Watching the Rose Parade in person — and in comfort

Looking for the ultimate Christmas gift? How about wrapping up the best seats in the house for the 2012 Tournament of Roses Parade — for that special someone or just yourself.

No need to camp out overnight on the cold streets of Pasadena to get close to the world’s most iconic parade. Reserved grandstand seats for prime parade viewing are available through Sharp Seating, the official seating company for the parade for more than 85 years.

The massive and immensely popular event attracts more than 40 million TV viewers and brings more than a million visitors from around the world to the streets of Pasadena. Actually being there is unlike any other experience, said Sindee Riboli, president of Sharp Seating. And it’s even better with a comfortable ringside seat.

“The Tournament of Roses is one of the greatest spectacles in the world,” Riboli said. “Nothing else compares with its more than 40 floats, 25 bands and 20 equestrian units. Musicians and equestrians from around the globe compete to be in the Rose Parade, so viewers really enjoy the best of the best. While the floats look beautiful on television, they are breathtaking to see live. It’s truly a notto-be-missed experience of a lifetime.”

This year the Rose Parade will be held on Jan. 2 because of the city’s policy of never staging it on a Sunday. Anyone looking to purchase tickets is urged to place orders as soon as possible. Grandstand seats sell out very quickly every year, offering prime locations that provide views similar to those seen on Rose Parade broadcasts. Tickets range from $45 to $90. Parking permits are $30.

Beyond the parade

Sharp Seating also provides tickets for a variety of popular preand post-parade events, including close-up previews of the Rose Parade’s floats while the finishing touches are being applied. Tickets are also available to view the floats on display after the parade.

Another crowd-pleaser is BandFest, featuring marching bands from around the world, showcasing their talents with performances at Pasadena City College’s football stadium on Dec. 30 at 2 p.m., with two shows on New Year’s Eve at 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

EquestFest at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center is a great opportunity for horse lovers to stroll through the Rose Parade stable area, meet some of the equestrians that will be riding in the parade and take photos with their beautiful horses.

EquestFest will also feature riding demonstrations and equestrian drills, as well as ongoing exhibits, musical performances and great food. It all gets underway Dec. 30 at 11:30 a.m. BandFest and EquestFest tickets are $15.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.sharpseating.com or call 626.795.4171.