Friday: Reston Parade Kicks Off Holiday Season

Get to Reston Town Center early Friday morning if you want to get a good viewing spot along Market Street for the 24th annual Holiday Parade.

The parade begins at 11 a.m., rain or shine. The theme for this year is “Home for the Holidays.”

Special guest parade emcees will be Angie Goff and Doug Kammerer of NBC4 Washington.

The Reston Holiday Parade features Macy’s-style character balloons, marching bands, dancers, antique cars, community groups, dignitaries and the Washington Nationals’ Racing Presidents. It culminates with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Honoring the “Home for the Holidays” this year, the parade will have an Americana theme, offering a big welcome to members of the military and their families. Before the parade starts, thousands of American flags and jingle bells will be handed out to spectators lining the route.

After the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus will stay for visits and photos until 4:30 p.m. Any donation for a 5 x 7″ photo will benefit South Lakes High School.

Also on Friday:

8:00 a.m. — Stores at Reston Town Center open

12:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Mini-Train Rides. All donated proceeds will benefit a local charity.

5:00 p.m. — Frosty Follies. Music and dance performance by Metropolitan School of the Arts, on Market Street in front of the tree.

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. 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 p.m. — Horse-drawn carriage rides begin. Proceeds benefit local charities. Pick-up location is in front of Talbots on Market Street. $5 per person; children 5 and under ride free with adult.

Photo: 2013 Reston Holiday Parade/Credit: Mike Heffner