Experience America's New Year celebration
Pasadena, California
Starting a new year with a parade and football game in Pasadena, California, has to be near the top of any list of quintessential holiday events. The Tournament of Roses Parade, which celebrates 130 years on Jan. 1, 2019, draws an estimated 700,000 people to downtown Pasadena, though tens of millions usher in the new year there through international television broadcasts that started in the 1950s.
There’s no substitute for the sights and sounds of experiencing firsthand the beauty of the floral floats, spirited marching bands, and high-stepping equestrian units. If you’re thinking of making the trip to Pasadena, 12 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles, you should plan on coming a few days early and staying a few days after because the Tournament of Roses goes beyond the New Year’s Day parade and football game. Consider this your guide to making the most of your time at what has become known as America’s New Year Celebration.
Pasadena is nicknamed the Crown of the Valley for its famous grand mansions and museums, from The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens to the remarkable art at Norton Simon Museum to The Gamble House, an arts-and-crafts-style home built for the family behind the Procter & Gamble Co.
Among the distinct neighborhoods to explore: Old Pasadena, Playhouse District, and South Lake Avenue District with 10 blocks of shopping and dining; and Civic Center District, home to landmark buildings such as City Hall and Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Among the most notable of the Crown City’s iconic culture and history, though, is the decades-long tradition of the Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl Game.
What’s so special about this parade? Tradition. The parade started as a small affair in 1890, a way for residents—transplants from the East Coast and Midwest—to show off the area’s mild weather that allowed flowers to bloom year-round. One hundred and thirty years later, organizers have stayed true to those floral beginnings. Every inch of a float must be covered in flowers or other natural materials, from grass to bark to leaves and seeds.
The theme changes every year, so the floats are new each year, too. They’ve become more intricate over the years, incorporating animation, pyrotechnics, and other special effects. There have been floats featuring a small working roller coaster, replica landmarks, and a working waterslide, for example. It’s been estimated that at least 18 million flowers are used on these massive floats.
This year’s theme is “The Melody of Life,” and grand marshal is 10-time Grammy winning musician Chaka Khan. She is scheduled to perform in the parade’s Opening Spectacular act, which starts at 8 a.m. local time. Expect 40 to 50 floats, about 20 equestrian units with as many as 400 horses, and 22 marching bands from around the world along the 5.5-mile route that takes about two hours.
Grandstand seating ranges from $55 to $100 per person, with the most coveted spots being on the southern side of Colorado Boulevard. Starting Dec. 31, overnight sidewalk camping is allowed for spectators who want to hold a place to view the parade. Make sure to pick up a parade program so you can read the descriptions of the floats that everyone else will hear about on the television broadcast.
The second of the two major Tournament of Roses events is the Rose Bowl Game, which also happens on Jan. 1. It was first played in 1902 and has been played annually since 1916, making it the oldest bowl game between two major conferences.
In addition, there are many other events connected to both the parade and the game that will add to the fun. If you’re planning to attend any of these, you’ll save long lines at the event if you buy tickets online. They are available through Sharp Seating unless otherwise noted.
Sip & Savor, Dec. 28 to 30, $15-$150: This new event combines a visit to the decorating place to see final float preparation with food samples from Southern California’s favorite eateries, wineries, and craft breweries, and live music for all ages. Tickets available online.
Equestfest, Dec. 29, $15 to $40: Watch the parade equestrians perform trick riding, drills, dancing, and roping skills; then walk through the stables and speak with the riders.
Bandfest, Dec. 29 to 30, $15: Catch a sneak peak of the bands as they perform their award-winning field shows that led to their selection. Bands from the United States, Canada, Costa Rica, Japan, Puerto Rico, and Sweden are spread over three different shows; each requires a ticket.
Decorating Places, Dec. 30 to 31, $15: See the floats in their final stages of decorating.
Rose Bowl Bash, Dec. 30 to 31, free: Celebrate college football and the Rose Bowl Game with family-friendly interactive games and entertainment at The Bloc plaza in downtown Los Angeles.
Rose Bowl Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Dec. 31, $40: A plated lunch is served, and the induction ceremony includes a moderated Q&A with this year’s inductees: Chicago Bears founder George Halas, former Arizona State and NFL offensive lineman Randall McDaniel, former Stanford coach Pop Warner, and former Texas and NFL quarterback Vince Young.
Post Parade, Jan. 1 to 2, $15: See the design, detail, and workmanship of the floats up close. Floats are parked at the end of the parade route on Sierra Madre Boulevard and Washington Boulevard, near Victory Park, and are on display for a day and a half.
