We're getting our first look at Christmastime events in and around Manassas, and it’s shaping up to be a season full of festive fun for the whole family.
Manassas City has a lineup of holiday happenings in early December. On Friday night, December 6, at 5:15 p.m., the city will light up with Santa Lights Manassas. Santa will arrive to bring holiday cheer and officially kick off the season with the lighting ceremony. The celebrations continue with the 78th Greater Manassas Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7, at 10 a.m. This year’s theme, Christmas in Candyland, promises a delightful parade filled with sweet surprises, from colorful floats to festive marching bands.
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According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, residents in Northern Virginia and surrounding areas saw their first raindrops in almost 40 days this Sunday. The raindrops offered much-needed relief from a prolonged dry spell that has placed the region under moderate to severe drought conditions.
The National Weather Service has classified parts of Prince William County, Stafford County, Fredericksburg, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Spotsylvania County as experiencing a D1 Moderate Drought. Meanwhile, Fairfax County, King George County, and the Northern Neck Peninsula are experiencing a D2 severe drought.
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Today, November 10, the National Museum of the Marine Corps honors the 249th birthday of the United States Marine Corps with special events and a live stream, allowing Marines and supporters worldwide to join in the celebration.
Since November 10, 1775, the Marine Corps has stood as a symbol of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. The museum at Quantico plays a vital role in preserving the Corps' history and legacy, offering a space where Marines from all generations can reflect, remember, and inspire others.
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A fire displaced four residents from their home on Tamar Creek Lane. Just before 8 a.m., Stafford County Fire and Rescue responded to a report of a structure fire in the 100 block of the street.
Crews arrived on the scene within five minutes and observed smoke emanating from the rear of a middle-row townhouse’s top floor. Upon further investigation, firefighters discovered a room ablaze on the top floor and quickly controlled the fire. The blaze was primarily confined to that room and its contents.
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Looking for things to do this weekend? Here’s what’s happening:
Saturday, November 9:
– Veterans Day Ceremony
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Harris Pavilion, 9201 Center St, Manassas, VA 20110
Join the community to honor our veterans with a special ceremony that includes guest speakers, musical performances, and a moment of reflection.
– Senior Life Resource Fair
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Haymarket Gainesville Library, 14870 Lightner Road, Haymarket, VA 20169
This fair offers resources for seniors, including health screenings, informational booths, and workshops aimed at enhancing quality of life.
– Spanish Storytime
Time: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: Manassas Park City Library, 100 Park Central Plaza, Manassas Park, VA 20111
Families are invited to enjoy stories and songs in Spanish, helping children build bilingual literacy and appreciation for diverse cultures.
– “Celebrating Grace and Joy” Artist Reception
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: ARTfactory, 9419 Battle St, Manassas, VA 20110
Meet local artists and view artwork that explores themes of grace and joy. Light refreshments will be served.
– Kid’s Author Talk with Annemarie Cake
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Manassas Park City Library, 100 Park Central Plaza, Manassas Park, VA 20111
Children’s author Annemarie Cake will discuss her latest book, followed by a Q&A session and book signing.
– Mandy Gonzalez in Concert
Time: 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA 20110
Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez performs songs from her career, including hits from “Hamilton” and “In the Heights.”
Sunday, November 10:
While no one has posted events to our calendar for Sunday, it’s a great day to explore local parks, visit museums, or try out one of the area’s many restaurants. It’s FREE to post events!
Monday, November 11:
Don’t forget about the Fredericksburg Veterans Day Parade! Fredericksburg will host its annual Veteran’s Day procession at 10 a.m., beginning at Memorial Park (Kenmore Park) on Kenmore Avenue and ending at the Fredericksburg Area War Memorial on George Street. The procession will travel down Washington Avenue from Mary Ball Street to George Street, ending around 10:30, with the Veteran’s Day Commemoration beginning at 10:45 at the War Memorial. Streets will not be closed for the procession, but a rolling police escort will accompany the walkers.
Groups are encouraged to register online to participate. Veterans who cannot complete the walk may travel on a VIP bus provided by Trolley of Fredericksburg. The VIP bus is for veterans only, and seats are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
For more information and additional events, visit our event calendar.
Virginia State Police are investigating two separate fatal crashes that occurred on Route 806 in Fauquier County, claiming the lives of a pedestrian and a motorcyclist. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as investigations continue.
Fatal Hit-and-Run on Elk Run Road
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The Rose Gaming Resort celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held in its newly built multi-story parking garage. Local and state leaders, including Mayor Derrick Wood, Virginia Delegate Luke Torian, and Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr, joined senior officials from Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI), the company behind The Rose.
The $460 million facility promises to be Northern Virginia’s premier gaming and entertainment destination, offering a wide array of amenities, including 1,650 historical horse racing machines, eight restaurants and bars, over 100 hotel rooms, and a vibrant event space.
Churchill Downs Incorporated CEO William C. Carstanjen praised the dedication of the 500-member team and the intense efforts that went into transforming the site, a former landfill, into what is now a state-of-the-art gaming and entertainment complex. “This project has faced its share of challenges,” Carstanjen said, referencing the technical and construction obstacles posed by building on a reclaimed landfill. “But for us, the opportunity to convert this site into a new facility has been a labor of love.”
Mayor Derrick Wood echoed these sentiments, reflecting on the landfill’s past and the significant transformation it symbolizes for Dumfries. “Today’s ribbon cutting is more than just an event; it’s the beginning of a new era for our town,” he stated. He highlighted the evolution of the property from an eyesore to a “landmark” that will redefine Dumfries, not only visually but economically. The Rose Gaming Resort, he noted, is projected to inject millions in tax revenue and create hundreds of jobs, further enhancing the town’s growth and revitalization efforts.
The event emphasized community engagement and CDI’s commitment to the Dumfries area. Mayor Wood praised CDI’s "Rosie's Gives Back" program, which has pledged $100,000 in donations to local initiatives, reinforcing The Rose’s role as an engaged community partner. Local residents now look forward to the economic and cultural impact of this new landmark, which is expected to attract visitors from across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region, solidifying Dumfries as a go-to destination for entertainment and hospitality.
Hundreds lined up to enter the game room while the ribbon cutting took place.
The grand opening signifies a major milestone in Dumfries' ongoing development and a promising future fueled by public-private partnerships and community-focused growth, according to its mayor.
The Rose held a ribbon cutting on Thursday, November 7, 2024, to mark the completion of the $460 million gaming resort in Dumfries, Virignia. pic.twitter.com/4278fn4PqI
— Potomac Local News (@PotomacLocal) November 8, 2024
From Prince William police:
Fatal Hit & Run Crash Investigation – On November 3 at 1:22AM, officers responded to the intersection of Prince William Pkwy and Lynn St. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate an unconscious man in the roadway. The investigation revealed the victim, a 51-year-old man, was believed to have been walking in the roadway of Prince William Pkwy when he was struck by an unknown vehicle which continued driving.
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The 2024 Fall Arts and Crafts Show in Occoquan, held from September 27 to September 29, wrapped up with positive reviews, high attendance, and valuable lessons learned. Despite challenges, the community and vendors enjoyed a weekend filled with art, crafts, and unique experiences, establishing the show as a beloved event in the town's calendar.
Organized by town employee Julie Little and her team, this year’s show featured hundreds of vendors offering handmade items, artisanal products, and creative experiences. Many vendors were excited to showcase and purchase items before the upcoming Christmas, recognizing the show as a prime opportunity to kick-start holiday sales and stock up on unique gifts and decorations.
