Rose Parade 2025 celebrates life's joyful moments with 'Best Day Ever' theme

We rang in 2025 at the world-renowned Rose Parade in Pasadena!

FOX 11 provided live coverage as Christine Devine and Elex Michaelson took us along the parade route on Colorado Boulevard for a front-row seat to the floats, music, and excitement of the iconic tradition.

About the Rose Parade

For millions worldwide, the Rose Parade is an iconic New Year’s Day celebration. Featuring floral-covered floats, equestrian units, marching bands, and Tournament Entries, the event showcases artistry, tradition, and community spirit.

Dating back to 1890, the parade has evolved from showcasing flower-adorned, horse-drawn carriages to featuring floats that blend cutting-edge technology with all-natural materials. The Tournament of Roses also relies on 935 dedicated volunteers, known as "White Suiters," who contribute more than 80,000 hours annually to make the event a success.

Rose Parade Route

The 5 ½-mile parade route began at Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard in Pasadena, traveled north, and then turned east onto Colorado Boulevard, where most spectators gather. It concluded at Villa Street after turning north on Sierra Madre Boulevard.

How to Watch

FOX 11 provided live coverage of the Rose Parade beginning at 4 a.m. New Year’s Day on Good Day LA, with a Rose Parade Special airing at 7:30 a.m. The Rose Parade then started at 8 a.m. and FOX 11 carried the parade in its entirety through 10 a.m.

You can also stream the parade LIVE on foxla.com, the FOX LOCAL app, or FOX 11's YouTube page.

What’s FOX LOCAL? It's FOX 11's new mobile app! Where free live news, Good Day LA, local breaking news, and more are all within reach! Watch wherever — and whenever you want… on your phone, tablet, or connected TV!

Rose Parade Tickets

Rose Parade tickets ranged from $75–$125 per seat, depending on the view, location, and side of the street. Tickets were available for purchase online through Sharp Seating. All seats along the parade route were reserved and numbered.

Transportation and Parking

Skip the traffic by taking advantage of public transportation. Metro’s A Line offers access to key locations along the parade route, with stations at Del Mar, Memorial Park, Lake, and Allen. Special Metrolink train services on select lines will also run early for parade-goers.

For more details on Metro routes and schedules, visit metro.net/roseparade or follow @metrolaalerts on X. Additional options include rideshare services or drop-off points in Pasadena.

2025 Rose Parade Theme and Grand Marshal

The 2025 Rose Parade, themed "Best Day Ever!," celebrates life’s joyful moments, from simple pleasures to extraordinary experiences. Tournament of Roses President Ed Morales announced the theme, emphasizing the importance of family, friends, and community in creating cherished memories.

Tennis legend Billie Jean King served as the 2025 Grand Marshal. King, a trailblazer for equality and an icon in sports, was introduced as Grand Marshal to the tune of Elton John’s "Philadelphia Freedom," a song written in her honor. Her selection aligns perfectly with this year’s celebratory theme.

For additional information, visit tournamentofroses.com.

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