Thanksgiving feels so early this year! But there is still plenty of time to plan your fun holiday weekend activities. Here are my picks for Thanksgiving weekend in Reston.
Before the big weekend:
Thanksgiving Food Drive, November 1 to 20
Every year, the Reston Community Center, the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, and Cornerstones join to help families in need by collecting non-perishable food and other items. Cornerstones is a wonderful organization providing a range of services for families in need, and supporting them is always a priority for me. From November 1 – 20, you can drop you items off at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods and Lake Anne facilities, the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, and a variety of other drop-off points throughout the community (located on the website). Visit the website for a list of items needed.
Martin Luther King Jr. Christian Church - 2017 Christmas Bazaar
This free family event is Saturday, November 18, 2017 from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Get a start on holiday shopping with unique handcrafted gifts. Stock up on holiday treats like gourmet peanut brittle, homemade baked goods and preserves. There will be a raffle for a beautiful Christmas basket and fun activities for the kids. Proceeds will benefit the Martin Luther King Christian Church Building Fund. Follow the link for the address.
Thanksgiving Day
November 23 at 8:00 AM at South Lakes High School.
What better way to prepare for your Thanksgiving feast than run, jog or walk in a fun-filled 5k race? There will be a run for everyone…. 5k, 1-Mile Fun Run, and even a FREE Tot Trot! The race will start and finish on the NEW South Lakes High School track.
Bring an old, clean coat to donate to One Warm Coat, whose mission is to provide anyone in need with a warm coat, free of charge. One Warm Coat’s vision is that they become a part of the American lifestyle; that when a coat is no longer needed, people will think of them and donate it; that donors will be warmed by the knowledge that their coats will go directly to children, women, and men in need.
Thanksgiving Friday
27th annual Reston Holiday Parade
The holiday season at Reston Town Center is always festive, and Thanksgiving Friday launches it all. The 27th annual Reston Holiday Parade starts at 11:00AM with Macy’s-style balloons, musicians, dancers, antique cars, characters, community groups, dignitaries, special guest emcees — and Santa and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage. It’s always fun to see who shows up! Before the parade begins, spectators will get their own jingle bells so they can make some festive noise. Since 1991, rain or shine, the parade has been an annual tradition on the day after Thanksgiving. After the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photos.
The fun doesn’t stop after the parade. There will be Mini-Train rides until 4:30PM and street entertainment. The Clauses will return for the Fountain Square Tree Lighting and Sing Along at 6PM. Afterward, horse-drawn carriage rides continue from 6:30 until 10PM. Proceeds from the photos and rides benefit local charities. The acclaimed Ice Skating Pavilion is open all day and every day from November until March.
Schedule:
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Reston Holiday Parade – 27th Annual – Hometown Holidays!
12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.: Santa & Mrs. Claus, visits and photos; Mini-Train Rides
6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.: Tree Lighting & Sing Along
6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Horse-drawn Carriage Rides
Thanksgiving Saturday
Thanksgiving Craft Beer & Wine Festival
On Saturday, November 25, 2017, head over to the Tysons Biergarten from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM for the craft Beer & Wine Festival! Tickets are only $20. The festival features 50+ beers and wines from local breweries and wineries. There will also be live music, delicious food, contests and prizes. Best of all—this is a dog friendly and kid friendly event! Buy your tickets in advance and get there early!