MCLEAN, VA — The McLean Winterfest Parade and Block Party will return to downtown McLean on Sunday, Dec. 6, with an earlier parade time and a new online pet photo contest.
Festivities begin at 12:30 p.m. at Langley Shopping Center with a block party and pre-parade entertainment. Local dance troupes and other performers, children's activities and booths representing community organizations and businesses are planned.
The parade starts at 1:30 p.m. at Fleetwood Road and Old Chain Bridge Road. Participants will include marching bands, floats, schools, nonprofits, community organizations and local businesses.
The block party will continue throughout the afternoon with music, entertainment, arts, activities and food vendors. Santa Claus is scheduled to arrive at 3 p.m. to meet children.
The new Winterfest Pet Contest will take place online in November at McLeanToday.org/Winterfest. Participants can submit photos of pets in costumes or creative surroundings, and community members will vote online for their favorites. Winners will be announced and prizes awarded immediately after the parade.
"Winterfest is truly a community effort," said Barbara Zamora-Appel, the 2026 Winterfest chair. "Our volunteers, sponsors, performers, businesses and community partners all play an important role in bringing this celebration to life."
Zamora-Appel said the earlier parade and new pet contest are intended to give families more ways to participate.
Community volunteers organize Winterfest, which is hosted by the McLean Revitalization Corporation, local businesses, sponsors and community organizations. The corporation is a volunteer-run nonprofit focused on downtown McLean.
Organizers are still accepting parade participants, sponsors and block party presenters. More information is available on the Winterfest website.
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