Petals, Palms, and VIP Perks: 
The Ultimate Rose Parade Experience

The Rose Parade, officially called the Tournament of Roses Parade, has a history that stretches back to January 1, 1890. That year, the Valley Hunt Club in Pasadena, California, invited guests from the East Coast to see something remarkable: flowers blooming in the heart of winter. What started as a simple procession of flower-decorated carriages has grown into an internationally televised event that draws over 700,000 visitors to Pasadena each year.

Today, each float must be completely covered in natural materials which can include flowers, seeds, bark, leaves, and more. No synthetic surface is permitted anywhere on the float's exterior. Construction begins months in advance, with the flowers added in the final days before the parade.

There's a reason people travel from all over the world to be there in person. The Rose Parade isn't just a spectacle. It's a celebration of craftsmanship, community, and tradition.

Here's what attendees can look forward to:

• Floral floats that can stretch up to 100 feet long and 16 feet tall, each one a moving work of art
• Marching bands from across the country and around the world, filling the boulevard with music
• Equestrian units showcasing riders and horses in stunning formations
• A unique "Never on Sunday" rule. When January 1 falls on a Sunday, the parade moves to January 2, a tradition dating back to 1893
• An annual theme and grand marshal, giving each year's parade its own identity

Pasadena and its surrounding area offer far more than the parade itself. A trip to Southern California at New Year's means the chance to explore one of the most vibrant, culturally rich corners of the United States.

Guests often take the opportunity to visit Los Angeles landmarks such as the iconic Santa Monica Pier and the famous Los Angeles Farmers Market, where local vendors and fresh flavors bring the spirit of California alive.

One of the best-kept secrets of the Rose Parade experience is what happens in the days leading up to it. Float construction and decorating facilities open their doors to visitors, offering an up-close look at the artistry in progress.

Watching volunteers affix thousands of fresh flowers to a 60-foot float the night before New Year's Day is a perspective most people never get to see. It transforms the parade from a distant spectacle into something deeply human.

Holiday Vacations has been curating fully guided vacations for over 50 years, and the Rose Parade tour is one of our most beloved offerings. Every detail is handled for you: round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, many meals, guided attractions, and more are included in one straightforward, transparent price. No hidden fees. No scrambling to figure out what's covered and what isn't.

That peace of mind is what Holiday Vacations calls The Holiday Advantage. It means an expert Tour Director travels with your group every step of the way. It means strong relationships with trusted local partners who open doors that independent travelers simply can't access. You show up, take it all in, and leave the logistics to experts who know the destination inside and out.

If watching the Rose Parade has been on your bucket list, this is the year to stop watching from the couch. There's an open seat with your name on it, a float-lined boulevard waiting, and a New Year's morning unlike any you've ever had.

​All Holiday Vacations tours include :

• Round-trip airfare from airports across North America
• Quality accommodations with complimentary baggage handling
• Ground transportation during all scheduled activities
• Professional Tour Directors paired with knowledgeable local guides
• Numerous meals woven throughout your journey
• ​Around-the-clock assistance, including a 24-hour emergency phone number and an online Guest Portal
• A low $200 booking fee, refundable if cancelled before the final payment deadline.

Book online at holidayvacations.com or call 1-888-867-2190 to speak with a friendly Tour Sales Consultant who can walk you through everything included in this one-of-a-kind experience.

Where is the Rose Parade?

The Rose Parade takes place in Pasadena, California.. The parade runs along Colorado Boulevard, one of Pasadena's most well-known streets, on the morning of January 1 each year (or January 2 when the 1st falls on a Sunday).
 

Is the Rose Parade the same as the Rose Bowl?

They are related but not the same event. The Rose Parade is a procession of floral floats, marching bands, and equestrian units held on New Year's morning. The Rose Bowl is a college football game played later that same day at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena. The two events are both part of the Tournament of Roses celebration, but they're held at different times and locations.
 

What is the Rose Parade route?

The parade follows a 5.5-mile route that begins at the corner of Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard in Pasadena. It travels north on Orange Grove, then turns east onto Colorado Boulevard, where the majority of spectators gather to watch. Near the end of the route, the procession turns north onto Sierra Madre Boulevard and wraps up at Villa Street.
 

How long does the Rose Parade last?

The parade moves at a leisurely pace of about 2.5 miles per hour. At any given point along the route, you can expect the full procession to pass by over the course of roughly two hours. It's a relaxed, festive atmosphere that gives spectators plenty of time to soak in every float and performance.