[photo credit: Sharp Seating]
Decorating Places, running December 28 through 30 at Rosemont Pavilion in Pasadena, opens its gates to show how these floral masterpieces take shape.
“Before they make their grand debut in the Rose Parade, floats get their final touches at Decorating Places,” the Tournament of Roses explains. “This special event gives you a one-of-a-kind opportunity to preview the parade entries up close and see firsthand how these stunning floats are created.”
During the three-day window, visitors observe the stages of decoration and encounter fruits, seeds, bark, grasses and flowers being affixed to the floats by volunteers and seasoned professionals, according to event descriptions.
The event draws talent including Charles Meier of Fiesta Parade Floats, the youngest Rose Parade float designer, who designed his first float at age 13 and maintains a 92 percent award-winning rate. Craig Bugajski, CEO of Artistic Entertainment Services, oversees 150 California employees and 80 in Florida. Katie McCormick serves as assistant floral director, while student Ngoc Han Le’s design “Honey, You’re a Star” was selected for Alhambra’s 2026 float.
Decorating Places will run Sunday through Tuesday, December 28 to 30. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. December 28; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. December 29; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. December 30. Rosemont Pavilion, 700 Seco Street, Pasadena. For more call (626) 449-4100 or visit https://tickets.sharpseating.com/p/tickets11/events/decorating-places. Tickets: $21.50 per person, children five and under free.
