Reston Holiday Parade Nominated As Among Best On The Continent

RESTON, VA — Everyone knows it's quite a show when the Reston Holiday Parade arrives the day after Thanksgiving, and it has earned a reputation for being one of the best such parades in the nation. And once again, USA Today has nominated the parade for its list of the 10 best holiday parades in North America.

The Reston Holiday Parade will take place in the heart of Reston Town Center at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 29. This will be the 29th edition of the annual parade.

"Come for a full day of community, charity and cheer, including visits and photos with Santa, tree lighting, a sing-along and horse-drawn carriage rides," according to the Reston Community Center website. "Reston Community Center is a proud community partner and sponsor for this special Reston tradition."

USA Today has chosen 20 holiday parades to be considered for the list, and readers will vote for the 10 best. As of around noon on Friday, the Reston Holiday Parade sat at 10th in the voting. In previous years, it has finished close to the top, one time beating out the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade.

"The one-of-a-kind, one-hour, half-mile parade along Market Street also welcomes the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage," states the Reston Town Center website. "Since 1991, rain or shine, the parade has been an annual tradition on the day after Thanksgiving. Before the parade begins, thousands of jingle bells will be handed out to children along the route."

America's Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit currently leads the voting, with the Macy's parade at 6th.

Another Virginia parade, the Holiday Parade at the Beach in Virginia Beach, is in 17th in voting.

Voting closes on Monday, Dec. 2 at noon. The top 10 winning events will be announced on Friday, Dec. 13.