Winterfest 2025 at Brown’s Chapel: A Local Guide to Reston’s Holiday Lights
Every December, Winterfest turns Brown’s Chapel Park into one of the most magical spots in Reston. If you live in Reston or Herndon, or you are just starting to explore Northern Virginia, this three-night event is a perfect way to kick off the holiday season and get a real feel for the community.
Winterfest centers on a walk-through trail filled with thousands of lights, but it has become much more than that. There is an Enchanted Forest of decorated trees, fire pits with s’mores, local vendors, live music, and plenty of chances for kids to meet Santa or the Grinch. It is cozy, festive, and very Reston.
This guide walks through what Winterfest is, when and where it happens, how to get there, and a few local tips to make the most of your night at Brown’s Chapel Park.
What is Winterfest in Reston, Virginia?
Winterfest is a three-night holiday celebration organized by Reston Association. In 2025, it returns to Brown’s Chapel Park for its third year and is described as “bigger and brighter than last year.” The centerpiece is the Light Up the Park trail, a walk-through experience with thousands of festive lights and holiday displays.
Along the route you will find:
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A self-guided light trail that winds through the park
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Fire pits with s’mores along the way
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The Enchanted Forest, filled with decorated trees sponsored by local groups
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Grinch’s Village for kids who like a bit of playful mischief
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A free photo opportunity with Santa
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Vendor Village with local sellers, food, and drinks
Winterfest feels like a neighborhood holiday party scaled up for the whole town, and it draws visitors from across Reston, Herndon, and other parts of Northern Virginia.
When and where is Winterfest 2025?
For 2025, Winterfest runs for three evenings:
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Dates: Thursday, December 4 through Saturday, December 6, 2025
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Time: 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. each night
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Location: Brown’s Chapel Park, 1575 Browns Chapel Road, Reston, VA 20191
You can see the full event overview on the Winterfest 2025 page. There, Reston Association notes that Winterfest is “the perfect kickoff to the holiday season,” with the light trail, Enchanted Forest, and a growing list of activities and entertainment each year.
If you want details about the facility itself, Brown’s Chapel is one of Reston Association’s community buildings, tucked beside open green space, ball fields, and a network of Reston trails. During Winterfest, the surrounding park becomes the stage for the event.
Winterfest tickets and registration
One of the best parts of Winterfest is that admission remains free for Reston Association members, although you still need to reserve tickets in advance. Ticketing is handled online through RA’s registration system.
To reserve your spot, go to the Winterfest tickets page and follow the link to purchase or register. There you will see:
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Free admission details for Reston Association members
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Ticket options for non-members
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Instructions on how to access or print your ticket barcodes
You will receive a receipt with barcodes, which you bring to the starting line outside Brown’s Chapel Park on the night you attend.
If you have questions about tickets or registration, Reston Association lists a contact email and phone number on the event page, so you can get help before the evening of the event.
Getting to Winterfest: parking and shuttles
Winterfest is very popular, and Brown’s Chapel does not have space to park everyone right on site. Reston Association makes it easy to get there by offering free shuttle service from several nearby locations.
According to the Winterfest 2025 information, here is how parking and transportation work:
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No general on-site parking for attendees at Brown’s Chapel Park
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Limited on-site parking only for drivers with valid handicapped placards or tags
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Free parking and shuttle service from:
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Lake Newport Pool, 11601 Lake Newport Road
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Baron Cameron Park, 11300 Baron Cameron Avenue
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North Point Village Center, 1444 North Point Village Center, near Starbucks
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Shuttles run from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m., with buses arriving roughly every 10 minutes
When you park at one of the shuttle locations, you simply board the marked Winterfest bus. The shuttle drops you near the event entrance, where you can check in and begin the Light Up the Park walk.
Local tip: If you have younger kids, consider arriving closer to 5:00 p.m. so you can enjoy the trail when it is festive but not yet at peak crowds.
Light Up the Park: what to expect on the trail
Once you check in at Brown’s Chapel and have your ticket scanned, you are directed onto the Light Up the Park trail. The trail is self-guided, so you can walk at your own pace.
Along the route you will find:
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Tunnels and arches of lights
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Colorful themed displays that make great photo backdrops
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Sections that feel calm and twinkly, followed by brighter, more playful areas
The trail is designed to be family friendly. Children often race ahead to the next glowing tunnel, while parents hang back a bit and enjoy the scenery. Couples and groups of friends stroll along, stop for photos, and then regroup at the fire pits or vendors.
The distance is roughly half a mile, which makes it manageable for most families. If you have very young children, a stroller or carrier can be helpful as the evening goes on and the temperature drops.
The Enchanted Forest at Winterfest
One of the most charming parts of Winterfest is the Enchanted Forest. This area showcases rows of decorated trees, each one sponsored by a local business, neighborhood group, community organization, or family.
Every tree has its own personality. Some reflect a particular theme or cause, while others are simply packed with lights, ribbons, and ornaments. Visitors are often invited to vote for their favorite trees, which adds a fun bit of friendly competition among sponsors.
The Enchanted Forest is also where you really see how connected the Reston community is. You will spot trees sponsored by schools, local nonprofits, small businesses, and neighborhood groups that you may already know from everyday life around town.
If you are meeting friends at Winterfest, the Enchanted Forest is an easy place to gather for group photos and to take a few extra minutes to soak in the atmosphere.
Grinch’s Village, Santa photos, and kid-friendly fun
Winterfest is built with kids in mind, and two of the biggest draws are Grinch’s Village and the Santa experience.
The 2025 Winterfest details highlight a free photo opportunity with Santa. This is included in your ticket, so there is no need to book a separate studio session if you want at least one classic holiday photo. Families can line up, say hello to Santa, and have a picture taken during their visit.
Grinch’s Village adds a playful twist for kids who enjoy a little bit of mischief mixed in with their holiday cheer. This area is themed around the Grinch and is a fun stop along the broader trail.
Sprinkled throughout the event, you will also find:
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Fire pits perfect for roasting marshmallows
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S’mores stations with all the ingredients ready to go
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Live music performances on select nights, which give the whole park a soundtrack
If you have children, plan extra time so they can enjoy the character visits, the light displays, and the chance to run off some energy between stops.
Vendor Village, food, and warm drinks
Once you finish the main light trail, the night does not have to end. Winterfest flows into a cozy Vendor Village where local sellers set up booths and tables.
Here you can:
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Browse handmade gifts, ornaments, and seasonal decor
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Pick up treats or small stocking stuffers from local makers
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Chat with neighborhood businesses and organizations
Food vendors and a pop-up bar complete the scene, offering warm drinks like hot chocolate and seasonal beverages for adults. It is the kind of place where you can stand by a fire pit, sip something warm, and look over any gifts you decided to grab along the way.
For many people, this is the part of Winterfest that feels most like a traditional village market, just with the added bonus of nearby ball fields, trees, and the familiar Brown’s Chapel building in the background.
How Winterfest fits into life in Reston and Herndon
Events like Winterfest show why Reston and Herndon are so appealing for people who want a community-centered lifestyle in Northern Virginia.
Reston Association’s parks and recreation network, along with other local organizations, offers a long list of events throughout the year. Winterfest stands out because it uses the natural setting of Brown’s Chapel Park, adds thoughtful lighting and design, and invites the whole community to participate.
Whether you have lived here for years or you are just starting to explore Reston and Herndon, spending an evening at Winterfest gives you a snapshot of what everyday life can feel like in this part of Northern Virginia: neighbors gathering outdoors, kids running along trails, and local businesses quietly woven into the experience.
Planning your Winterfest evening: nearby places to visit
If you want to turn Winterfest into a full night out, there are several nearby spots worth building into your plan.
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Lake Anne Plaza: Just a short drive away, Lake Anne offers restaurants, cafes, and a unique lakeside setting. The Lake Anne Plaza site lists current dining and shopping options. It is an easy place to grab an early dinner before heading to Brown’s Chapel.
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North Point Village Center: Since one of the shuttle pickup locations is at North Point Village Center, you can time things so you get a snack or coffee there, then walk right over to the shuttle stop.
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Reston Town Center: If you still have energy after Winterfest, the Reston Town Center holiday lights and ice skating rink make a nice follow-up stop, especially if you have out-of-town guests who want to see more of Reston.
These nearby destinations, along with Brown’s Chapel Park and the trail system that connects so much of Reston, all work together to create a very livable, connected feel.
Local tips for first-time Winterfest visitors
To wrap up, here are a few practical tips to make your Winterfest visit smooth and enjoyable:
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Reserve your tickets early. Winterfest is popular, and some nights and times may fill up. Use the links on the Winterfest 2025 page to register as soon as you know which night works best.
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Dress in layers. The event runs into the evening, and it can feel significantly cooler as the night goes on. Hats, gloves, and warm socks help a lot.
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Build in shuttle time. Plan for a short wait for the shuttle both going to and coming from Brown’s Chapel. Kids tend to enjoy the bus ride, and it keeps traffic at the park to a minimum.
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Plan your photos. The Enchanted Forest, light tunnels, and Santa area are all great photo spots. If you want a family picture for holiday cards, think ahead about coordinating jackets or accessories.
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Give yourself time for Vendor Village. Instead of heading straight back to the shuttle when you finish the trail, wander through Vendor Village, grab a warm drink, and enjoy the atmosphere for a few extra minutes.
If you love discovering local events, Winterfest is one you will probably find yourself returning to year after year. It is a simple concept, done really well, and it captures a lot of what people appreciate about Reston and the surrounding area.
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