Rose Parade 2026: What To Expect

Ring in the new year with us and get front row seats to America’s most iconic New Year’s Day tradition – the Rose Parade! From insider access and exclusive float-viewing events to grandstand seating, our Rose Parade tours offer a truly immersive experience.

If you are traveling to Pasadena to witness the 137th annual Tournament of Roses on January 1, 2026, here’s a handy guide to the many highlights of Rose Parade 2026. 

Theme and Grand Marshal

This year the parade carries the theme “The Magic in Teamwork,” a celebration of collaboration across communities, organizations, and creative teams. Leading the celebration is Magic Johnson, who was named Grand Marshal of the 2026 Tournament of Roses and will help usher in the parade along with participating in the Rose Bowl pregame ceremonies. 

Bands, Equestrians & Musical Firepower 

A total of 19 bands have been selected to march in the parade, including ensembles from across the U.S. and international groups from Japan and Mexico. Expect stirring brass fanfares, polished drumlines, precision choreography, and color guard flourishes, all synchronized to embellish the floats and fill the air with music and energy. 

Parallel to the bands, 17 equestrian units will ride in 2026, featuring historic cavalry, drill teams, charros, and riders from various traditions across the country. Each horse and rider unit provides its own pageantry, discipline, and visual flourish as they trot, turn, and perform in formation along the route. 

Floats of Floral Wonder & Spectacular Sculptures 

At the heart of the parade are the floats, entirely covered in flowers, seeds, leaves, bark, and other natural materials. One of the standout preview floats is from The UPS Store, titled “Sharing Skills for Success”, designed around an underwater theme with a 32‑foot-tall seahorse coaching younger ones in synchronized swimming. Also slated are two Rose Bowl team floats, each heralding the upcoming college football quarterfinal game, with floral renditions of football imagery and rally themes.  

You’ll see floats that spin, rise, animate with mechanical movements, or tell stories interpreting the “Magic in Teamwork” theme in their own creative way.  

If you’re traveling with YMT, you’ll also get an exclusive chance to admire the nearly-done floats as part of the pre-parade event.

Rose Parade 2026: Good To Know

• The Rose Parade will begin at 8 am PST on January 1, 2026. The four-hour long event will see over 40 floats covering the 5 ½-mile-long route down Colorado Boulevard. 
• If you’re visiting Pasadena as part of our Rose Parade Tours, you’ll enjoy grandstand seating – the best seats in the house!
• As a YMT guest, you’ll get a chance to admire the nearly-done floats as part of the exclusive pre-parade event. 
• Don’t miss the Floatfest, which takes place the day after the parade. You can get a closer look at the whimsical floats and learn more about the creative process behind them from volunteers.
• January in Pasadena can be cool, so dress in layers, and remember to stay hydrated!

Plan your Rose Parade trip!

Experience the Tournament of Roses with YMT Vacations on our Rose Parade & Los Angeles or Rose Parade & Coastal California Tour departing on December 29, 2025. From the perfect seats to exclusive pre-parade events, you’re in for a treat as a YMT guest. Browse our itineraries and speak to our travel consultants to get started!