Pasadena Tournament of Roses Offers Third Sneak Peek at 2025 Rose Parade Floats

As the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® prepares for the 136th Rose Parade® presented by Honda, we’re excited to unveil the third Sneak Peek of the spectacular floral floats set to captivate a global audience on January 1, 2025. Since 1890, Rose Parade floats have brought unique themes and stories to life through beautiful floral designs, and this year’s theme, “Best Day Ever!,” is no exception.

This year’s vibrant entries from Coding for Veterans, CORE Kidney, Kaiser Permanente, Rose Court, Sierra Madre and the U.S. Army will travel the 5 ½-mile Parade route, delivering colorful and symbolic storytelling. These magnificent creations are sure to enchant millions of viewers both streetside and worldwide as they celebrate Pasadena’s iconic America’s New Year Celebration®.

Coding for Veterans – Phoenix Decorating Company (Pictured above)

Coding for Veterans’ float, “Coming Home to New Beginnings,” celebrates the transition from military service to new civilian careers in technology. Featuring both the USA and Canada flags, and elements representing each branch of the military, the float symbolizes veterans’ shift from the battlefield to cyberspace, underscoring the organization’s mission of retraining veterans in software development and cybersecurity. A section of the float called “Dedication Garden” features flowers that members of the public have purchased, along with sharing a heartfelt message of support on the digital wall, thanking a loved one for their service and dedication as a member of the Armed forces. Coding for Veterans, in partnership with the University of Ottawa, offers a 100 percent online, instructor-led, self-paced, flexible program that gives veterans an opportunity to join the tech industry and start a career in software development and cyber security. This float highlights the opportunity for veterans to begin a “New Day” in the tech industry while raising awareness for employers about the value of hiring program graduates.

CORE Kidney – Phoenix Decorating Company

CORE Kidney’s float “It’s In Your Hands: It Takes 2” promotes vital kidney health awareness, spotlighting the power of complete testing through both blood and urine tests for those at-risk of kidney disease. Leading the float, two cupped hands cradle a blooming lotus, symbolizing care and renewal, while an intricately detailed hummingbird flutters overhead. Behind the lotus, a pair of trees resembling kidneys frame a doctor and patient duo to represent the power of partnership when it comes to kidney health. A floral pathway with boomboxes — playing “It Takes 2 – The Remix” by Rob Base — guides the way to a trellised gazebo. Dr. Anjay Rastogi from UCLA Health’s CORE Kidney Program rides alongside kidney patients and donors, emphasizing the importance of screenings and honoring the generosity of donors. This heartfelt floral display brings kidney health awareness to life with color, sound and hope, with the reminder that when caring for kidneys, It Takes 2.

Kaiser Permanente – Phoenix Decorating Company

Kaiser Permanente believes everyone should have the opportunity to live their best, healthiest life every day. The 2025 Rose Parade float, “More Healthy Days for More Healthy Years,” demonstrates the ways Kaiser Permanente is empowering members and communities to stay active, eat well, and achieve total health — body, mind, and spirit.

Framed by a radiant sun and calming moon, the Kaiser Permanente float showcases a full day of fun and healthy activities. The float design embodies the vital role that nutritious foods, physical activity, and mental wellness play in our lives. The float is decorated in a colorful floral dreamscape featuring Kaiser Permanente care teams supporting people of all ages and abilities as they eat, exercise, meditate, move, and play together in pursuit of health.

Kaiser Permanente is a lifelong partner in helping people feel their best with personalized, compassionate care. Kaiser Permanente’s care teams work together to keep members and communities healthy, allowing for more days and years spent doing what they love.

Rose Court – Phoenix Decorating Company

The 106th Rose Queen, Lindsay Charles and the 2025 Rose Court seated on the float, from left to right— Lisette Parker, Saniyah Brunston, Lara Georgian, Rose Queen Lindsay Charles, Natalia Pradhan, Simone Ball and Kate Kelly—are presented gracefully beneath a dazzling jeweled crown canopy sitting upon tailored rose gardens. This captivating floral masterpiece showcases the elegance of the Rose Queen and the Rose Court. The float is adorned with intricate details like white mums, pink roses and delicate carnations. The floor, embellished with yellow and gold mums, leads to a central pathway of shiny grey silverleaf, guiding up to the float’s magnificent crown. This enchanting floral masterpiece is accented with vibrant elfin pink mums and heart shaped symbolism showcasing the Court’s camaraderie and unity. Please give your best wave as we honor and celebrate the 2025 Rose Court!

This year’s Rose Court float is presented by Pasadena City College

Since 1924, Pasadena City College has provided the San Gabriel Valley with a high-quality, innovative learning environment that inspires student success. Pasadena City College is celebrating its centennial anniversary.

Sierra Madre Rose Float Association – Sierra Madre Rose Float Association

The Sierra Madre Rose Float Association’s float, “¡Fiesta!,” brings a bold celebration to life, featuring a beautiful flower-filled courtyard adorned with a floral fountain and piñata-filled trees. The float features a memorial garden with commemorative rose vials, leading to a lively plaza where partygoers enjoy the festivities. The Grammy Award-winning Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea is at the heart of the celebration, performing live on the float’s stage. At the same time, the Ballet Folklorico de Los Angeles dancers bring the rhythm as they walk alongside the float. Colorful Papel picado flags flutter above the archway alongside a succulent garden and a broken piñata spilling candy. The succulent garden and pots include croton, gravalia, anthurium and bird of paradise. With more than 37,000 flowers, including roses, orchids and protea, this float is a burst of color and culture. A fiesta like no other, it perfectly captures the celebration of a “Best Day Ever” through music, dance and community.

U.S. Army – Artistic Entertainment Services

Commemorating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, the float “This We’ll Defend: 250 Years of Service” celebrates the Army’s history and commitment to safeguarding the nation. Leading the procession, the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, dressed in Revolutionary War uniforms, plays patriotic melodies along the route. The float features a powerful timeline of service, beginning with a resolute statue of George Washington, honoring the sacrifices of the early Continental Army. Appointed in 1775, Washington’s leadership secured America’s victory at Yorktown and independence in 1781. The timeline continues through monumental moments of Army history along a bed of black and gold florals representing the official Army colors. According to the Army Institute of Heraldry, black symbolizes knowledge and jurisprudence, while gold symbolizes achievement and honor. Outwalkers, wearing uniforms from different eras, proudly represent the Army’s diversity and resilience. This touching tribute captures the Army’s evolution while honoring its steadfast motto, “This We’ll Defend,” as a reminder of the courage and dedication of the men and women who serve.

“Join us on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, to experience the awe and wonder of the floats, bands and equestrian units of the 136th Rose Parade presented by Honda”.

For more information, please contact Candy Carlson – CCarlson@tournamentofroses.com, 310-749-2820.