The Jingle on the Lake Event in Reston

If you live in Reston, you know the holidays feel a little different when Santa trades his sleigh for a boat on Lake Anne. Jingle on the Lake is one of those traditions that somehow feels both small town and uniquely Reston at the same time. Santa arrives by water, elves glide in on paddleboards, and the plaza turns into a full-day Christmas market right in the center of the community.

Neighbors greet each other on the brick paths, kids run toward the dock clutching their wish lists, and the whole scene plays out against the backdrop of mid-century architecture and a sparkling lake. It is a day that really shows off what makes Lake Anne Plaza special.

What is Jingle on the Lake at Lake Anne Plaza?

Jingle on the Lake is an annual holiday festival at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston. Each year, the Lake Anne Washington Plaza Merchant Association hosts a full day of holiday activities, capped off by Santa’s arrival by boat.

Instead of a traditional street parade, Reston families gather along the waterfront to watch a decorated boat parade and Santa’s entrance, complete with “elves” on paddleboards. Choirs from local schools, ballet performances, children’s activities, and a Christmas market run throughout the day. It feels very much like a neighborhood block party that just happens to be on the water.

Jingle on the Lake 2025: Dates, times, and schedule

For 2025, the Jingle on the Lake Christmas Festival is scheduled for Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston, rain or shine.

Here is the current published schedule:

• Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025

• Location: Lake Anne Plaza, Reston, VA

• Christmas Market: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

• Lake Anne Elementary School Choir: 11:40 am

• Boat parade and Santa’s arrival: 12:00 pm

• Vienna Singing Princesses: 12:45 pm

• Sunrise Valley Elementary School Choir: 1:30 pm

• South Lakes High School a cappella groups: 2:15 pm

• Reston Conservatory Ballet: 3:00 pm

Throughout the day you can shop the Christmas market on the plaza and at Reston Community Center Lake Anne, enjoy hot chocolate and food from local restaurants, and watch performances from local students and performers.

Sponsors often include familiar neighborhood spots like Kalypso’s Sports Tavern, Cafe Montmartre, Elden Street Tea Shop, the Reston Museum, and others, which means you are truly supporting local when you attend.

It is always a good idea to double-check event details closer to the date, since times and line-ups can shift slightly from year to year.

Join the Jingle Paddle: Be one of Santa’s elves on the water

One of the quirkiest parts of Jingle on the Lake is the chance to join the Jingle Paddle. Instead of just watching from the dock, you can actually paddle in alongside Santa as one of his elves.

Surf Reston’s Jingle Paddle invites experienced paddlers to launch from the Lake Anne boat ramp late in the morning and cruise toward the plaza as Santa gets ready to arrive. Registration is free, and if you do not own a board, rentals are typically available for a small fee. Surf Reston provides festive touches like elf hats or reindeer antlers to complete your costume.

Because the water in December is very cold, this paddle is recommended only for experienced paddlers who are comfortable on a board and prepared to dress for winter conditions. If that is not you, no problem. It is just as fun to watch from shore and cheer on the elves as they jingle across the lake.

If you enjoy this kind of on-the-water fun, you might also like the SUP Witches Halloween Coven Parade at Lake Anne, another iconic Lake Anne tradition.

What to expect at the Christmas market and plaza

From morning through afternoon, Lake Anne Plaza is busy with families, neighbors, and visitors from across Northern Virginia. A few things you can expect:

• Handmade gifts and local vendors. The Christmas market features artisans and small businesses offering everything from ornaments and jewelry to local food items.

• Food and drink from Lake Anne favorites. Kalypso’s Sports Tavern, Cafe Montmartre, Elden Street Tea Shop, and other local spots often serve warm drinks, bite-sized snacks, and full meals.

• Performances throughout the day. Depending on the year, you might catch school choirs, the Vienna Singing Princesses, Reston Conservatory Ballet, and other performers on the main stage.

• Visits with Santa. After Santa makes his big entrance by boat, kids can line up to share their wish lists and take photos.

• A few surprises. In recent years, the Grinch has even made an appearance at Jingle on the Lake, which adds a playful twist to the day.

It is easy to spend several hours wandering the plaza, browsing, listening to music, and just enjoying the views of Lake Anne.

Local tips for enjoying Jingle on the Lake

Because this event is both free and well loved, a little planning goes a long way. Here are some tips from a neighbor who spends many weekends right here.

Arrive early for the best parking and viewing spots
Parking around Lake Anne can fill up quickly on big event days. Plan to arrive in the morning if you want a relaxed experience, time to wander the market, and a good spot near the water before Santa’s noon arrival.

Dress in warm, layered clothing
Even if the sun is out, the breeze off the lake can feel chilly, especially while you stand and watch the boats. Layers, hats, and gloves are your friend. If you are doing the Jingle Paddle, follow Surf Reston’s cold-weather guidance and dress as if you might get wet.

Plan kid breaks and snacks
There is a lot of excitement for younger kids, between Santa, performances, and crafts. Plan a few quiet breaks in the Reston Community Center or at one of the cafes around the plaza. A hot chocolate stop customizes the day to your family’s pace.

Bring some cash, but expect cards too
Most vendors take cards now, although some smaller artisans may still prefer cash. A small amount of cash can make buying a quick snack or ornament easier.

Think about how you are getting there
If you already live near Lake Anne Cluster or one of the nearby townhome and condo communities, you can often walk to the event, which is a big perk of living in this part of Reston. If you are coming from other parts of Reston or Herndon, build in a little extra travel time.

What Jingle on the Lake reveals about life in Reston

Jingle on the Lake is more than a holiday festival. It is a clear example of how Reston was designed around shared spaces, paths, and lakes that bring neighbors together. On this one day, you see kids, long-time residents, new arrivals, and even out-of-town grandparents all sharing the same waterfront plaza.

If you are exploring Northern Virginia real estate and trying to decide which neighborhoods feel like home, events like this can be very helpful. Jingle on the Lake highlights:

• Walkable community design around Lake Anne.

• Strong local businesses that anchor the plaza and support events.

• Active outdoor culture, with paddleboarding, boating, and waterfront living.

• Engaged schools and arts groups, thanks to all the choirs and performances.

People who search for phrases like best Reston agent, best realtors in Reston, VA, Reston real estate, best Herndon agent, best realtors in Herndon, VA, or Herndon real estate are often looking for more than listings. They want to understand the rhythm of local life and the traditions that make a place feel like home.

If you already live here, you know how special it feels when Santa comes by boat and the whole community gathers around the lake. If you are still thinking about where in Northern Virginia you want to land, come spend a few hours at Jingle on the Lake this December and see if Lake Anne feels like the kind of place you want to call home.