Destination Reston: Full Schedule for Friday's Annual Reston Holiday Parade

The 23rd annual Reston Holiday Parade will take place starting at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 29 up and down Market Street. 

The parade will feature Macy’s-style balloons, musicians, dancers, antique cars, and more, and will also welcome the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage. 

In recognition of the Metrorail Silver Line arrival this winter, “Destination: Reston!” is the parade theme for 2013 with huge balloons, floats, and costumes inspired by modes of transportation – walking, cycling, trains, planes and automobiles, and more, plus the Washington Nationals Racing Presidents are scheduled to appear. 

The Reston Holiday Parade attracts approximately 10,000 spectators from near and far to see at least sixty groups, amounting to more than 500 participants in the procession. 

The Grand Marshal for 2013 is Joe Ritchey, who was selected for his many levels of long term dedication to the Reston community. This year, a Junior Grand Marshal will also lead the parade, honoring Lauren Spar of Langston Hughes Middle School. 

Continuing another tradition, prior to the 11:00 a.m. start, thousands of commemorative Reston Town Center jingle bells will be handed out to children along the route as they wait for the parade to begin.   

After the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus will stay for visits and photos until 4:30 p.m. and will return to light up the huge Christmas tree at 6:00 p.m. The tree lighting attracts a gathering of approximately 5,000 people to Fountain Square for a half-hour Sing Along of traditional Christmas songs. Horse-drawn carriage rides begin at 6:30 p.m. 

8 a.m.: Reston Town Center retailers and Ice Skating Pavilion open early 

8 a.m.:Gingerbread Man Mile – Fun-run and races for kids, toddler through high school age, to benefit the charity, Neediest Kids. Free to participate. Registration and information: www.prraces.com.

11 a.m.: 23rd Annual Reston Holiday Parade “Destination: Reston!”

12:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Visits and Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Any donation for a 5 x 7” photo will benefit South Lakes High School Choir.

12:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Train Rides. All aboard! A mini-train will offer rides on Market Street. Any donation benefits Volunteer Fairfax. Departure point is in front of Talbots.

5 p.m.: Santa’s Frosty Follies. Performance of music and dance on Market Street, in front of the Christmas Tree.

6 p.m.: Tree Lighting and Sing Along. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive in a horse-drawn carriage to magically light up the huge Christmas tree in Fountain Square, followed by traditional holiday songs led by The Reston Chorale and brass quintet.

6:30 – 10 p.m.: Horse-drawn Carriage Rides. Proceeds benefit Volunteer Fairfax. Pick-up location is in front of Talbots on Market Street. $5 per person, children 5 and under ride free with adult.

All day:

Ice Skating Pavilion – Public skating on the glass-sheltered ice rink is open every day from early November until March, including all holidays. Hotline: 703-709-6300, and more information at www.restontowncenter.com/skating.

Holiday Gingerbread Village – This annual display can be viewed in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Reston throughout the holiday season.

See all schedules and more details at www.restontowncenter.com.