Reston holiday parade returns to Reston Town Center

Reston Town Center is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its annual holiday parade.

The half-mile, one-hour parade along Market Street is set to take place on Nov. 26 at 11 a.m. Santa and Mrs. Clause will lead the parade in a carriage. They’re expected to return to light the tree at Fountain Square at 6 p.m. that day.

Horse-drawn carriage rides will continue from 6-10 p.m, the proceeds of which will benefit local charities.

While most of the parade returns to pre-pandemic norms, RTC will not distribute parade bell “out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our parade visitors, participants and volunteers,” according to a statement.

“We hope to continue this popular tradition in the coming years when social distancing is not an issue,” the statement read.

Parking is free that Friday.

Once again, the parade has been nominated for USA Today’s annual national ranking of holiday parades. Voting for the ongoing ranging is open online.

So far, Reston’s parade is fifth on the leaderboard. The tradition began in 1991 and features antique cars, musicians, dancers, floats and other special guests.

Photo via Reston Town Center