Ring in the New Year Rose Parade

Day 1: Gurnee, IL

Your holiday begins with a comfortable motorcoach ride south toward Chicago. Settle into your seat, enjoy friendly conversation, and watch winter landscapes roll past your window. This evening, relax at the welcoming Hampton Inn Chicago Gurnee, where a warm, included dinner awaits. The soft glow of the dining room and the cheerful buzz of new friendships set the tone for the week ahead. Rest easy tonight - tomorrow, California sunshine calls.

Day 2: Orange County

After breakfast and your morning flight west, step off the plane and feel the gentle California air - fresh, mild, and inviting. You’ll settle into four luxurious nights at the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa, your comfortable home for the week. No need to pack up, this is your home away from home for the duration of our time in California. Spacious rooms, welcoming common areas, and attentive service create a restful retreat. Each morning begins with a full American breakfast buffet - the aroma of fresh coffee, warm pastries, crisp bacon, and seasonal fruit preparing you for the day ahead.
This evening, gather for a special welcome dinner at the hotel. Enjoy delicious cuisine, relaxed conversation, and the excitement of being in California as your New Year’s celebration officially begins.

Day 3: Orange County

After a full American breakfast buffet at the hotel, depart for a truly unforgettable experience. Step inside the float barns for the Rose Parade Float Decorating Tour. The air is fragrant with thousands of fresh roses, carnations, orchids, and greenery. Volunteers carefully place petals by hand, transforming steel frames into magnificent floral masterpieces. Brilliant colors surround you, and you’ll witness the final artistic touches few ever get to see.
Next, travel to Beverly Hills for lunch at the legendary Lawry's The Prime Rib. Known for its timeless elegance and exceptional service, Lawry’s offers a classic dining experience complete with its famous silver carving carts and signature prime rib.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided Hollywood Studio Tour. Step behind the scenes of movie magic, explore working soundstages, and learn fascinating stories from your knowledgeable guide. From iconic film sets to the glamour of Tinseltown, you’ll experience Hollywood history come alive.
Return to the hotel for a relaxing evening.

Day 4: Orange County

Following breakfast, travel to the coast to board the Catalina Express for a scenic cruise to beautiful Catalina Island. Feel the ocean breeze and watch sunlight shimmer across the Pacific as you sail toward the charming seaside town of Avalon. Spend your time strolling the waterfront promenade, browsing boutiques, visiting the historic Catalina Casino, or simply relaxing at a café overlooking the harbor.
This evening, the celebration continues with a spectacular New Year’s Eve Gala at your hotel. The ballroom sparkles with festive décor. Enjoy an elegant dinner, live music, and dancing. Try your luck at the lively "Monte Carlo" style casino, complete with hats, tiaras, party favors, and a drawing for exciting prizes. As midnight approaches, raise a glass for a champagne toast and joyfully ring in 2026 surrounded by new friends - all without ever leaving the comfort of your hotel.

Day 5: Orange County

After an early breakfast, travel to Pasadena and take your reserved premium grandstand seat along Colorado Boulevard. As the Rose Parade makes its way down the boulevard, you’ll enjoy exceptional viewing comfort. The rhythmic cadence of marching bands fills the air. Majestic equestrian units pass by. Then come the floats - towering, breathtaking creations covered entirely in flowers. Your reserved seating includes a souvenir program and a commemorative blanket to keep you cozy while you take in every unforgettable moment.
Following the parade, return to the hotel for a Backyard style BBQ. In the late afternoon, gather in the ballroom for exclusive live-entertainment. A truly special way to end a perfect Rose Parade getaway. The savory aroma of grilled favorites fills the air as you enjoyed a relaxed dinner accompanied by live entertainment - the perfect festive ending to an extraordinary day.

Day 6: Gurnee, IL

Enjoy another relaxed breakfast buffet at the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa. This morning, travel to Floatfest - the official post-parade showcase of floats. Here, you’ll experience something truly special: the opportunity to stroll alongside the magnificent floral creations you saw glide down Colorado Boulevard. Without the movement of parade day, you can admire every intricate detail up close - delicate orchids, tightly packed roses, seeds, bark, spices, and natural materials forming elaborate designs. The fragrance of fresh flowers lingers in the air as sunlight illuminates the vibrant colors. It’s a photographer’s dream and a wonderful, unhurried way to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship behind this world-famous tradition.
The afternoon we board our return flight back to ORD, returning to the Hampton Inn Chicago Gurnee for our final overnight.

Day 7: Home

Awaken this morning refreshed with breakfast and ready to journey home in comfort, carrying with you all the sights, scents, and joys of an unforgettable New Year - roses in bloom, gentle ocean breezes, festive celebrations, and the warmth of wonderful new friendships.
Continuing with a leisurely ride to your final destination, leaving you with cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

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The 138th Annual Tournament of Roses Parade is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Lameres has secure premium grandstand seating along Colorado Boulevard so you don’t have to worry!

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner