Though fall hasn’t officially arrived yet, Reston is already dreaming of hot cocoa and snow in anticipation of the return of Winterfest.
Reston Association announced last Tuesday (Sept. 17) that the three-day festival will return on Dec. 5, 6 and 7 from 5-7 p.m. at Brown’s Chapel Park (1575 Browns Chapel Road).
Expected to be bigger than last year’s inaugural Winterfest, the 2024 event will feature an enchanted forest, live entertainment and shopping.
“We looked at last year as our ‘pilot’ year and had an incredible response from our membership and the community,” RA Director of Recreation Services Laura Kowalski said. “This year we’re bringing more lights and more magic to Browns Chapel Park, and we can’t wait to see everyone enjoy this new holiday tradition.”
This year’s Winterfest will introduce live musical performances, an Enchanted Forest with up to 100 holiday trees decorated by sponsors, a Grinch’s Village and a Santa Experience. The “Light Up the Park” walk will also have larger light displays.
Trees from the Enchanted Forest will be donated to Reston families in need “to ensure all have a magical holiday season,” RA says. Groups interested in sponsoring a tree must submit a reservation form to RA by 5 p.m. on Nov. 15, and they must be available to decorate the tree between noon and 5 p.m. on Dec. 4.
Tree sponsorships cost $300 per tree for for-profit businesses or $150 for nonprofits, individuals and families.
Winterfest visitors can also expect the return of a vendor village with local artisans and businesses to fulfill their holiday shopping needs, bonfires, and s’mores.
The event is free for all RA members. Admission costs $8 for non-members aged 3 to 17 and $18 for all others. Ticket sales will begin in the middle of October.
