The Incredible Reston Holiday Parade Is Going To Be Huge - Again

RESTON, VA -- Truly one of the best parts of the holiday season is the arrival of Reston Holiday Parade, an event so epic that USA Today's readers ranked it the 4th best holiday parade in the United States last year -- one spot above the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York.

This year promises to be a truly epic event once again, with "Macy’s-style balloons, marching bands, musical groups, dancers, antique cars, community groups, costume characters & more welcoming the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage," according to Reston Town Center.

This will be the 27th annual parade, which as usual takes place the day after Thanksgiving on Nov. 24. It will begin at 11 a.m. and will last for an hour, traveling a half mile down Market Street.

"Since 1991, rain or shine, the parade has been an annual tradition on the day after Thanksgiving," the RTC website states. "Before the parade begins, thousands of jingle bells will be handed out to spectators along the route. After the parade, enjoy visits and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, plus Mini-Train rides until 4:30 pm and street entertainment. The Clauses will return for the Fountain Square Tree Lighting and Sing Along at 6 pm. Afterwards, on Market Street, horse-drawn carriage rides continue from 6:30 until 10 pm."

Proceeds for the photos and rides will benefit local charities, and the Ice Skating Pavilion will be open all day every day from November until March.

It's early in the voting, but the Reston Holiday Parade currently sits at 14th on the 2017 USA Today 10best list for best holiday parades. The Holiday Boat Parade of Lights in nearby Alexandria is in 7th. You can vote at 10best here.

Image via Reston Town Center