We attended Reston’s Winterfest 2025 last weekend. This is actually our second Winterfest as we totally enjoyed it last year and decided to come again. It is held in the area near Brown’s Chapel and the Lakehouse.
However, there is no parking at the event, and you, also, need a ticket to enter. Remarkably, it is free to Reston Association Members. Thanks!!! What a nice way to say thank you to everyone at the end of the year.
The tickets to the event were obtained online plus you could put them on your phone.
Entering Winterfest 2025
Actually, there is a lot of free parking for the event. There were three designated parking areas. One area was across from the event and then people crossed the road. We took the second option of parking near Cameron Glen and then we all got on the shuttle bus. The shuttle bus ran about every ten minutes, so we didn’t have to wait long for it. Only comment about the parking lot is the entrance was so dark, we passed it up the first time, turned around and then went in.
At the entrance of Winterfest, we walked through this arched area of green lights to the check in desk. It was quick and easy with no waiting only a showing of our tickets. One of the volunteers helped me put on my wristband for the event. Thanks again!
From then on, we strolled through the beautifully decorated light show. The path was well lite and there were volunteers to point out the way if you got lost.
At one point we stopped at the Grinch’s house where some children were getting their photos taken with the Grinch.
From there we then stopped at the warming pits to toast a marshmallow. The Enchanted Forest was our next stop. Different organizations sign up for a tree which they decorate. So, there was a variety of decorations. But the attendees also get to vote on their favorite tree. We liked the tree with the large swimming decorations on it. Reston has lots of swimming pools but I’m not sure which pool or swim team sponsored that tree.
Grand Finale
Towards the end, there is a super snowflake surprise as you walk under arches of large snowflake lights. This ends at the Lakehouse.
This path takes one to the Lake House where Santa was located.
At the end there were also warming pits where you could roast a marshmallow if you haven’t done so already. I missed the smore kits they gave out last year, but a roasted marshmallow is also a good treat.
I guess the volunteers kept the fire pits burning. We sat for a while and warmed up at this fire.
Event Ending
Since I’ve been good all year long, I didn’t need to visit Santa in the Lakehouse. I’m sure he is going to bring me all kinds of great stuff.
At this point, there were a variety of food booths and other interesting booths to see. We walked out to the front where we began our journey, and the shuttle bus was waiting there. So, we hopped on and went back to pick up our car on the parking lot.
Ending Notes on Winterfest 2025
Wow, I actually walked the Winterfest path 30 years before when we were involved with a children’s music program located in Brown’s Chapel. After class, we would go play and sometimes walked around the lovely lake.
Thanks Reston Association, we had a great time enjoying this year’s light show, walking about on a winter’s night, eating a roasted marshmallow and thinking about all the good things with the 2025 holiday.
Also, thanks Reston for giving us a wonderful, planned community to live in and enjoy.
Happy Holidays!!!