NBC’s Today show anchor Craig Melvin is set to co-host the NBC coverage of the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day alongside Hoda Kotb and Al Roker, as reported by Deadline on Dec. 18. This will be Melvin’s first time hosting the celebration, with Roker marking his 27th year and Kotb her 11th.
The Rose Parade, which will also be NBC’s 99th year broadcasting the event, has a rich history dating back to 1927 when it began as a radio broadcast before moving to television in 1954.
Fans can tune in on Jan. 1, 2026, to see Melvin, Kotb, and Roker broadcasting live from Pasadena, California, at the corner of Orange Grove Avenue and Colorado Boulevard between 8 and 10 a.m. PST. The event will also be covered on Telemundo by Penélope Menchaca and Carlos Calderon.
The parade, a 5.5-mile route that takes about two hours to complete, is part of the Tournament of Roses celebration, drawing “hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world” each year.
Each year, the Rose Parade has a theme, and for 2026, it’s “The Magic in Teamwork,” with Magic Johnson serving as the Grand Marshal.
Melvin’s latest hosting gig adds to his growing list of responsibilities at NBC, where he recently filled in for Kotb on the Today show. Kotb, although stepping back from her daily role, continues to appear for special events like the Rose Parade and other projects, including coverage of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Italy.
In the world of Melvin and his fellow hosts, the Rose Parade is just another exciting opportunity to showcase their talents and celebrate the magic of teamwork in a visually captivating and culturally rich event.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.