Reston Holiday Parade November 24, 2011

Reston Town Center presents the 21st annual Reston Holiday Parade on Friday, November 25 at 11:00 a.m. to launch the festive season with Macy’s-style balloons, musicians, dancers, antique cars, and more. This one-of-a-kind, one-hour parade along Market Street will welcome the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage. The Reston Holiday Parade is held rain or shine, and has been an annual tradition on the day after Thanksgiving every year since 1990. (Full day’s schedule follows below.)

The parade theme for 2011 is “Storybook Magic”, with huge balloons, floats, costumes, and music depicting favorite characters and stories, classic to modern. At least seventy (70) groups, amounting to approximately 500 participants, are anticipated for the Reston Holiday Parade, which attracts thousands of spectators from near and far. MIX 107.3 personalities, Carson and Chilli, will announce the procession from two grandstand locations on Market Street.

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.

The 21st annual Reston Holiday Parade is also supported by Reston Community Association and Reston Town Center Association.

Those who wish to apply as a parade participant can find forms online at www.restontowncenter.com/parade, and volunteers can sign up online at www.restontowncenter.com/volunteer. For more information, email rtc@myerspr.com.
Reston Town Center is located at 11900 Market Street, Reston, VA 20190. General information: 703-689-4699
Holidays are Here! Friday, November 25, the day after Thanksgiving, is a day of holiday cheer and charity at Reston Town Center. Schedule:

8 AM: Reston Town Center retailers open early More…

11:00 AM: 21st Annual Reston Holiday Parade – Theme for 2011: “Storybook Magic”

12:30 – 4:30 PM: Visits and Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Donations will benefit local charities.

6:00 PM: Tree Lighting and Sing Along. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive in a horse-drawn carriage to magically light up the Christmas tree in Fountain Square, followed by traditional holiday songs led by Reston Chorale and brass quintet.

6:30 – 10:00 PM: Horse-drawn Carriage Rides. Proceeds benefit a local charity. 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.

Official Website: http://www.restontowncenter.com