Reston's Popular Holiday Festival Returns For 3 Nights In December

RESTON, VA — Thousands of holiday lights, visits with Santa Claus and a new ice-themed attraction are coming to Reston this December as Winterfest returns to Brown's Chapel Park for its fourth year.

The three-night celebration will run Thursday, Dec. 3, through Saturday, Dec. 5, from 5 to 9 p.m. each evening, according to the Reston Association.

Tickets go on sale at noon on Thursday, Oct. 15. Reston Association members get free admission, while non-members pay $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 3 to 17. Children 2 and younger can attend for free.

All visitors, including those eligible for free admission, must have a ticket.

What's New At Winterfest 2026?

This year's festival will introduce the Polar Play Park, featuring ice carvings, interactive ice games and other winter-themed activities.

The new attraction will be available weather permitting.

Returning attractions include the half-mile Light Up the Park walk, featuring thousands of holiday lights, and the Enchanted Forest, where decorated Christmas trees sponsored by local businesses, organizations and families will be displayed.

Other activities and attractions include:

• Free photo opportunities with Santa Claus.
• Grinch's Village, featuring holiday-themed activities and photo opportunities.
• A Vendor Village for holiday shopping.
• Fire pits and marshmallow roasting.
• Seasonal treats, food trucks and refreshments.

"Winterfest has become one of Reston's favorite holiday traditions, bringing together neighbors, families and friends to celebrate the season," said Laura Kowalski, Reston Association's director of recreation services.

Kowalski said the event has become an annual tradition for many local families.

Holiday Trees Will Help Reston Families

Winterfest also includes a charitable component through its Enchanted Forest.

At the conclusion of the festival, the decorated trees will be donated to families in need throughout Reston.

The initiative is made possible by Friends of Reston, with trees sponsored by local businesses, community organizations and families.

Residents and businesses interested in sponsoring a tree can find information through Reston Association.

Winterfest 2026: Dates, Tickets And Prices

• Where: Brown's Chapel Park, Reston
• When: Thursday, Dec. 3, through Saturday, Dec. 5
• Hours: 5 to 9 p.m. nightly
• Reston Association members: Free admission
• Nonmember adults, ages 18 and older: $20
• Nonmember children, ages 3-17: $10
• Children ages 2 and younger: Free
• Tickets: Available beginning at noon Thursday, Oct. 15, at reston.org/winterfest

All attendees must obtain tickets, regardless of admission price.