Santa magically lights the holiday tree at Fountain Square later in the evening on Friday, Nov. 24, following participating that morning in the Reston Holiday Parade.
The Reston Holiday Parade 2023 begins.By Mercia Hobson
Reston Town Center launched the season, celebrating on Friday, Nov. 24, at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., with the annual Reston Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting. In its 32nd year, the event could only have occurred without the hundreds of local and regional volunteers, among them performers, groups and dignitaries in the parade lineup, including the man in the red suit and his wife who flew in from the North Pole along with all the behind scene workers.
Headlined by this year’s theme, ‘Tis the season to sparkle at Reston Town Center, the annual event has been taking place since 1992 and depends on hundreds of volunteers to support the tradition, which is free and open to all.
The one-of-a-kind parade traveled along Market Street and featured 35 groups. The grand procession kicked off with giant inflatable helium balloons. They depicted the parade’s iconic keepsake holiday bell ornaments distributed to spectators. Local and regionally talented dancers, musicians, and marching bands set the stage.
No parade would be complete without vintage cars and local dignitaries riding high style along the half-mile parade route, waving to constituents. Performers from cultural groups around the region lent to the celebration for the crowd’s entertainment, capped off with much noise and parade bell ringing to welcome the arrival of honored guests Santa and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage.
Organizers are very proud that USA Today nominated the Reston Holiday Parade for the eighth year to compete as one of its Best Holiday Parades. Last year, the Reston Holiday Parade came in fifth place thanks to voting by hometown and regional fans. Visit https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-holiday-parade-2023/reston-holiday-parade-reston-virginia/ to vote and vote daily up until this year’s participation ends Wednesday, Nov. 29 at noon. Winners will be announced on Friday, Dec. 8, at noon EST.