A full-day Christmastime festival will take place near and along the Occoquan River.
Here are the details from Occoquan River Communities:
Communities along both sides of the Occoquan river are collaborating to present WinterFest – a festival of winter fun in Lake Ridge, Lorton, Occoquan and Woodbridge on December 12.
The day-long series of events kicks off at 11 a.m. with a “Rock & Roll Christmas” parade, featuring Santa arriving via firetruck.
The parade begins at the corner of Minnieville and Harbor Drive, continuing along Harbor Drive to Tackett’s Mill, where a Holiday Art Market will be open from noon until 4 p.m.
From 4 to 7 p.m., festivities move to Historic Occoquan and the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, where there will be evening shopping, fire pits, marshmallow roasting, carolers and more.
The Workhouse will host its monthly Second Saturday Art Walk that evening. All venues will feature free hot chocolate.
Visitors are also invited to visit the Prince William Marina which will host its annual holiday boat decorating contest and where donations of toys or food may be made to the Un-Trim-A-Tree program.
Free transportation between the town of Occoquan, the Workhouse Arts Center and the Marina will be provided courtesy of the Occoquan Transportation Company.
The evening’s grand finale will feature a festive display of fireworks dedicated to all active military service members, sponsored by Prince William Marina.
For the best views, visitors may park for free at the Occoquan Regional Park or watch from along the river in Historic Occoquan.
WinterFest is a collaboration of several communities and organizations, including Tackett’s Mill, Lake Ridge Rotary, Santa’s Old Bridge Parade, Inc., the Town of Occoquan, Workhouse Arts Center, Occoquan Regional Park and Prince William Marina. Organization and promotional support is provided by Occoquan River Communities – a not-for profit, grass roots organization, whose mission is to create a preferred destination along the Occoquan River and to foster responsible development, promotion, and stewardship of the Occoquan Watershed.
For details of the WinterFest schedule of events, go to occoquanrivercommunities.org.
