The iconic Rose Parade is set to welcome 2026 with a spectacular display of floats, music, and community spirit, but this year's event in Pasadena, California, comes with a dramatic weather twist. The 137th Tournament of Roses Parade, scheduled for Thursday, January 1, 2026, is preparing for rare New Year's Day rain and possible thunderstorms, breaking a nearly two-decade-long dry streak for the parade.
When and How to Watch the Rose Parade 2026
The parade is a global spectacle, and viewers in India and worldwide have multiple options to catch the live action. The procession kicks off at 8 a.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST), which translates to 11 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). The celebration runs for approximately two hours, concluding around 1 p.m. ET.
The floral floats, marching bands, and equestrian units will travel the famous five-and-a-half-mile route along Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena. For those tuning in from home, the broadcast will be available on several major networks.
Where to watch on TV:
- ABC
- CNN
- Fox
- NBC
- Great American Family
- KTLA
- Telemundo
- Univision
For a more immersive and complete viewing experience, the official livestream is the best bet. It will cover the entire parade route and all 85 units, often providing angles not shown on traditional TV. The livestream will be available on platforms like Pluto TV, Samsung TV Plus, Fubo Sports Network, and Great American Pure Flix.
In a nod to modern viewing habits, the parade will also be streamed live on TikTok LIVE for the very first time.
Hosts and the Unpredictable Weather Forecast
The official two-hour livestream will be guided by a dynamic hosting team. Darren M. Haynes, a 13-time Emmy Award-winning sports anchor, will be joined by actress and Gen Z content creator Pressley Hosbach. Adding her comedic flair to the broadcast this year is Emmy-winning comedian and author Loni Love.
However, the big story overshadowing the preparations is the weather. AccuWeather forecasts periods of rain, heavy downpours, and a chance of thunderstorms for New Year's Day. "It's looking like a wet one," said AccuWeather meteorologist John Feerick, acknowledging that thunder is a real possibility.
Organizers have assured the public that the parade will go on rain or shine. They have implemented several precautions: delicate floral details on floats have been covered, convertible tops for VIPs like grand marshal Earvin "Magic" Johnson will be raised, and tents are prohibited along the route. Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin emphasized that officials will monitor the National Weather Service in real-time, with public safety as the top priority.
The Spirit of Teamwork Shines Through
Despite the forecast, the spirit of the parade remains undampened. The 2026 theme, "The Magic of Teamwork," celebrates collaboration and community. This was embodied on the "Rising Together" float, which featured survivors of the Eaton Fire—Ruben Rodriguez, Shimica Gaskins, and Gina Clayton-Johnson—who sat on the float during judging on December 31, 2025.
The parade is a testament to the hard work of thousands of volunteers who build the elaborate floral displays. While the rare wet weather adds an unexpected chapter to the parade's long history, it also highlights the resilience and preparedness of the organizers dedicated to continuing this beloved New Year's tradition for millions of viewers across the globe.
