Arguably the most prominent parade in California, the annual Tournament of Roses Parade winds its way through the streets of Pasadena for the 129th time. The highlight of the parade is the dozens of floats, covered completely with flowers or other natural material, that each year grow in ingenuity and complexity.
Equestrian performances also thrill the crowds, and 16 exceptional marching bands make the cut to participate. More than a million spectators are expected to line the 5.5-mile route.
This year's theme is Making a Difference. The Grand Marshall is actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise.
Families wishing to view the parade can reserve seats in the grandstands ($48-95, children under 2 who will be sitting on a parent's lap do not require a ticket). Curbside viewing is also available on a first-come, first-served basis; you can start staking out your spot as early as noon the day before the parade.
In addition to the Parade itself, the floats can be viewed while they're being decorated or after the parade.
The parade's equestrian entertainers can be seen three days before the parade at Equestfest in Burbank.
(If you can't make it to Pasadena on New Year's Day, the parade can also be viewed locally on ABC, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, KTLA , NBC, RFD-TV and Univision.)
