Tickets are now up for grabs to this year’s Winterfest, Reston Association’s increasingly popular holiday tradition.
According to RA, last year’s festival drew more than 10,000 people over three days, and even more attendees are expected when it returns to Brown’s Chapel Park (1525 Brown’s Chapel Road) for a fourth year on Dec. 3-5 from 5-9 p.m.
“Winterfest has become one of Reston’s favorite holiday traditions, bringing together neighbors, families and friends to celebrate the season,” RA Director of Recreation Services Laura Kowalski said in a press release. “From the thousands of lights to visits with Santa and the Grinch, every part of Winterfest is designed to create memorable experiences.”
Introduced in 2023, Winterfest typically features a variety of seasonal activities, including a half-mile-long “Light Up the Park” walk through thousands of lights, a Vendor Village to serve the community’s holiday shopping needs, and an Enchanted Forest with decorated trees sponsored by local businesses, residents and community groups.
Individuals and organizations can sign up online now to sponsor a tree for the Enchanted Forest, which is being supported by the nonprofit Friends for Reston. After Winterfest, all of the trees will be donated to Reston families in need.
In a new addition for 2026, Winterfest will include a “Polar Play Park” with ice carvings, interactive ice games and “frosty fun for visitors of all ages,” RA says.
“The play park will be introduced this year as a result from community feedback expressing [a desire for] additional activities for children,” RA spokesperson Cara O’Donnell told FFXnow by email. “We also will have a DJ and snowmaking at different times of the evening in the polar play park (provided Mother Nature doesn’t give us her own snow).”
Like in past years, attendees can also expect to meet Santa Claus, who will be present for free photo opportunities, and explore a “whimsical” Grinch’s Village.
Marshmallows will be available for roasting over fire pits at the park, and there will also be a variety of seasonal treats, refreshments and food trucks. According to O’Donnell, RA has confirmed the participation of the following food trucks:
- Big Cheese
- Caffeine Machine
- Himalayan Soul Foods
- Kay’s Mini Doughnuts
- Lupita’s Taqueria
- Maryland Brat & Butcher Co
- Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee
- Two Smooth Dudes
Winterfest tickets went on sale at noon last Thursday (Oct. 15), costing $20 for non-member adults and $10 for kids aged 3-17. RA members, recreation passholders, and all children 2 and younger can attend for free, but everyone must have a ticket in hand to enter.
“Bundle up, gather your family and friends, and join us for an unforgettable kickoff to the holiday season,” RA said.
