Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Reston Holiday Parade is set to take place on November 26th and will feature enormous balloons, floats, antique cars, dancers, musicians, and other special guests. The Reston Holiday Parade is a festive annual holiday tradition that has taken place the day after Thanksgiving since its first edition in 1991. Currently ranked 5th nationally for Best Holiday Parade, the Reston Holiday Parade never ceases to amaze. This year’s theme is “Home is Where The Heart Is”, and will celebrate local and global traditions from around the world! 

The parade festivities will take place from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm at the Reston Town Center. The hour-long, half-mile parade will take place from 11:00am – 12:00pm, and will be headlined by none other than Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus! After the parade, guests are welcome to take a ride on the holiday mini-train and partake in other street activities. Santa and Mrs. Claus will return to the plaza at 6pm for the Fountain Tree Square Lighting, followed by Christmas carol sing alongs and horse-drawn carriage rides from 6-10pm. Due to COVID restrictions, parade jingle bells will not be distributed this year “out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our parade visitors, participants and volunteers,” according to a statement from RTC, “but we hope to continue this popular tradition in the coming years when social distancing is not an issue.”

Ever since the first parade in 1991, the Reston holiday parade has held a special place in the hearts of thousands throughout Reston. This year’s parade is a memoriam to the change Reston has seen over many years and all of the hard work that has been put into our community by the dedication of people who wish to make the world a better place. This celebration brings joy to many community members with hopes to see the tradition continue for many years to come.