Huge Reston Holiday Parade is Coming, Here's What to Expect

RESTON, VA — The Reston Holiday Parade has been ranked one of the biggest holiday parades in the nation by USA Today's 10Best, and we're just a few days away from the spectacular show making its way through Reston Town Center to cheering throngs.

The 26th annual Reston Holiday Parade will begin at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 25 -- a late start that should give you ample time to roll out of bed and shake off that post-Thanksgiving grogginess. The parade fill feature "Macy’s-style balloons, musicians, dancers, antique cars, characters, community groups, dignitaries, special guest emcees, and much more," according to a statement from Reston Town Center.

The parade lasts about an hour and moves a half mile along Market Street. It will also feature the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage.

"Since 1991, rain or shine, the parade has been an annual tradition on the day after Thanksgiving," the statement notes. "Before the parade begins, thousands of jingle bells will be handed out to spectators along the route."

Here's the Reston Holiday Parade schedule, as posted by the RTC:

• 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Reston Holiday Parade – 26th Annual – Hometown Holidays!
• 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

You can pick up your jingle bells along Market Street and in Fountain Square before the parade. You can also find them by Mercury Fountain and the Pavilion.

If you'd like to volunteer for helping with Reston's winter festivities, click here or email volunteer@restontowncenter.com.

Click here to download the parade route.

Image via RTC