What to KnowEquestfestDec. 29, 2025The annual Rose Parade event spotlights the horses set to trot on New Year’s Day$26.50 general admission; $51.50 VIP packageLos Angeles Equestrian CenterBurbankA new BBQ lunch package is available for an add-on price; see the site for details

The holiday season is one of the horsiest seasons, thanks in large part to the carols involving horses pulling sleighs, and the fictional ponies that fill the movies and storybooks we adore.

But our mane focus as the year wraps up are the very real, extremely beautiful, and always majestic “mane” stars that appear in the Rose Parade each New Year’s Day.

We’re always excited to watch these incredible animals prance down Orange Grove and Colorado Boulevards in Pasadena as the new year begins, but there’s a way to get a closer look at the parade’s pony participants.

Equestfest is the name of the horsey happening, and tickets are available now to the Los Angeles Equestrian Center event.

“The equestrian show features a variety of horse breeds, as well as a variety of drills, dances, tricks, and thrills!” is the exciting promise from the Rose Parade team.

Visitors to the Burbank-based center — and, indeed, this is the rare Rose Parade event that takes place outside of Pasadena — may even get the chance to meet some of the riders, as well as a horse or two.

And the opportunity to view the animals as they prepare in a warm-up ring? This is also a favorite of longtime fans.

Beyond wowing-out over the horses at Equestfest, there are other diversions to enjoy, including opportunities to shop for merchandise or buy snacks from on-site food vendors.

Something new this year? The Equestfest Rose Pit BBQ lunch package; like your admission ticket, this is something you’ll want to purchase in advance.

It’s a true day-out at the spacious and historic equestrian center, one that is very much about the Rose Parade’s hoof-tastic VIPs as well as the talented performers and trainers who care about and for them.

Will you spy a horse you met at Equestfest while watching the Rose Parade a few days later? That may be the biggest thrill of all.