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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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Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Los Angeles/Pasadena Area
Program Concludes
Los Angeles/Pasadena Area
Meals
13 ( 5B, 3L, 5D )
Activity Level
Welcome the new year by attending the annual Rose Parade®. It's the dazzling explosion of color, creativity and tradition that kicks off the New Year with a bang. It’s the flower-covered floats like moving masterpieces, bands marching to lively tunes and the palpable, infectious excitement of the crowd. It's the blend of nostalgia and spectacle, where every bloom tells a story, and every step feels like a celebration. The Rose Parade® in Pasadena, California, isn’t just a parade — it's a communal experience that brings people together.
Best of all, you'll...
  • 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 enrolls up 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.
Profile Image
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 the program
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.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (7 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.






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