A steady rainfall couldn’t keep away children excited to see Santa at Jingle on Lake Anne yesterday. This holiday celebration takes place at Lake Anne Plaza each year, with crafts, gingerbread cookies, and visits with Santa. This year the inclement weather led to the cancellation of the annual petting zoo, but the other children’s activities were able to carry on as planned, thanks to the cover provided by the plaza buildings.
The highlight of this event each year is Santa’s arrival in the plaza. In true Reston style, he travels by pontoon boat! Crowds of cheering families greet him as his boat approaches the plaza. This is one of my favorite Reston events of the year. I say that a lot, but I can’t help it – there are so many special events that make this town such a great place to live, and Jingle on Lake Anne is undoubtedly one of them.
A rainy day meant there were lots of adorable kids wandering around with rain boots and umbrellas. They started to arrive around 11am, to participate in the children’s activities on the plaza and wait for Santa’s arrival.
Free gingerbread cookies were available for kids to decorate and eat.
Craft stations offered kids opportunities to create a variety of Christmas tree ornaments.
As noon approached, excited kids gathered near the water to look for Santa’s boat.
Santa’s arrival was greeted by cheers from kids and adults alike. I have to admit, even I find it thrilling every year.
This boy ran up to Santa and tackled him with a hug.
Because of the rain, Santa met with children inside Reston’s Used Book Shop at Lake Anne Plaza. The book shop staff set up a cozy spot for Santa next to a fireplace, where kids sat with him and made what I imagine to be magical holiday memories.
Don’t miss the complete set of photos in our Jingle on Lake Anne Facebook album.
For a list of all the upcoming holiday celebrations in Reston, Herndon, and surrounding areas, don’t miss our list of Holiday Events in the Reston Area.
More more photos of recent Reston events, check out our photo galleries.
