Help Decorate SF’s First Rose Parade Float in Nearly 50 Years (Dec. 19-21)

San Francisco Travel Association

San Francisco is gearing up for a big return to the 2026 Rose Parade with a brand new float that will roll through Pasadena on New Year’s Day. It is the city’s first official float entry in nearly five decades, and the public is invited to help build it.

From December 19 to 21, 2025, Union Square’s Winter Walk (Stockton Street between Post and O’Farrell) will turn into a public hands-on workshop where you can add your own touch to the 55 foot “Believe in San Francisco” float before it heads to Pasadena. No RSVP is needed, just show up ready to decorate.

Designed and built by Fiesta Productions Inc., the float is a giant floral tribute to the city. It features a 24 foot Golden Gate Bridge, Victorian Painted Ladies up to eight feet tall, a full 13 foot cable car, and Chinatown’s ten foot Dragon Gate. More than 50,000 flowers and natural materials will cover the entire build.

During the Winter Walk activation, guests can help decorate three of the float elements: an eight foot Painted Lady, plus the six foot tall letters S and F. All materials are supplied, including dried and organic elements like corn husks, sweet rice, silver dollar eucalyptus, and crushed yellow split peas.

The weekend kicks off with a ribbon cutting on Friday, December 19, 2025 at 11 am on Stockton Street between Geary and O’Farrell Streets. Kids will decorate the first pieces during the opening event, then the public can join in from 11 am to 9 pm daily through December 21. It is also the final weekend of Winter Walk, which brings twinkling lights, festive décor, live entertainment, seasonal treats, and holiday shopping to several blocks of Union Square. Decorating the float is just one part of the celebration.

The “Believe in San Francisco” float will make its official debut at the 137th Rose Parade on New Year’s Day, joining one of the country’s most watched holiday traditions.

Read more