California

Rose Parade®: A Heritage to Celebrate

Program No. 10515RJ
Celebrate New Year’s Day at the Rose Parade® in Pasadena, learning about the parade’s history, watching award-winning bands and helping decorate a signature Rose Parade® float.

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6 days
5 nights
13 meals
5B 3L 5D
2
Rose Parade® Float Decorating
Los Angeles/Pasadena Area
3
Past Queen, Bandfest, Equestrian Unit
Los Angeles/Pasadena Area
5
The Rose Parade®
Los Angeles/Pasadena Area
6
Floatfest, Program Concludes
Los Angeles/Pasadena Area
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At a Glance

New Year’s Eve belongs to Times Square but New Year’s Day is all California’s and Pasadena’s with the Rose Parade®! Welcome the new year by attending the annual Rose Parade® and delight in the tradition and pageantry of magnificent floral floats, high-stepping equestrians and spirited marching bands.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to one mile per day, standing for several hours, climbing stairs and sitting on bleacher seats without backs. Bandfest, Rose Parade®, and Floatfest occur rain or shine, be prepared to enjoy these events in wet weather.

What You'll Learn

  • Learn the fascinating history of the parade from a Tournament of Roses® insider and hear from a past Rose Queen about her reign.
  • Attend Bandfest to watch the performances and shows.
  • Become a part of the spectacle as you help decorate one of the elaborate Rose Parade® floats, attend the parade itself and view floats up close after the parade.

General Notes

One of the most popular events, this event draws large crowds with about 1 million people viewing the parade in person each year. This is also a popular program for Road Scholar which makes it a large group program. The program is limited to 600 people divided between two hotels. Participants will be with the large group for most of the activities and lectures, participants will be divided into smaller groups for orientation and travel to activities. If you are interested in seeing the Rose Parade® in a smaller group, take a look "The Best of California: The Reagan Library to the Channel Islands" (#14491) that also begins on December 28, 2023.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Julie King
Julie Myers King, the 1988 Tournament of Roses® Queen, is currently is a marketing and client services specialist for the financial planning firm Hesen & Haslam. A graduate of UCLA, King is a member of UCLA Gold Shield Alumnae, and served as president of the UCLA Parents' Council Emeriti. She is active with the Boy Scouts and is proud to be the mother of three Eagle Scouts. She also has a passion for music and plays the French horn.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Julie King
Julie King View biography
Julie Myers King, the 1988 Tournament of Roses® Queen, is currently is a marketing and client services specialist for the financial planning firm Hesen & Haslam. A graduate of UCLA, King is a member of UCLA Gold Shield Alumnae, and served as president of the UCLA Parents' Council Emeriti. She is active with the Boy Scouts and is proud to be the mother of three Eagle Scouts. She also has a passion for music and plays the French horn.
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