Jingle on the Lake Brings Holiday Cheer to Lake Anne
- The Reston Letter Staff
- 14 hours ago
- 2 min read
by Marisol Yanguas, Guest Writer
The holiday season is officially underway, and one of Reston’s favorite traditions returned to Lake Anne on Dec. 6: Jingle on the Lake. This festive, annual event brings Santa and Mrs. Claus across the lake by pontoon boat, accompanied by a lively crew of holiday characters and paddle-boarding elves who delight crowds of families gathered along the waterfront. Festivities continue at Lake Anne Plaza with a Christmas market, holiday crafts for children, and performances from local schools and community groups. Indoors, Reston Community Center holds its annual holiday arts and crafts shopping event– perfect for picking up unique gifts for everyone’s lists.
This year visitors also enjoyed music from the Lake Anne and Sunrise Valley elementary schools’ choirs, several South Lakes High School A Cappella Groups, the Reston Conservatory Ballet, and the Vienna Singing Princesses.
As the years have come and gone, more traditions have been added to Jingle on the Lake. In 2016, lifelong Restonian Steve Gurney helped expand the long-standing tradition of Santa arriving on a pontoon boat by adding paddle-boarding “elves” to the mix. The idea came up casually and Steve, an avid paddleboarder, decided to give it a try. The first year was a bit challenging, with cold weather and strong winds, but the enthusiasm of the participants and the excitement from onlookers made the event an instant favorite. Since then, it has continued to grow and become a cherished tradition that showcases the creativity and spirit of Reston residents.
“Kids LOVE Santa,” Steve said. “Last year, as we were pulling up to the dock, I realized this must be what it’s like to be a rock star—kids were losing their minds, and I’m one of Santa’s backup singers!”
As the Jingle Paddlers group continues to grow and add its own creativity to the longstanding Jingle on the Lake tradition, Steve hopes it will keep bringing neighbors together and continue spreading positive vibes throughout the community.
