New Year’s Day for many is steeped in traditions. Special foods, songs and even smells can, in an instant, connect across time and space as we ring in each new year.

In my family, we get all of our laundry done before New Year’s Day because, the saying goes, “you will wash someone out of the family” if you do not. We eat black-eyed peas and greens for good luck, while some families eat 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve. This old Spanish tradition is called “las doce uvas de la suerte,” or “the 12 grapes of luck.” 

We perform these traditions in hopes of stepping into a new year better than the previous. While the cuisines and gestures may vary across family and cultural lines, one constant has remained for countless families: the Tournament of Roses (mostly referred to as the Rose Parade) held every New Year’s Day in Pasadena. Founded in 1890 by the Valley Hunt Club (a private social club), this elaborate event was initially created to showcase California’s enviable weather and blooming flowers. Over the years, it has grown into a spectacle of creativity, art and community.

This year’s parade will feature 20 bands, from local favorites to musicians from Denmark. For more than a century, the Rose Parade has been the steady drumbeat ushering us into the New Year. With high-stepping equestrians, bands and flower-adorned floats, spectators line Pasadena’s Colorado Boulevard to welcome the year ahead with open arms. 

If you’re one of the many who want to get a glimpse of this cherished celebration, check out this guide to have the “best day ever,” which is the parade’s theme for 2025. With a little planning, patience and maybe even a little superstition, your New Year’s Day will be just that!

Get up close and personal 

If you’d like to get a sneak peek into how these ordinary flowers are transformed into breathtaking works of art on the floats, you can check out the annual Decorating Places at the Rosemont Pavilion. Held Dec. 28-31, you’ll catch professionals and volunteers applying the final touches to their grand works. Tickets are $20 (free for ages 5 and under).

A fun fact and rule that all float designers must follow is that the float decorations need to be from natural materials that have not been altered. Some materials that have been used on floats include seeds, mushrooms, oranges and beans.

What to bring

January mornings in Pasadena can be relatively chilly, so it’s a great idea to dress in layers. While the mornings pack a chill, the sun’s rays are always there, so do lather on sunscreen and pack extra in your bag. If you’re not purchasing a seat, bring your own chair or a blanket so you and your family can take in the festivities comfortably.

If you prefer reserved seats, consider purchasing a ticket for grandstand seating. The benches are cold, so bring a cushion or blanket to brace your bottom from the frostiness.

One of things I’ve learned since becoming a mom is to never leave the house without snacks and water. Although there will be food trucks along the route, there may also be long lines — and a “hangry” meltdown can happen to anyone.

How to get there and where to park

If you decide to drive, arrive early and opt for parking lots further away from the main route, as they may provide easier exits after the event. Paid parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis through local parking vendors. Public transportation is available for parade day.

The Metro A line (formerly the Gold line) provides several options to access the parade route. Metrolink also will provide a special early train on the day of the parade. Ticket holders for grandstand seating will need to arrive at their designated seating area by 6:30 a.m.

Reserved parking options

According to the Tournament of Roses website, reserved parking for automobiles, buses and recreational vehicles is available for purchase through the following:

Sharp Seating Company: 626.795.4171

Colorado Boulevard Parking: 858.692.0868 or 949.295.6537

City of Pasadena: 626.744.6470

LAZ Parking: 626.578.1705

Easy Parking Service: 626.286.7576

AP Parking: 858.692.0868

Paid parking is also offered on a first-come, first-served basis at various lots and parking structures near the parade route.

Post-parade festivities

The Rose Bowl, officially known as the College Football Playoff Quarterfinals, clash of titans is the culmination of college football season. The winner will receive the Leishman Trophy, which is named after William L. Leishman, the former Tournament of Roses president responsible for the construction of the Rose Bowl Stadium. The football game kicks off at 2 p.m. Other post-parade festivities include:

Floatfest: A Rose Parade Showcase. If you didn’t get to see the floats ahead of the parade, you can view them up close and in person after the parade ends. Floatfest is scheduled to take place from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 1 and from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. (for seniors and people with mobility disabilities) and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 2. There are no skates, bicycles, wagons or pets allowed at this event.

Food Fare: Presented by Dine Out Lauderdale, this food extravaganza will feature food from Los Angeles food trucks as well as some of South Florida’s cuisine.

In addition to these activities, you can explore the local shops and restaurants and visit the many historical sites in the area; there is no shortage of entertainment. 

On that (likely-to-be) crisp first day of January — as cymbals clasp, equestrians step and many of us ponder new resolutions — for a moment we will all share the same vulnerable space of not really knowing what lies ahead of us while being excited about the possibilities. Whether attending the Rose Parade is something you’ve wanted to check off your bucket list or a tradition you and your family already enjoy, it’s a reminder to cherish once-in-a-lifetime moments. 

Here’s to a 2025 filled with hope, growth and the courage to bloom. 

Cherie Cofer is a writer, mom, educator and frequent contributing writer for L.A. Parent.