Pasadena Fire and Police Departments Issue Rose Parade Rules and Safety Tips

With the 137th Rose Parade and 112th Rose Bowl Game set for Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, Pasadena’s fire and police departments have issued rules and safety guidelines for the thousands of overnight campers expected along the 5½-mile parade route on Colorado Boulevard. Officials said the rules are intended to keep the event safe and orderly.

Colorado Boulevard will once again close to motor vehicles earlier than in prior years, beginning at 10 p.m. Dec. 31 and reopening by 2 p.m. Jan. 1. Residents hosting New Year’s Eve events or expecting deliveries must plan for access before 10 p.m. or arrange alternate parking and walk in.

Safety Guidelines for Parade Watchers

Overnight camping is permitted only on Dec. 31. Parade watchers may begin holding sidewalk positions at noon that day, but personal items must remain on the curb until 11 p.m. Spectators may then move to the blue “Honor Line,” but not beyond it.

Small, professionally manufactured barbecues elevated at least one foot off the ground are allowed if placed 25 feet from buildings or combustibles, with a fire extinguisher nearby. Minors under 18 must be supervised by an adult between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Officials urged attendees to dress for cold weather, noting that children and seniors may need extra layers to avoid hypothermia. Hats and gloves are recommended. Parade watchers are also advised to drink healthy fluids and consume nourishing meals to avoid dehydration, and to report suspicious activity under the “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign.

In case of emergency, residents should call 9-1-1 and provide cross streets. For non-emergencies, the Pasadena Police Department can be reached at (626) 744-4241.

Prohibited Activities

Authorities emphasized that unapproved parade participation is prohibited. Tents, sofas, boxes used as stools or seats, and unoccupied chairs are not allowed; unoccupied chairs will be removed from the parade route.

Spectators may not use spray paint, tape, rope or other materials to save spots, especially where it damages grass on the east end of the parade. Bonfires are strictly prohibited and considered “illegal burns.” All fireworks are banned (except authorized as part of official scheduled events).

No items may be sold along the parade route without a City permit. Selling space along the route, other than grandstand seating, is illegal. It is also illegal to buy, sell or give away horns on the parade route.

Public areas — sidewalks, curbs, gutters, streets or ramps — may not be blocked or roped off. Ladders or scaffolding may not be used for elevation. Pets are not recommended along the parade; officials advise keeping them safe at home.

Throwing any object into the parade or at passing vehicles or pedestrians is prohibited. This includes seemingly harmless items such as tortillas, marshmallows or flowers. Violators will be cited and their property will be seized.

Unauthorized vehicles obstructing emergency lanes or parked in restricted areas will be towed at owners’ expense. No exceptions will be made. Open containers of alcohol are illegal on public streets, sidewalks and other public areas. Violators will be cited or arrested.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) will be in place for both the parade and the Rose Bowl Game. Anyone who attempts to fly a drone will be subject to fine, arrest and/or imprisonment. Information about the TFR and federal drone regulations is available at Faa.gov.

Public Health and Security Measures

The Pasadena Fire Department noted it responds to more than twice the usual number of calls on parade day, including hypothermia, illegal burning, miscellaneous medical issues, assaults and alcohol-related incidents.

Smoking policies under Pasadena Municipal Code section 8.78.071 (A) 4 prohibit smoking at outdoor public gathering events, including cannabis and vaping devices (e-cigarettes). The public is advised not to use vaping products.

Enhanced security will include police officers resolving problems quickly and removing anyone who violates the law or disturbs the peace. Police canine teams will also patrol Colorado Boulevard.

Additional Events and Resources

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses and lululemon will host the third annual “Run with the Roses” 5K at 11:59 p.m. Dec. 31 along the parade route. The race serves as the official kickoff to the 137th Rose Parade presented by Honda.

Visit Pasadena will operate a visitor hotline at (877) 793-9911 from Dec. 18 through Jan. 2, with weekday hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekend hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A digital 2025 Visitors Guide is also available.

Here’s a hand list of the Do’s and Don’ts:

What You Can Do:

• Overnight camping is permitted only on the night of Wednesday, December 31
• A position on the sidewalk may be maintained along the parade route beginning at noon, December 31. All persons and property, such as blankets, chairs and personal items, must remain on the curb until 11 p.m. At that time, spectators may move out to the blue “Honor Line” but not past it.
• Small, professionally-manufactured barbecues elevated at least 1 foot off the ground are allowed on the parade route as long as they are 25 feet from buildings and other combustibles. A fire extinguisher must be readily available.
• Minors under the age of 18 may be on the parade route from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. only if they are supervised by an adult.
• Dress for cold weather! Children and seniors may need extra layers of clothing to avoid hypothermia. Remember hats and gloves.
• Drink healthy fluids and consume nourishing meals to avoid dehydration.
• “If You See Something, Say Something®.” Report suspicious activities and packages to emergency authorities along the parade route.
• In case of emergency, call 9-1-1 and know the cross streets from where you are calling. For non-emergencies, call (626) 744-4241.

What You Can’t Do:

• Appearance in the parade is prohibited for any entries/marchers who have not been approved by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses®. Stay off the street and do not pass the blue “Honor Line.”
• Tents, sofas, and boxes of any type that can be used as stools or seats are prohibited along the route.
• Unoccupied chairs are not allowed and will be removed from the parade route.
• Do not use spray paint, tape, rope or any materials to save spots especially causing it to kill the grass on the east-end of the Parade
• Bonfires are strictly prohibited and considered “illegal burns.”
• ALL fireworks are prohibited except as part of official scheduled events.
• No items may be sold along the parade route without a City permit. Selling space along the parade route, other than grandstand seating, is illegal. It is illegal to buy, sell or give away horns on the parade route.
• No public areas—sidewalks, curbs, gutters, streets or ramps—may be blocked or roped off.
• No ladders or scaffolding may be used as elevation for viewing the activities.
• Pets are not recommended along the parade; keep them safe at home!
• Throwing any object into the parade—or at passing vehicles or pedestrians the night before the parade—is dangerous and prohibited. Violators will be cited and their property will be seized.
• Unauthorized vehicles obstructing emergency travel lanes or parked in restricted areas will be towed at owners’ expense. No exceptions.
• Open containers of alcohol are illegal on public streets, sidewalks and all other public areas. Violators will be cited or arrested.
• The throwing of any objects into the roadway or parade route, including seemingly harmless items as tortillas, marshmallows, or flowers, is prohibited.
• A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) will be in place for both the parade and Rose Bowl Game. Anyone who attempts to fly a drone will be subject to fine, arrest and/or imprisonment. Information about the TFR and all federal drone regulations can be found on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) website: Faa.gov