By Dorothy Elder, Southern California News Group
The streets of Pasadena, Calif., are once again preparing for the annual floral spectacle that is the Rose Parade. On the docket are impressively-decorated floats, new and nostalgic musical performances, beloved traditions and, fittingly, hundreds of thousands of roses on display.
If you’re looking to tune in from home, staff at The Pasadena Star-News compiled a list of everything you need to know as you watch the 136th iteration of the floral extravaganza.
How to watch
The parade is set to begin at 8 a.m. PST on New Year’s Day. On TV, several channels will be broadcasting the parade including ABC and NBC. For streaming options, Peacock and Hulu+ Live TV will simulcast the festivities..
No TV or cable? No problem! For the first time, the staff at the Pasadena Star-News will live-stream the parade on its YouTube channel, beginning at 10 a.m. PST. The stream will be stationed around where the floats fold to make their way under the 210 freeway bridge, making it a unique viewing experience not typically seen on TV.
Also, if you’re on the social platform X, be sure to follow @PasStarNews for live behind-the-scenes posts and answers to your questions.
The floats
From post-military life to the cinematic sensation Wicked to one accompanied by the first-ever all-electric fleet in parade history, there are plenty of floats on the docket this year that are sure to be talkers.
If you’re hoping to catch a specific float or want details on hand as you watch, check out our guide to every Rose Parade float, band and equestrian unit, in order.
The musical performances
Kiesza and Aloe Blacc will kick off 2025’s musical performances during the parade’s Opening Spectacular. Kiesza will reprise “Hideaway,” a hit that dominated global charts a decade ago, with renewed energy for the global audience, organizers said. Aloe Blacc will perform his “Wake Me Up”— a global mega-hit with the late Avicii.
On a float stage backdrop of a towering Elvis Presley and B.B. King, the Rose Parade mid-parade performance will be a tribute to a deep musical legacy. Brandon Bennett, bringing a fusion of country and gospel influences, will perform alongside Chapel Hart, an emerging group of performers who mix country, rock and soul.
Performing in the Rose Parade Grand Finale is ’80s teen hitmaker and Broadway sensation Debbie Gibson. Gibson confirmed she will “pack a lot in” to the performance.
“I get to showcase all my skills in a very short amount of time; in a very dramatic and theatrical way.”
Several marching bands will also display their talents during the parade, and you can see the full line-up here. Tip: Watch the creative ways some bands maneuver around the corners on the parade routes.
The tradition
The 2025 Rose Parade theme is “Best Day Ever!” Every float, band and performance in the coming extravaganza along the 5.5-mile route has been designed with the theme in mind
Sports equity icon Billie Jean King is slated as the 2025 Rose Parade grand marshal. The tennis legend, lauded post-retirement for her work promoting gender equality on and off the sports field, will lead off the parade and the following 111th Rose Bowl game, both on Jan. 1.
This year’s Rose Queen is 17-year-old Lindsay Charles, a Pasadena local who is passionate about connecting with her community, sustainability and track and field.
The big game
Ohio State will face No. 1 Oregon at this year’s Rose Bowl game with kickoff at 2 p.m. PST, Monday, Jan. 1.
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