One of USA Today’s “10 Best” since 2016
Reston Holiday Parade, voted one of USA Today’s “10 Best” each year since 2016, is nominated again for the fourth year in a row. The USA Today poll is now open for 2019 and those who wish to support this year’s parade can vote with a click every day at https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-holiday-parade-2019/ until Monday, December 2. The “10 Best” winners will be announced on Friday, December 13.
As in past years, USA Today’s voting for Best Holiday Parade is in process before, during, and after the event. The 29th annual Reston Holiday Parade takes place on the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 29. In USA Today’s “10 Best” Holiday Parades in North America results in 2018, Reston Holiday Parade came in at #5 out of twenty nominees – https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-holiday-parade/.
Reston Holiday Parade is presented by Reston Town Center with major support from Reston Community Center as a Community Partner and 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.
Reston Holiday Parade 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. This community tradition has grown since Reston Town Center presented the first Reston Holiday Parade in 1991.
Before the 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.
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.) Find information at www.restontowncenter.com
Grand Marshals for 2019
Voices of Service, top ten finalists on the popular NBC network show, America’s Got Talent (AGT) will be leading the Reston Holiday Parade in chauffeured convertible sport cars. Voices of Service, an inspiring a capella ensemble of veteran and active duty military members, will be represented by members Christal Rheams and Caleb Green. cammomusic.org
Parade Theme for 2019:
In a one-of-a-kind display of the sweetness of the holiday season, performer costumes, dances, music, floats, and huge balloons in the 2019 Reston Holiday Parade will be following the theme of “Candy Lane @ RTC.”
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.
