Reston Town Center presents the 26th annual Reston Holiday Parade on Friday, November 25, stepping off at 11:00 a.m. The one-of-a-kind, one-hour parade along Market Street launches the festive season as a highlight of a day of community cheer and charity filled with fun for the whole family.
The Reston Holiday Parade welcomes the holidays with Macy’s-style balloons, marching bands, dancers, antique cars, characters, community groups, dignitaries, Washington Nationals Racing presidents, and much more, as well as the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage.
Before the 11:00 a.m. parade begins, thousands of jingle bells will be handed out to the crowd lining the route. The Reston Holiday Parade attracts approximately 10,000 spectators from near and far to see at least sixty groups, amounting to more than 500 participants in the procession announced by special guest emcees at two VIP grandstand locations on Market Street.
After the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus will stay for visits and photos until 4:30 p.m. and a mini-train will be offering rides on Market Street. The Clauses will return at 6:00 p.m. for the tree lighting in Fountain Square which is followed by a half-hour sing along of traditional Christmas songs.
Horse-drawn carriage rides begin at 6:30 p.m. Public ice skating continues until 11:00 p.m. at the acclaimed Ice Skating Pavilion, open every day from November until March.
Reston Community Center provides major support for the Reston Holiday Parade as a community partner. Additional support is provided with balloon sponsorship from Reston Town Center Association.
Hundreds of volunteers assist in making this community event a success. Tasks include balloon-wranglers, line marshals, character assistance, and more. For information about online volunteer registration, and other parade inquiries, email rtc@myerspr.com.
Miniature Train Rides
Enjoy a train ride with the little ones through Reston Town Center. Pickup is in front of Talbots on Market Street, first come, first served. Donation requested per person – all proceeds benefit local charities. Friday, November 25, 12:30 – 4:30 pm, following the parade. Available every Sunday from Thanksgiving until Christmas 12 – 4 pm. November 27 through December 18.
Horse- Drawn Carriage Rides
Enjoy a ride with friends, family, or community members through the lights of Reston Town Center in a horse-drawn carriage. Pickup is in front of Talbots on Market Street, first come, first served. $5 donation per person – all proceeds benefit local charities (children 5 and under ride free).
Toys for Tots!
Toy Drive: Give back to a child in need this holiday season by donating through Reston Town Center’s charity toy drive. Benefitting Toys for Tots, this program has collected thousands of toys in Reston and is held in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Toys will be collected in building lobbies.
Collection Event: In addition to the toy drive, Reston Town Center will also host a collection event in December. U.S. Marines will gather in the Pavilion to accept unwrapped toys and cash donations.
A Hop, Skate, & a Jump!
From early November until March, the Pavilion floor is transformed into a gleaming ice skating rink. Ice skates and other supplies are available inside the information center at the skate shop, directly beside the Pavilion.
Main Address: 11900 Market Street, Reston, VA 20190 T: 703-579-6720 (property management office)
Directions: From I-495 or I-66, take Dulles Toll Road/Route 267 exit west to Reston Parkway (Exit 12). Turn right (north) on Reston Parkway then left on New Dominion Parkway (4th light) to access six parking garages. Parking is free.
Schedule – Friday, November 25
On the day after Thanksgiving, the holiday season begins at Reston Town Center, 11900 Market St, Reston, VA with a day of cheer and charity from 8:00 a.m. through 11:00 p.m., including:
8:00 am
Gingerbread Man Mile
Fun-run and races for kids to benefit charity. Registration and information: http://www.prraces.com
Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion
Opens early on Friday, November 25, through 11:00 p.m.; open every day from November until March.
11:00 am
26th Annual Reston Holiday Parade
A festive, 1-hour procession of Macy’s-style balloons, musicians, characters, community groups, VIPs, and more on Market Street.
12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town!
The merriment begins as Santa and Mrs. Claus head to the information center for afternoon visits and photo ops. Donate to South Lakes High School Choir, and take home your own souvenir portrait with Santa.
5:00 pm
Frosty Follies Performance
A spirited holiday performance of music and dance in front of the holiday tree in Fountain Square, performed by Metropolitan School of the Arts.
6:00 pm
Tree Lighting and Sing Along—arrive early
Crowd together in a moment where everyone closes their eyes and says 1…2…3…WISH! to help Santa magically light up the tree and Reston Town Center for the first time of the holiday season.
With the lights twinkling, Santa & Mrs. Claus begin the merriment and song, led by the Reston Chorale and a brass quintet and the hum of the holidays within the crowd continues. Song books are provided at the holiday tree in Fountain Square prior to the tree lighting.
6:30 – 10:00 pm
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides
All proceeds benefit the local charity, Volunteer Fairfax. $5 per person; children 5 and under ride free with adult. Departure point is 11900 Market Street, in front of Talbots
