The city whose New Year’s Eve celebration is followed by the annual Rose Parade is Pasadena, California.
The Tournament of Roses Parade is held in Pasadena on January 1, except when January 1 falls on a Sunday; in that case, it is held on January 2. The event features decorated floats, marching bands, and equestrian units traveling along Colorado Boulevard. Its connection to New Year’s celebrations makes Pasadena an important destination during the holiday period.
The first parade took place in 1890. Members of Pasadena’s Valley Hunt Club created it to promote Southern California’s mild winter climate, contrasting it with the snowy conditions familiar to many Americans in the eastern United States. The event later grew into the Tournament of Roses.
The Rose Bowl football game is also associated with Pasadena and is traditionally played on or around New Year’s Day. The parade and the game are related to the Tournament of Roses organization but are separate events. The city’s parade is not held on December 31 itself.