Reston Holiday Parade, selected as one of “10 Best” in 2016, is ranked as the #4 “Best Holiday Parade” in USA Today. On the day after Thanksgiving, the 27th annual Reston Holiday Parade will present a cast of more than 1,300 who will march, sing, dance, and drive in a half-mile procession of bands, performers, cars, characters, community groups, dignitaries, giant float balloons, and more, capped with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage. With this year’s title of “Home is Where the Heart Is” the parade will celebrate global and local cultures and traditions.
Before it begins at 11 a.m., 10,000 commemorative jingle bells will be distributed to spectators along the Reston Holiday Parade route. The day starts with the annual Gingerbread Man Mile races for tots to teens at 8 a.m.
After the parade concludes around noon, there’s more in this day of cheer and charity. Santa and Mrs. Claus will stay for visits and photos, and Mini-Train rides will be offered on Market Street until 4:30 p.m. The Clauses will return for the Tree Lighting in Fountain Square at 6 p.m., followed by a half-hour Sing Along of traditional Christmas songs, then horse-drawn carriage rides from 6:30 until 10 p.m.
All proceeds from the race, rides and voluntary donations for photos are received by local charities.
Ample parking is available in six garages, free of charge on parade day, federal holidays, all weekends, and free after 5 p.m. on weekdays.