BXP is cutting the giant balloons and horse-drawn carriage rides from Reston Town Center's annual Holiday Parade.

The 34th annual parade still takes place on Nov. 27, but a BXP spokesperson told FFXnow, which first reported the changes, that the celebration will no longer include some of the larger balloons or horse-drawn carriage rides featured in past years. BXP is the main property owner and developer behind the town center.

In their place: festive floats, a glam station with Santa and a new sip-and-stroll option. Both the balloons and the carriages have been part of the parade for years.

Why the balloons are going

Strong winds kept the giant balloons grounded during "several" previous parades, including in 2025, the BXP spokesperson told FFXnow. That made the cost of renting them harder to justify. The parade is shifting to festive floats instead, with an application process open to community groups and grants available for select participants.

Details on grant amounts, eligibility and deadlines have not been announced.

Why the carriages are out

The horse-drawn carriages, which traditionally carried Santa Claus, were cut over "safety and animal welfare considerations," the spokesperson said. BXP said the move was not prompted by any specific issues or incidents involving the horses at the holiday parade. It was part of a "broader review of the event and how it continues to evolve."

What's new

The 2026 parade will feature a "glam station" where visitors can take selfies with Santa and Mrs. Claus. A sip-and-stroll option will let visitors carry alcoholic beverages from participating restaurants during the tree lighting. Hours for the sip-and-stroll run from 4:30 to 8 p.m.

Organizers are also planning more live entertainment than in past years. A DJ will perform near the on-site train rides, and gondola "activations" will take place by the ice skating rink, which opened for the 2026-2027 season on Nov. 10.

10Best voting

The parade is competing in USA Today's 10Best poll for best holiday parade in the country, up against the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade and America's Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit. Voting ends at noon on Nov. 30, and the 10 winners will be announced Dec. 3.

Upcoming holiday events

  • Nov. 27 — Reston Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting, Reston Town Center. Parade at 11 a.m., sip-and-stroll 4:30-8 p.m., tree lighting at 6 p.m.
  • Dec. 3-5 — Winterfest 2026, a Reston Association event, 5-9 p.m. nightly. Features a Light Up the Park Walk, Santa Experience, Enchanted Forest, bonfire and s'mores. Free for RA members; registration required.
  • Dec. 6 — Run with Santa 5K at Reston Town Center, 8 a.m.