Ready or not, here come the winter holidays! Highlights this month include the Reston Holiday Parade, Thanksgiving turkey trots and volunteer opportunities, and the return of ice skating to Reston Town Center. Here’s what’s happening in and around Reston during November, 2016.
The ice skating rink returns to Reston Town Center on November 4, 2016, and it will be open daily through early March.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2016
Thanksgiving Food Drive Begins
Reston Community Centers, Reston
Patrons, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to drop off non-perishable food and other items from November 1–23 at the Reston Community Center Hunters Woods and Lake Anne facilities, the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, as well as a variety of other drop-off points throughout the community. Refer to their list of items needed. If you would like to volunteer with this project, refer to the list of volunteer opportunities.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2016
Beyond Sacred: Voices of Muslim Identity
8pm: Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, Reston
This show is part of an ongoing series of community-specific oral history theatre works known as the “Undesirable Elements” series. Each production is made by a specific community, with local participants testifying to their real lives and experiences. Tickets are $15-$20.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016
Reston Town Center Ice Skating Opening Day
11am-11pm: Reston Town Center Pavilion, Reston
The centerpiece of Reston Town Center’s winter season is its beautiful ice rink, and it returns this month! It will be open seven days a week until March. This is one of Reston’s classic family activities, with something for every age, including Rock ‘n Skate on Fridays and Cartoon Skate on Saturday mornings. Skate rentals, lessons, and private parties are available. Come out and enjoy the rink while the temperatures are still mild. [see our ten fun facts about ice skating at Reston Town Center]
Reston Players Present: Gypsy
8pm: CenterStage, Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, Reston
This musical is based on the memoirs of the famous burlesque artist, Gypsy Rose Lee. Tickets are $21-$25.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2016
Children’s Fall Flea Market
9am-12pm: Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, Reston
Help your children aged 6-13 make some money by selling their used toys, books, clothing, and games. You can score some deals for your family while supporting junior entrepreneurs. Reserve a vendor table in advance if your child would like to participate.
Home 4 the Holidays Pet Adoption Fair
11am-4pm: Reston Town Center, Reston
Help a cute, furry friend find a home at the tenth annual adoption fair. Around 40 all-breed and purebred dog rescue organizations will be there with adoptable dogs. There will also be exhibitions, interactive activities, and a visit from Santa Paws. Come support these rescue groups, and perhaps you’ll also find your next best friend.
Opening Reception: Unforgettable – Featuring the Photography of Marti Belcher
7-9pm: ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon
Marti Belcher’s photography features the people, colors, scenes, and emotions she encountered in India.
Reston Players Present: Gypsy
8pm: CenterStage, Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, Reston
This musical is based on the memoirs of the famous burlesque artist, Gypsy Rose Lee. Tickets are $21-$25.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2016
Opening Reception: Through the Eye of the Needle
2-4pm: Jo Ann Rose Gallery, RCC at Lake Anne, Reston
This exhibit by Reston-area quilters features full-sized quilts, art quilts, wall hangings, table runners and other fabric art. FREE.
Reston Players Present: Gypsy
2pm: CenterStage, Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, Reston
This musical is based on the memoirs of the famous burlesque artist, Gypsy Rose Lee. Tickets are $21-$25.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2016
Halloween Candy Buy-Back
12-4pm: Tisseront Orthodontics, 11720 Plaza America Drive, Ste. 101, Reston (in the plaza in front of the office)
Looking to unload that leftover Halloween candy? For every pound of donated candy the child/family will receive $1 and Dr. Tisseront will donate $1 to Children’s National Health System. The candy will be boxed and shipped along with letters from the community to our troops overseas. The event will also have hot apple cider, temporary tattoos, balloons, and a raffle.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2016
Election Day
Throughout town
Don’t forget to vote. And you’ll probably need to head to a bar for a drink to get through this day.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016
Great Falls Veteran’s Day Remembrance Ceremony
11am: Freedom Memorial behind the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls
The event will include a Marine Corps color guard, patriotic songs, and speeches. FREE.
Reston Players Present: Gypsy
8pm: CenterStage, Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, Reston
This musical is based on the memoirs of the famous burlesque artist, Gypsy Rose Lee. Tickets are $21-$25.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2016
Film: Official PBS Screening of “School of the Future”
10am-1pm: Berthold Academy for the Gifted and Talented, 11480 Sunset Hills Rd, Unit 10E, Reston
This PBS documentary addresses new insights from neuroscientists, psychologists, and educators that reveal how kids’ brains work and tell us which techniques are most likely to engage and inspire growing minds. Special guest, Dan Barber – Director of Educational Experience with AltSchool (featured in the documentary) will be there to answer any questions. FREE.
Reston Players Present: Gypsy
8pm: CenterStage, Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, Reston
This musical is based on the memoirs of the famous burlesque artist, Gypsy Rose Lee. Tickets are $21-$25.
Concert: “Lil’ Maceo” Kareen Walkes
7-9pm: ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon
This contemporary jazz performance features saxophonist “Lil Maceo” Kareem Walkes. Complimentary snacks. Wine and Beer available. Tickets are $20.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2016
Design and Wine: Silk Scarf Dyeing
7-9pm: ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon
Fabric artist Acoatzin Torres will teach you how to hand-paint a silk scarf using cork and dye to create intricate patterns. Reservations are $40, which covers art supplies, snacks, and wine.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2016
Author Talk: Kristina Alcorn, Author of In His Own Words
7-9pm: Reston Community Center at Lake Anne, Reston
Reston resident Kristina Alcorn will relate the experience of researching and writing her book about Robert E. Simon, Jr., In His Own Words. Kristina gathered stories from Bob over a period of years – stories many have not heard. She’ll explain how she drew the stories out and how she prepared her book.
The beloved Winter Walk of Lights returns to Meadowlark Gardens on November 18, and will be open nightly through the holiday season.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2016
Opening Night of Meadowlark Gardens’ Winter Walk of Lights
Nightly, Nov 14-Jan 4, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna
Over 500,000 LED lights transform of Meadowlark’s gardens into a winter wonderland. Marvel at the two story animated fountain, stroll past the Gingerbread Village, and explore the beauty of nature like you’ve never seen it.
Tysons Corner Center Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
6-7:30pm: Tysons Corner Center Plaza, Tysons
American Idol alum Kris Allen will perform a concert and the Christmas tree will be lit.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2016
Herndon Turkey Trot
4pm: Herndon Centennial Golf Course, Herndon
This 5K race winds around the beautiful Herndon Centennial Golf Course and on the W&OD Trail. Refreshments, entertainment and door prizes will be available after the race to all runners.
Technology Fair
1:30-4:30pm: Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, Reston
Want to learn how to Skype or just use the basic commands of your personal technology device? Stop by the Technology Fair to have questions answered about any device, new or old. There will be volunteers at stations to assist attendees with technology questions from flip phones to iPads and computers. Come learn the basics or advanced tips from the experts – Reston’s very own teens. FREE.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2016
Turkey Day 5K
8am: South Lakes High School, Reston
Earn your Thanksgiving calories with this local Turkey Trot race. Choose 5K or 1 mile, and get the kids involved with the free Tot Trot. Race proceeds will go benefit Reston’s Embry Rucker Community Homeless Shelter and the South Lakes High School track and field team.
The day after Thanksgiving each year offers a day-long holiday celebration at Reston Town Center.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2016
Holidays are Here!
Reston Town Center
One of the most fun events in Reston takes place each year on the day after Thanksgiving. Festivities include a huge parade, Santa’s arrival, a singalong, and the lighting of the Christmas tree. You don’t want to miss this one! The fun lasts all day:
8:00am-9:30am: Gingerbread Man Mile children’s race
11:00am-12:00pm: Reston Holiday Parade
12:30pm-4:30pm: Visits and photos with Santa, mini-train rides
5:00pm-6:00pm: Performance by the Conservatory Ballet
6:00pm-6:30pm: Tree Lighting and singalong
6:30pm-10:00pm: Carriage rides
All day: Hyatt gingerbread village, ice skating, Black Friday shopping
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2016
Black Nativity
8pm: CenterStage, RCC Hunters Woods, Reston
This retelling of the Christmas story from an Afro-centric perspective is infused with rich gospel, blues, funk, jazz, and dance with griot-style story telling from an ensemble cast. Tickets are $25-$35.
Related articles:
Ten Fun Facts About Ice Skating at Reston Town Center
Unconventional Turkey Ideas and One Local’s Outrageous Recipe
Vegetarians at Thanksgiving: How to Keep Them Happy and Nourished
Thanksgiving Wine Pairings: Talking Shop with Wine Guy Andy Creemer
The Inside Scoop on the Hyatt Gingerbread Village
Reston Holiday Parade: Photo Gallery
Photography by Charlotte Geary