UPDATE: The 137th Rose Parade dazzled onlookers today, January 1, 2026, in Pasadena, California, showcasing a stunning array of floats that left lasting impressions. The event featured an impressive lineup of entries, each crafted with meticulous detail and vibrant floral displays, celebrating creativity and community spirit.
This year, the parade was marked by an emotional tribute to wildfire victims from early 2025, alongside innovative designs that captivated the audience. The Pasadena Star-News captured the essence of the event, highlighting standout floats that received special recognition.
The San Francisco Travel Association made a splash with its inaugural float, “Believe In San Francisco,” adorned with over 100,000 blooms, including 15,000 fluorescent orange marigolds. The float brought the iconic sights of San Francisco to life, including cable cars and the Golden Gate Bridge, delighting the crowd as it glided down Colorado Boulevard.
Another fan favorite, the float from Visit Mississippi, featured a giant Kermit the Frog, accompanied by a live musical performance from Mississippi-native Charlie Worsham. This entry, themed “Mississippi: Where Creativity Blooms,” paid homage to the beloved character’s roots, captivating parade-goers with its charm.
In a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the America250 float, “Soaring Onward Together for 250 Years,” showcased three majestic bald eagles and a stunning landscape, symbolizing the nation’s past, present, and future. The float spanned an impressive 55 feet and highlighted the country’s natural beauty.
Trader Joe’s added a whimsical touch with its float “You Float Our Boat!” featuring an ice cream-themed design and a giant fruit ship captained by a parrot. This playful creation brought smiles to many as it made its way through the parade route.
Highlighting the theme of teamwork, the Cal Poly Universities float, “Jungle Jumpstart,” received the prestigious 2025 Sweepstakes Award for most beautiful entry. Designed by students, the float depicted rainforest animals collaborating to restore an old robot, embodying the spirit of innovation and creativity.
A poignant moment came from the float “Rising Together,” created by the California Community Foundation and the Black Freedom Fund. This entry featured a phoenix rising from the center, symbolizing hope and resilience in memory of those lost in the 2025 wildfires. The float included 31 sunflowers, each representing a life impacted by the tragedy.
The UPS Store set a new Guinness World Record for the largest animatronic fish with its under-the-sea themed float, “Sharing Skills For Success,” featuring a magnificent 34-foot-tall seahorse leading a synchronized swimming routine. This float was adorned with a staggering 170,000 flowers, showcasing the impressive craftsmanship involved.
Celebrating the legacy of “Star Trek,” the float “Space For Everybody” recreated the U.S.S. Enterprise, complete with iconic elements from the series. This entry served as a nod to the show’s 60th anniversary, attracting fans and newcomers alike.
Finally, the float “Gulf to Gumbo” from Explore Louisiana showcased the state’s rich culinary culture, featuring a pelican chef stirring a bubbling pot of gumbo. This entry highlighted the collaborative efforts of Louisiana’s fishermen, farmers, and chefs.
As the parade wrapped up, the vibrant displays and emotional tributes resonated with spectators, leaving them eager to share their experiences and favorites on social media. The 2026 Rose Parade once again proved to be a celebration of creativity, community, and resilience, setting a high bar for years to come.
For those who missed the live event, stay tuned for more updates and highlights from the enchanting floats that stole the show!
