how to watch rose parade 2026

The 2026 Rose Parade will air live on major U.S. TV networks (like ABC, NBC, FOX, CNN, KTLA, Telemundo, and Univision) and will also be streamed for free on multiple official platforms, including an “official livestream” available worldwide. It starts at 8 a.m. Pacific Time on Thursday, January 1, 2026, from Pasadena, California.

Quick Scoop: Basics

• Date & time: January 1, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. PT (11:00 a.m. ET).

• Location: Pasadena, California (Tournament of Roses / Rose Parade).

• Theme: The 137th Rose Parade celebrates “The Magic in Teamwork.”

Watching options break down into three main buckets: traditional TV, official livestreams, and live TV streaming services.

Watch on Regular TV (U.S.)

If you have an antenna, cable, or satellite, this is the most straightforward path.

• Broadcast & cable channels carrying the 2026 Rose Parade include:
  • ABC, NBC, FOX, CNN, Great American Family, KTLA 5 (Los Angeles), Telemundo, Univision.

• Local LA-style coverage: KTLA 5 is known for a more relaxed, local, often commercial‑light or commercial‑free broadcast and is frequently syndicated and streamed online.

• Antenna option: A basic digital antenna will pull in the big broadcast networks (ABC, NBC, FOX, Univision, etc.) for free in most U.S. markets.

If you simply turn on any of these channels a few minutes before 8 a.m. PT on New Year’s morning, you’ll be set.

Official Livestreams (Worldwide)

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses runs an official livestream that shows every float, band, and equestrian unit along the full 5½‑mile route. This is ideal if you are outside the U.S., cord‑cutting, or prefer streaming.

• Official Tournament of Roses livestream:
  • Streams the entire 2026 Rose Parade, starting at 8 a.m. PT.

* Remains available on most platforms through at least January 14, 2026, and up to a year on some.

• Streaming platforms carrying the official feed include:
  • Pluto TV, Samsung TV Plus, Fubo Sports Network, Christmas Plus, Dooya, GFam+, Great American Pure Flix, and other listed FAST-style services.

• Devices: These apps are available on many smart TVs (Roku TV, Samsung, LG, Vizio, etc.), streaming sticks (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast), mobile apps, and web browsers.

If you have a smart TV or a streaming stick, you can typically just search inside the app store for Pluto TV , Samsung TV Plus , or Great American Pure Flix , then look for the Rose Parade / Christmas or live event channel around start time.

Live TV Streaming Services (Cord‑Cutters)

If you have cut the cord but still want a “regular TV channel” experience, several live TV streaming bundles carry the networks airing the parade.

• Common services that usually have ABC and NBC (and sometimes FOX/CNN):
  • Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Fubo, DIRECTV streaming packages, Sling (in select markets), and similar bundles.

• Free trials & promos:
  • Many of these services periodically offer free trials long enough to cover New Year’s Day or short promotional rates.

You generally:

1. Sign up for a trial (if available).

2. Confirm your local ABC/NBC/FOX/CNN are included in your ZIP/postal code.

3. Open the service’s app on your smart TV/phone and tune in to your preferred channel by 8 a.m. PT.

In‑Person & Extra Tips

If you are thinking beyond “how to watch” and might go in person, or just want to make a small New Year’s event out of it, a few extra notes help.

• In‑person attendance:
  • Official grandstand seating and FAQs (arrival times, parking, prohibited items, accessibility) are handled through authorized ticket partners and the Tournament of Roses.

• Local info & safety:
  • Visit Pasadena and the Pasadena visitor hotline share guidance on parade route, transit, and nearby activities.

• Watch party idea:
  • Some education and activity resources suggest turning the parade into a New Year’s watch party with themed snacks and Rose Parade trivia for kids or guests.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.