‘Merry Old Town’ Events Announced for Christmastime

MANASSAS, Va. — Old Town Manassas, or “Merry Old Town,” is set to light up again, literally, to ring in the 2013 Christmas season.

Lights have been strung around the popular old town shopping district where many locally-owned stores and restaurants are located. And several events are planned throughout the first few weeks of the month to help usher in the holiday spirit, including the 67th Annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade and a visit from Santa Claus.

More in a press release:

Holiday activities in Merry Old Town will include:

Friday, December 6:

5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – The Manassas Museum hosts their annual Holiday Open House with free admission and refreshments.

6:00 p.m. – Santa arrives at the Manassas train depot via the VRE (Virginia Railway Express) train.

6:30 p.m. – Santa lights the Old Town Manassas Christmas tree on the Manassas Museum lawn.

7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. – Free hayrides through Old Town Manassas.

7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. – Caroling, ice skating, and Santa meet-and-greet to be held at Harris Pavilion Gazebo following the tree lighting ceremony.

Saturday, December 7:

10:00 a.m. – The 68th Annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade, sponsored by Northwest Federal Credit Union, begins on Mathis Avenue and continue down Center Street in Old Town Manassas. The Manassas Christmas Parade has more than 2000 participants including floats, high-flying balloons and marching bands. To volunteer at the parade, visit www.gmchristmasparade.org.

Sunday, December 8:

12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. – Annual Merchants Open House – Enjoy holiday shopping and vote for your favorite gingerbread house on display in the shops’ windows as part of the Annual Gingerbread House Contest. Votes are accepted in the store or on-line at www.facebook.com/manassas.

1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Free horse-drawn carriage rides. Free horse-drawn carriages rides will also be available on December 15 and 22.