The streets of Pasadena, California once again prepare for the annual floral spectacle of the Rose Parade. The program includes 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, The Pasadena Star-News staff has put together a list of everything you need to know as you watch the 136th annual floral extravaganza.

Here’s how to watch

The parade is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. PST on New Year’s Day. Several channels broadcast the parade on television. Your options for watching the Rose Parade can be found here.

No TV or cable? No problem! For the first time, the Pasadena Star-News staff will stream the parade live on its YouTube channel beginning at 10 a.m. PST. The stream will be stationed at the point where the floats fold to pass under the 210 highway bridge, making it a unique viewing experience not typically seen on television.

Even if you are on social platform X, be sure to follow it @PasStarNews for live behind-the-scenes posts and answers to your questions.

The swimmers

From post-military life to the movie sensation “Wicked” to a parade featuring the first all-electric fleet in the parade’s history, there are plenty of floats on the schedule this year that are sure to turn heads.

If you’re hoping to catch a specific float or want to have details on hand as you watch, check out our guide to each Rose Parade float, band and equestrian unit in turn.

The musical performances

Kiesza and Aloe Blacc will open the 2025 musical performances during the parade’s Opening Spectacular. Kiesza will revisit “Hideaway,” a hit that dominated global charts a decade ago, with new energy for global audiences, organizers said. Aloe Blacc will perform his “Wake Me Up” – a global megahit featuring the late Avicii.

Set against a floating stage backdrop of a towering Elvis Presley and BB King, the Rose Parade mid-parade performance will pay homage to a deep musical heritage. Brandon Bennett, who brings a mix of country and gospel influences, will perform alongside Chapel Hart, an up-and-coming group of artists who mix country, rock and soul.

The Rose Parade’s grand finale will feature teenage hitmaker and ’80s Broadway sensation Debbie Gibson. Gibson confirmed that she will be “doing a lot” in the performance.

“I can demonstrate all my skills in a very short period of time; in a very dramatic and theatrical way.”

Several brass bands will also showcase their talents during the parade. You can see the full cast here. Tip: Watch the creative way some bands maneuver around corners on the parade routes.

The tradition

The theme of the 2025 Rose Parade is “The Best Day Ever!” Every float, band and performance in the upcoming extravaganza along the 5.5-mile route was designed with the theme in mind – and you can read how the parade leaders performed here the topic came.

Sports equity icon Billie Jean King is slated to be the Grand Marshal of the 2025 Rose Parade. The tennis legend, who was praised for her work promoting gender equality on and off the field after retirement, will headline 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 native who is passionate about connecting with her community, sustainability and athletics.

The big game

Ohio State will face No. 1 Oregon in this year’s Rose Bowl game. Kickoff will be at 2:00 p.m. PST on Monday, January 1st.