Reston's Festivities Don't Stop

Feature Story

LIGHTS, COCOA, WINTERFEST

There’s a three-night glow-up at Brown’s Chapel that locals rave about after the fact: WinterFest turns the park into a walk-through wonderland of thousands of lights. From the expanded Enchanted Forest (with trees donated to local families) to live music, s’mores by the fire pits, and a free Santa photo, it’s peak Reston holiday energy. We filmed the magic, including the mischievous Grinch’s Village and that cozy vendor lane, so you can see why it’s become a can’t-miss tradition. Watch the vibes, then get the dates, tips, and how to make the most of one night (or all three).

READ THE GUIDE AND PLAN YOUR NIGHT(S) →

Around Town

SANTA BY PONTOON: RESTON STYLE

Santa trades his sleigh for a pontoon at Lake Anne’s Jingle on the Lake—and yes, you can paddle in with the elves. We captured the cheers on the waterfront, kids clutching wish lists, and the plaza turning into a cozy holiday market. It’s pure Reston: cocoa, carols, and a lake full of jingling elves. Watch the vibe, then get the details to join next year’s flotilla.

READ THE FULL STORY & HOW TO JOIN →

Quick Hits

IN OTHER NEWS

• RTC Next gets the green light: The Board of Supervisors approved updates to Reston Town Center’s next phase, including a shift in the planned arts facility and more office space.

• Herndon slows the loop: A 25-mph speed limit expansion on Herndon Parkway took effect Dec. 1 between Campbell Way and Summerfield Dr. (town project page here).

• Chicken Salad Chick lands in Herndon: Fast-casual chain opened at Herndon Centre (494 Elden St.) with grand-opening promos Nov. 18–22; get a look inside via The Burn.

• New “ghost kitchen” in RTC: Roadhouse, a takeout concept for burgers, wings, and greens, is operating out of Open Road’s kitchen at Reston Town Center.

• LPR tech nabs theft suspect: FCPD used a license-plate reader to locate a stolen vehicle in Reston, resulting in an arrest, police said Nov. 28.

• New bites at North Point: Empanadas de Mendoza soft-opened with a grand opening slated this weekend at North Point Village Center.

• Friends of Reston revives canopy: Friends of Reston relaunched its Friends of Trees fund to spur neighborhood plantings and bolster Reston’s tree cover.

Curated Events

EVENTS IN RESTON, HERNDON, AND BEYOND

Reston’s all lit up: catch The Reston Chorale’s “Wonder of the Season” at RCC Hunters Woods (Saturday, 4 PM & 7 PM) and let traditional carols set the vibe at Reston Town Center at noon. Make it a full-on holiday outing with Winterfest at Brown’s Chapel (Thu–Sat, 5–9 PM) and Santa’s boat arrival at Lake Anne’s Jingle on the Lake (Saturday, 11:15 AM–2 PM). Round things out at the Friends of Reston Library Holiday Sale (Dec 4–7), the Herndon Model Train Show with caboose tours (Saturday, 10 AM–4 PM), and the Herndon Tree Lighting & Sing-Along downtown (Saturday, 4–6 PM).

A Final Note

YOU KNOW YOU’RE FROM RESTON WHEN…

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