At a Glance
- Rose Parade floats open Jan. 3, tickets online.
- Theater shows: ‘The Most Tony-Nominated Play of All Time’ ends Jan. 2, ‘The Notebook’ starts Jan. 6.
- Star Wars trilogy premieres Jan. 3 at Egyptian Theatre; Bowers Museum festival on Jan. 4.
- Why it matters: Families and locals can plan outings for the first week of January.
As January rolls in, Southern California brims with winter-season events, from dazzling Rose Parade floats to classic Star Wars screenings and blooming gardens. Visitors can line up for tickets, explore local botanical wonders, and catch a mix of theater and family festivals-all in the first week of the year.
Rose Parade Floats
The 2026 Rose Parade floats will debut on Jan. 3 at the intersection of E. Sierra Madre and Washington Boulevards in Pasadena. Advance tickets must be purchased online. Food Fare trucks will be back, offering a culinary spread.
Botanical Blooms
While the floats flaunt floral designs, nearby gardens showcase winter blooms. Camellias, roses, and other cold-weather favorites can be seen at Descanso Gardens, The Huntington, LA Arboretum, and South Coast Botanic Garden-check weather and schedules before visiting.
Theater Highlights
The Pantages Theatre will close its run of ‘The Most Tony-Nominated Play of All Time’ on Jan. 2, then open ‘The Notebook’ on Jan. 6 at the Hollywood landmark.
Bowers Museum Festival
The Bowers Museum in Santa Ana will host a free family festival on Jan. 4, featuring Bollywood music, performances, and Indian woodblock printing in the Key Courtyard-weather-check advised.
Star Wars Screenings
The Egyptian Theatre will show the Star Wars trilogy-A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi-starting at 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 3. Each film requires a separate ticket.
Seasonal Celebrations
Gingerbread-themed displays and peppermint treats light up Knott’s Merry Farm, Disneyland Resort, and the Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens for a few more days and nights.
Key Takeaways
- Rose Parade floats begin Jan. 3; tickets online.
- Theater shows and Star Wars screenings cluster around Jan. 3–Jan. 6.
- Bowers Museum offers a free Bollywood-themed family festival on Jan. 4.
With so many attractions clustered in the first week of January, Southern California residents and visitors have plenty of reasons to celebrate the new year in style.
