Holiday Book Drive. Barnes & Noble, Spectrum Center, 1851 Fountain Drive, Reston, is supporting The Embry Rucker Community Shelter with a display and suggestions for those wanting to make a purchase and add to the boxes of gifts. The Shelter asks that all gifts be new and unwrapped to make it easier for them to match the gift and recipient.
Holiday Performances. Community groups will present music and dance performances at Fountain Square, Reston Town Center. Schedule on www.restontowncenter.com.
Celebrating the Holidays. At the Reston Town Center, the following is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 28:
8 a.m.- Early opening of Reston Town Center retailers.
8:30 a.m.- Children can run with Alan Webb, U.S. record-holder for the fastest mile. $5 suggested donation, to benefit Neediest Kids. Register on site at 7:30 a.m.; advance at www.neediestkids.org.
11 am- Reston Holiday Parade.
12:30-4:30 p.m.- Visits with Santa.
6 p.m.- Holiday tree lighting and sing along.
6:30-10 p.m.- Horse-drawn carriage rides. $5/person, children 5 and under free. Proceeds benefit Volunteer Fairfax.
The Bargain Loft Holiday Shop, 336 Victory Drive, Herndon, is open for business Tuesday, Dec. 2-24. Store open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. All proceeds go to Herndon-Reston FISH, Inc. to help people with emergency needs. Visit www.herndonrestonfish.org.
The Holiday Homes Tour of Herndon will take place Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Tickets on sale at the Herndon Dulles Visitor’s Center and the Herndon Florist both located on Lynn Street. $10/advance; $15/day of. Home locations: Quail Hollow, 761 Dranesville Rd.; 866 Vine Street; Merrybrook, 2346 Centreville Rd.; 630 Nash Street; 835 Elden Street.
Traditional Christmas carols and other live music will be performed at the Washington Plaza Church, 1615 Washington Plaza, Reston, Saturday, Dec. 6, 8 p.m., in the Church Sanctuary. Visit www.washingtonplazachurch.com
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides. On Saturday, Dec. 6, 13, and 20, Reston Town Center will offer carriage rides to benefit local charities from 12–4 p.m.
Congregation Beth Emeth, 12523 Lawyers Road, Herndon, is holding a "Sisterhood Chanukah Boutique" Sunday Dec. 7 and 14, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Gifts, candies, candles, toys and more will be available. Call 703-860-4515.
The Model Train and Railroad Art Show will be held Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 14, 12-4 p.m., at ArtSpace, 750 Center St., Herndon. N-scale and HO trains will be running. W&OD museum and W&OD caboose also will be open. Free. Call 703-956-6590.