Boulevard (the main parade route) as early as New Year’s Eve afternoon. The least crowded spot on the route is often near Sierra Madre Blvd., where the parade ends. You can arrive here a bit later and still get a good view, avoiding the more determined overnight campers.
Where to Stay: Pasadena is home to several accommodation options that fill up fast for the New Year’s festivities. Here are three of the top hotels to stay at when you’re in town for the Tournament of Roses parade.
Premier: Langham Huntington, Pasadena, Independent: The Langham Huntington is a Pasadena icon, just minutes from the Rose Parade route. The grand resort seamlessly blends modern luxury with classic charm, connecting with the New Year’s Day proceedings with its very own rose gardens.
Mid-Range: Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles Pasadena/Old Town, Marriott: The Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles Pasadena/Old Town is a top spot for parade goers, as it’s a quick four-minute walk from the route along Colorado Boulevard. This contemporary hotel is comfortable and modern, located in the heart of Old Pasadena.
Budget-Friendly: Hampton Inn by Hilton Arcadia, Hilton: Set in Arcadia, a short drive from the Pasadena parade route, the Hampton Inn by Hilton Arcadia is an excellent option for travelers seeking convenience and value outside the busy city center. Top amenities include a complimentary hot breakfast, parking and WiFi.
SideQuest: After the vibrant energy of the parade, retreat to the serene grounds of The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens in San Marino. Just a 10-minute drive from Pasadena, The Huntington offers more than 120 acres of themed landscapes that invite slow wandering and quiet reflection. Stroll through the tranquil Japanese Garden with its graceful bridges and koi-filled ponds, breathe in the fragrance of hundreds of blooming roses, or find shade beneath centuries-old trees in the expansive Desert and Chinese gardens.
