Holidays March Into RTC at Nov. 23 Parade

The 22nd Annual Reston Holiday Parade will kick off the holiday season on Nov. 23 with a familiar face. Former South Lakes High School principal Bruce Butler, who retired in June, will be the 2012 honorary grand marshal. 

The parade at Reston Town Center begins at 11 am. as bands, balloons, dancers and other parade favorites march down Market Street to welcome Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage.

The parade, held rain or shine, lasts about one hour and admission is free. This year's parade theme is “Come Out to Play!”  Thousands of Reston Town Center jingle bell lanyards 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 the Christmas tree at 6 p.m. The tree lighting will be emceed by DC radio personality (and Reston resident) Cerphe.

 At 6:30 p.m. thousands will gather in Fountain Square for a half-hour sing along of traditional Christmas songs. Horse-drawn carriage rides begin at 6:30 p.m.

Full information about Holidays are Here at Reston Town Center is available at www.restontowncenter.com/holidays. 

The parade still needs volunteers. To sign up visit  www.restontowncenter.com/volunteer or email  rtc@myerspr.com.

NOV. 23 RESTON TOWN CENTER SCHEDULE

8 a.m.:   Reston Town Center retailers 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. Registration and information: www.prraces.com.                                    

11:00 a.m.: 22nd Annual Reston Holiday Parade – Theme for 2012: “Come Out to Play!”

12:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Visits and Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Any donation for a 5 x 7” photo to benefit local charities.

6:00 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 Reston Chorale and brass quintet.

6:30 – 10:00 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 is open every day until March, including holidays. Hotline: 703-709-6300, and more information at www.restontowncenter.com/skating.

Holiday Gingerbread Village is on display in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Reston throughout the season.