The holiday season is officially here! The 27th Annual Reston Holiday Parade kicked off amid much fanfare and excitement in the popular shopping district of Reston Town Center. Since 1991, the parade has been a special tradition for the town that takes place the day after Thanksgiving.
Before the parade began, thousands of commemorative jingle bells are handed out to spectators lined up along the route. Visitors can also pick up their bells along Market Street and in Fountain Square, or find them by Mercury Fountain and the Pavilion after the event kicks off. The one-and-a-half hour parade covers a half-mile stretch, including passing by two VIP grandstands on Market Street.
Giant floating balloons, marching bands, performers, dancers, antique cars, characters, ROTC groups, cheerleaders, Scout troops and community organizations took to the street in a colorful pageantry. This year’s theme, “Home is Where the Heart Is”, celebrated the diversity of Reston by featuring global and local cultures.
The parade begins
Scottish band of bagpipers in procession
The Vienna Volunteer Fire Department pass by in a vintage fire truck
Macy’s style vibrant star balloon hits the street
Cheerleaders in formation
Cheerleaders at the parade
Life-sized giant Chinese Cat balloon
Falun Dafa, Tian Guo Marching Band
Canine Companions for Independence
Sterling Park Rescue Squad in an antique car
Ballet dancers arrive to perform at the parade
A graceful ballet performance
Gottaswing Dancers
Balloon depicting the Earth by the Reston Community Center
South Lakes High School Army JROTC
South Lakes High School Army JROTC
Walker the Woodpecker with Reston Association
Tinkus San Simon USA performers
A 40-ft dragon being dragged by sixteen volunteers
Reston community players from the theatre
Santa & Mrs.Claus arrive in a horse drawn carriage
If you missed the parade you can watch some of the delightful performances here:
After the parade, visitors can take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hang around to watch street entertainment and go on Mini-Train rides along Market Street till 4.30 pm. The Sing Along Tree Lighting ceremony takes place at Fountain Square at 6 pm. Afterwards, on Market Street, horse-drawn carriage rides continue from 6:30 until 10 pm. Proceeds for the photos and rides benefit local charities. The acclaimed Ice Skating Pavilion is open all day and every day from November until March.
Compass Points:
Reston Town Center
11900 Market Street, Reston, VA 20190
Events Schedule:
8 AM: Gingerbread Man Mile Race for Kids
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Reston Holiday Parade
12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.: Santa & Mrs. Claus, visits and photos; Mini-Train Rides
6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.: Tree Lighting & Sing Along
6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Horse-drawn Carriage Rides
Parking
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