The Reston Holiday Parade steps off at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 27, at Reston Town Center; the tree lighting is at 6 p.m. Free. Santa, skating and parking.

Last checked Oct. 18, 2026. This page is updated each year. Facts come from Reston Town Center and Reston Community Center.

The Reston Holiday Parade steps off at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 27, the day after Thanksgiving, at Reston Town Center. The tree lighting follows at 6 p.m. Both are free. Reston Town Center calls the day one of Northern Virginia’s favorite holiday traditions, with marching groups, live entertainment and the lighting of the center’s holiday tree.

Who to call

  • Parade questions and volunteering: RTC@myerspr.com
  • Reston Town Center: info@restontowncenter.com
  • Pay-by-phone parking at Reston Town Center: 571-485-7790
  • Police non-emergency: Fairfax County Police, 703-691-2131

The schedule, Friday, Nov. 27

Time What
11 a.m. to noon Reston Holiday Parade
1 to 6 p.m. Reston Town Center Holiday Performances, open-air stage shows (times vary)
After the parade Visits and photos with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides
6 p.m. Tree lighting and community sing-along

Reston Community Center, a community partner and sponsor, lists the parade at 11900 Market St. and says the day includes Santa visits and photos, the tree lighting, a community sing-along and horse-drawn carriage rides after the parade (RCC). The afternoon performances are presented by RCC and BXP (RCC).

Volunteers age 14 and up are needed on parade day as line marshals, pacers, character assistants and balloon handlers (balloon handlers must weigh more than 100 pounds). Email RTC@myerspr.com.

Parking and getting there

Reston Town Center’s parking page lists these rules:

  • Garages: first hour free; free Monday to Friday from 5 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.; free Saturday, Sunday and federal holidays. The day after Thanksgiving is not a federal holiday, so look for the center’s free holiday parking notice, linked on the same page, before you go.
  • Street meters on Market Street: up to one hour $3, up to two hours $6; free on Sunday with a two-hour limit.
  • Pay through the ParkRTC app or a pay station, or call 571-485-7790.

The Reston Town Center Metro station is on the Silver Line, and the center’s linkRTC shuttle connects Metro with the town center from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, so it runs on parade day. Reston Town Center had not published 2026 road closures when we checked; we will add them when it does. See our getting around guide.

More holiday events in Reston

  • Ice skating: the Reston Town Center Pavilion rink reopens Nov. 6 and runs through March 14, 2027, weather permitting (Reston Town Center).
  • “The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged)” by the Reduced Shakespeare Company, 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Leila Gordon Theatre, 2310 Colts Neck Road, $25 to $35 (RCC).
  • “Holiday Sparkle” at Reston Art Gallery and Studios, Lake Anne Plaza, from Dec. 1, free (RCC).
  • Run with Santa 5K, 8 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at Reston Town Center (Reston Town Center).
  • Senior Movie Day, Wednesday, Dec. 16, at LOOK Cinemas: “Blue Moon,” free for ages 55 and up.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Reston Holiday Parade 2026?

Friday, Nov. 27, 2026, the day after Thanksgiving, at Reston Town Center. The parade starts at 11 a.m. and is free.

What time is the Reston Town Center tree lighting?

6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, 2026, after an afternoon of free holiday performances from 1 p.m.

Can you see Santa at Reston Town Center?

Yes. Reston Community Center says the parade day includes visits and photos with Santa, along with the tree lighting, a community sing-along and horse-drawn carriage rides.

Where do I park for the Reston Holiday Parade?

Reston Town Center’s garages are free on federal holidays and weekends and free on weekdays after 5 p.m.; on other weekdays the first hour is free. Nov. 27 is not a federal holiday, so check the center’s free holiday parking notice. The Silver Line’s Reston Town Center station is another option.