UPDATE: The 137th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, just wrapped up, showcasing breathtaking floats that left audiences in awe on January 1, 2026. With meticulous planning and vibrant designs, this year’s parade featured standout entries that captivated crowds along Colorado Boulevard.
Among the highlights was the **San Francisco Travel Association** float, titled “Believe In San Francisco.” This spectacular entry, debuting at the parade, showcased over **100,000** blooms, including **15,000** fluorescent orange marigolds, forming oversized California poppies. The float paid homage to the rich culture of San Francisco, delighting spectators with its stunning visuals.
Visit Mississippi also made a splash with its float featuring a giant Kermit the Frog. Accompanied by a live musical performance from Mississippi-native Charlie Worsham, the float celebrated the iconic character’s roots in Leland, Mississippi, marking a heartwarming tribute to the beloved puppet.
The **America250** float was another crowd favorite, embodying the spirit of the nation as it marked the beginning of America’s **semiquincentennial** year. Measuring **55-feet long**, it depicted a lush landscape with three majestic bald eagles symbolizing the past, present, and future of the United States.
Trader Joe’s brought smiles with its creatively themed float, “You Float Our Boat!” showcasing an ice cream float and a giant fruit ship, captained by a parrot. This whimsical design was a hit among families, bringing joy to children and adults alike.
The **Cal Poly Universities** float, “Jungle Jumpstart,” captured the prestigious **2025 Sweepstakes Award** for most beautiful entry. Designed by students from Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, it featured rainforest animals working together to restore a robot, beautifully representing the theme “The Magic in Teamwork.”
In a poignant tribute, the California Community Foundation and the Black Freedom Fund honored the victims of the **2025 wildfires** with their float, “Rising Together.” Featuring **31 sunflowers** and a phoenix rising from the center, the float served as a powerful reminder of resilience and hope in the face of tragedy.
The UPS Store stunned viewers with its under-the-sea themed float, “Sharing Skills For Success,” featuring a **34-foot-tall** animatronic seahorse that set a new Guinness World Record as the largest animatronic fish ever. Adorned with **170,000** flowers, it mesmerized the audience and highlighted the creative spirit of the parade.
Celebrating **60 years** of Star Trek, the float “Space For Everybody” recreated the iconic U.S.S. Enterprise, transporting fans back to the beloved series. Other notable elements included representations of the Vasquez Rocks Natural Area, a frequent filming location for the show.
Explore Louisiana’s float, “Gulf to Gumbo,” showcased the culinary traditions of the state, featuring a pelican chef stirring a bubbling pot of gumbo. This entry emphasized community and the vibrant culture of Louisiana, drawing cheers from parade-goers.
Lastly, Kiwanis International featured a delightful quartet of hippos enjoying a moment at a watering hole, adding a playful touch to the parade. This float, “Happy Together,” was crafted with meticulous attention to detail, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of its designers.
The Rose Parade is not just a display of creativity; it’s a celebration of community spirit and resilience. As hundreds of thousands gathered to witness these stunning floats, the emotional impact and visual splendor made this year’s parade memorable.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Rose Parade as we continue to highlight the best moments and floats that captured the hearts of viewers worldwide.
