UPDATE: The 137th Rose Parade dazzled thousands on January 1, 2026 in Pasadena, California, showcasing breathtaking floats that captivated audiences along Colorado Boulevard. With meticulous designs featuring countless flowers and stunning themes, this year’s parade highlighted creativity and community spirit.
The parade featured remarkable entries, each crafted with months of planning and thousands of blooms. Among the standout floats, the San Francisco Travel Association made a grand debut with a float titled “Believe In San Francisco.” It showcased over 100,000 flowers, including an eye-catching display of 15,000 fluorescent orange marigolds that formed oversized California poppies.
Another crowd favorite was the Visit Mississippi float, which featured a giant Kermit the Frog, accompanied by a live musical performance from Mississippi-native Charlie Worsham. This float celebrated the frog’s connection to its creator, Jim Henson, whose hometown is Leland, Mississippi.
As the parade marked the beginning of America’s semiquincentennial year, the America250 float, titled “Soaring Onward Together for 250 Years,” captivated viewers with its 55-foot design inspired by the nation’s natural beauty, featuring three majestic bald eagles representing the past, present, and future.
The beloved grocery chain, Trader Joe’s, returned with a whimsical float themed around an ice cream float, complete with a giant fruit ship steered by a parrot captain, delighting families and children alike.
In a poignant tribute, the float “Rising Together,” created by the California Community Foundation and the Black Freedom Fund, honored lives lost during the early 2025 wildfires. Featuring a stunning phoenix rising from the center, it served as a symbol of hope and resilience.
The UPS Store wowed the audience with its under-the-sea themed float, which included a record-setting 34-foot-tall animatronic seahorse that garnered the title of the largest animatronic fish ever recognized by Guinness World Records.
In celebration of the iconic TV series “Star Trek,” a float recreating the U.S.S. Enterprise soared above the crowds, showcasing beloved memorabilia and scenes from the show’s rich history.
As the parade proceeded, the Explore Louisiana float highlighted the unique culture of gumbo-making, featuring a pelican chef who stirred a bubbling pot, engaging onlookers with its interactive display.
The Kiwanis International float, featuring a family of hippos at a watering hole, rounded off the parade with its playful charm, showcasing the creativity and dedication of its contributors.
This year’s Rose Parade not only celebrated creativity but also served as a reminder of community strength and resilience. As the floats made their way down Colorado Boulevard, they sparked joy and excitement among the crowd, making this annual event a cherished tradition.
Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from this spectacular event that celebrates both artistry and the spirit of the New Year.
