One of USA Today’s “10 Best” Holiday Parades is in Reston
Holidays are Here! at Reston Town Center
A Full Day of Cheer and Charity to Launch the Season
Parade at 11 AM, Tree Lighting & Sing Along at 6 PM
Friday, November 29, 2019
Reston Town Center welcomes the season with the 29th annual Reston Holiday Parade, tree lighting, sing-along, horse-drawn carriage rides, and much more all day on Friday, November 29, the day after Thanksgiving.
Reston Holiday Parade, voted one of USA Today’s “10 Best” for three years in a row, brings Macy’s-style balloons, musicians, characters, dancers, community groups, VIPs, and the arrival of Santa & Mrs. Claus in a festive, one-hour, half-mile procession through Reston Town Center that begins at 11:00 a.m. After the parade, Santa & Mrs. Claus stay for visits and photos, and Mini-Train Rides are offered on Market Street through the afternoon. The annual Tree Lighting and Sing Along begins at 6:00 p.m. in Fountain Square, followed by horse-drawn carriage rides through the evening. Donated proceeds for rides and photos benefit local charitable organizations. All activities are rain or shine, centrally located at Reston Town Center, 11900 Market Street, Reston, Virginia. (See schedule below.)
In another annual tradition, before the Reston Holiday Parade begins, 10,000 commemorative jingle bells will be distributed to children along the route. Spectators come from near and far to see the annual procession of 60 groups containing more than 1,400 participants marching, driving, singing, dancing, and performing music on their way along Market Street. Special guest emcees announce the parade at two VIP grandstand locations, at Fountain Square and Library Street.
“Candy Lane at RTC”
With costumes, dances, music, floats, and huge balloons in a one-of-a-kind display of the sweetness of the holiday season, performers and participants in the 2019 Reston Holiday Parade will be following the theme of “Candy Lane.”
Gingerbread Man Mile Races for Kids
On Friday, November 29 the festivities begin with the annual Gingerbread Man Mile Races for Kids at 8:00 a.m. presented by Potomac River Running. Tots to teens can compete in races on Market Street, and winners will be invited to march in the Reston Holiday Parade. Registration and more information at prraces.com/gingerbread.
USA Today “10 Best”
After the 2018 Readers’ Choice voting concluded on December 10, USA Today revealed Reston Holiday Parade at #5 in their “10 Best” list of Best Holiday Parades around the nation. This is the third year in a row that Reston Holiday Parade has been selected for the top ten. See the 2018 results at https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-holiday-parade/
Reston Community Center
Reston Community Center provides major support for the Reston Holiday Parade as a Community Partner and additional support comes from balloon sponsor, Reston Town Center Association. This community event is a success also thanks to the assistance of hundreds of volunteers who help with staging, serve as line marshals, handle the huge balloons, and more, as well as those who take part in the procession. This community tradition has grown since Reston Town Center presented the first Reston Holiday Parade in 1991, held annually on the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Volunteers
Those who would like to assist on Friday, November 29 with parade tasks that include staging, line marshals, balloon handlers, and more, can email volunteer@restontowncenter.com to receive registration information.
Find all holiday information and more events at www.restontowncenter.com.
Schedule
Friday, November 29, 2019
Reston Town Center
11900 Market Street
Reston, VA
8 am
Shops, restaurants, ice skating open early
Gingerbread Man Mile Races for Kids
11 am
Reston Holiday Parade – one of USA Today’s 10 Best!
12:30 – 4:30 pm
Visits & Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus
In the lobby next to the Skate Shop, professional photos available with donation to benefit
South Lakes HS Chorus.
Mini-Train Rides on Market Street. All donations benefit Cornerstones.
5 pm
Conservatory Ballet Dance Performance in Fountain Square
6 pm
Tree Lighting & Sing Along in Fountain Square
Santa & Mrs. Claus arrive in a horse-drawn carriage to light the huge Christmas tree, followed by a half-hour of traditional songs led by The Reston Chorale and a brass quintet.
6:30 – 10 pm
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
$5 per person; children 5 and under ride free with adult. All proceeds benefit Volunteer Fairfax.
Holidays are Here! Festivities continue at Reston Town Center throughout the holiday season
Enjoy Holiday Performances at Fountain Square and The Promenade – dates and times vary; Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides on Saturday evenings, Nov. 30; Dec. 7, 14, 21, from 4:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.; Mini-Train Rides on Sunday afternoons, Dec. 8, 15, 22, from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Proceeds from carriage and train rides are received directly by local charities on designated dates. Hyatt Regency Reston displays its annual Gingerbread Village from Nov. 29 through Jan. 2.
Parking
Six large garages provide ample parking, free of charge on parade day, Friday, November 29. Garage parking is always free every weekend, on federal holidays, and after 5 p.m. on weekdays.
