The Town of Occoquan and Occoquan Business Partners is pleased to announce the lineup for the annual HolidayFest in historic Occoquan. There will be plenty of shopping, entertainment, and family fun planned for this magical time of year.
ANNUAL TOWN TREE LIGHTING & SHOP LATE NIGHT
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20
Historic District
Shop Occoquan throughout the day, while enjoying visits from Santa. When you #shopsmall and #shoplocal, you’re supporting your neighborhood artists, shop keeps, restaurant owners and their hardworking staff. Businesses are busy curating unique holiday selections just for you. Many businesses will be open until 8 pm or later this evening.
After you’ve had a bite to eat and checked some names off that gift-giving list, join us at 8 pm in front of Town Hall (314 Mill Street) for our annual holiday tree lighting. Mayor Earnie Porta will officiate this time-honored tradition as Occoquan residents and visitors gather to kick off the holiday season.
There will be a free shuttle service 12 pm-8:30 pm from the Rt 123/Old Bridge commuter lot.
HOLIDAY ARTISAN MARKET
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 11 am-8 pm
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 11 am-4 pm
River Mill Park
This year, our Holiday Artisan Market transforms River Mill Park into a magical holiday shopping experience. Join us on December 4 & 5 when artisans and craft persons will offer original, handmade work in a full range of media. From handmade bath and body
products, candles, gourmet food products, and home décor to fine art and jewelry, you are sure to find the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday list–and maybe something for yourself too.
Free shuttle service from the commuter lot at 123 and Old Bridge Road will be available December 4, 11 am to 9 pm, and December 5, 11 am to 5 pm.
VISIT WITH SANTA
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4
Visit Santa while you are in town. The big guy will arrive by boat at the town dock at
Mamie Davis Park (202 Mill Street) on December 4 at 10:30 am. Kids of all ages are then invited to escort Santa to River Mill Park (458 Mill Street). He will be ready to visit with families from 11 am to 1:30 pm both market days.
SWEETS WITH SANTA
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4
River Mill Park
From 4 pm-7 pm on December 4, fire pits will be burning and ready to roast some marshmallows. S’more packets and hot cocoa will be available for purchase and Santa may make an appearance too.
SHOP, DINE, & WIN! CONTEST
NOVEMBER 20 – DECEMBER 12
Historic District
Shop and dine at your favorite Occoquan businesses for a chance to win $1,600+ in Occoquan business gift cards. Over 30 businesses are participating:
- Anewed Soul Designs
- Art A La Carte Gallery
- Artists’ Undertaking Gallery
- Babba and Me
- Ballywhack Shack
- Bar J Chili Parlor
- D’Roccos Grille
- Forever Young
- Gift & Gather
- Glory Be
- Grind N Crepe
- Hitchcock Paper Co.
- Jerry’s Occoquan Jewelers
- Leaf & Petal
- Madigan’s Waterfront
- Man Overboard Enterprises
- Marin Woodturning
- Nazbros
- Organic Allure
- Patriot Scuba
- Potomac Chocolate
- Puzzle Palooza Etc
- Sincerely Yours Stained Glass Studio
- So Bohemian
- So Olive
- The Loft Gallery
- The Reclaimed Treasures
- The Spot on Mill Street
- theOCQ.com
- Third Base Pizza & Frozen Custard
- VanEch Studio Home & Garden
- Zorba’s Grill
A CHRISTMAS CAROL STAGED READING
DECEMBER 11 AT 3PM & 5PM
DECEMBER 12 AT 3PM & 5PM
River Mill Park
Get in the holiday spirit with a festive production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. This staged reading from Castaways Repertory Theatre will take place outdoors in River Mill Park at 458 Mill Street. Tickets are $5 for adults/youth; ages 12 and under are free. Bring camp chairs and dress appropriately for an outdoor performance. Tickets are on sale now HERE.
LETTERS TO SANTA
NOVEMBER 20 – DECEMBER 24
Drop your letter to Santa in our North Pole mailboxes at Town Hall (314 Mill Street) or Hitchcock Paper Co. (125 Mill Street). Free coloring and fill-in Santa letters with envelopes will be available to kids of all ages at Hitchcock Paper Co. If you include a return address, Santa will send a personalized letter back.
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Prince William County government offices and facilities will be open on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Still, employees can take unscheduled leave or engage in unscheduled telework due to current weather conditions.
While the county remains open for business, residents are encouraged to check for the latest updates on facility-specific operations by visiting pwcva.gov/emergency.
Some county services may be impacted by the weather. Before visiting a county facility, call ahead or check the county’s website.
Several schools in our region have announced closures and delays for Wednesday, January 8, 2025, due to inclement weather and hazardous road conditions.
Fredericksburg Regional Transit (FXBGO!) announced that transit service, which was suspended on Tuesday due to winter weather, is expected to resume at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 8. Residents relying on public transportation are encouraged to plan accordingly and check for updates before traveling.
In addition to transit disruptions, the city’s trash collection schedule has been adjusted. Monday’s missed routes resumed today, and services will shift forward by one day for the remainder of the week. Tuesday’s trash will be collected on Wednesday, Wednesday’s on Thursday, and so on.
The City of Fredericksburg’s Public Works Department continues its efforts to clear snow and ice from roadways. Primary collector roads are reported to be in good condition, but some residential and collector roads remain compacted with snow and ice. Crews are applying plowing and chemical treatments as necessary to address these areas. As temperatures drop overnight, roads may refreeze, and drivers are urged to exercise caution when traveling.
The City also reminds property owners and occupants of their obligation to clear sidewalks adjacent to their properties. Snow and ice must be removed within 12 hours after snowfall ends, or by noon the following day if precipitation occurs overnight or on a Sunday. Sand or abrasives may be used if removal isn’t feasible. Residents and businesses are also responsible for clearing ADA access ramps to ensure safe pedestrian passage.
The animals below are STRAYS turned into the PWC Animal Services Center between 01/03/2025 – 01/06/2025. We post photos of stray animals brought to the Center a couple of times each week to help owners find their missing pets.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
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Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra, this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Featuring:
