Lane closures, construction, and repair projects are scheduled across various highways and local roads in the Fredericksburg District, including sections of I-95, Route 1, and Route 17. Additional closures and detours are planned for bridge repairs, road widening, and infrastructure improvements in multiple counties, with some projects extending into 2025-2026.

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Virginia State Parks offer a variety of holiday events, including light displays, educational programs, crafts, and guided hikes, at locations across the state. Many activities are free or included with park admission, with details and reservations available online.

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Virginia State Parks invites visitors of all ages to experience the magic of the holidays with various festive events across the state. From historic educational programs to enchanting light displays, many parks offer unique ways to create memories and celebrate the holidays amidst Virginia’s breathtaking natural landscapes.

Here’s a glimpse of what guests can look forward to this holiday season:

Holiday lights

• Southwest Virginia Museum: Festival of Trees, Nov. 10-Dec. 31
• Natural Bridge: Festival of Trees, Nov. 22-Dec. 31, and Luminary Nights, Dec. 13-15 and Dec. 20-22
• Wilderness Road: Karlan Christmas: Parade of Trees, Nov. 29-Dec. 1, Dec. 6-8, Dec. 13-15 and Dec. 20-22
• Bear Creek: Lights at the Lake, Dec. 6-8 and Dec. 13-14
• Staunton River Battlefield: Lighting of the Bridge, Dec. 6-8 and Dec. 13-15
• Natural Tunnel: Christmas Lighting of the Tunnel, Nov. 29-30, Dec. 6-7, Dec. 13-14 and Dec. 20-21
• Caledon: Night Before Christmas Wagon Ride: Dec. 6, Dec. 8, Dec. 13-15, Dec. 20-22

Educational programs

• Mason Neck: Ranger at the Refuge: Tundra Swans, Dec. 7, Dec. 8, Dec. 21 and Dec. 22
• Machicomoco: Christmas at Timberneck, Dec. 14
• Powhatan: Winter Birding, Dec. 14
• Southwest Virginia Museum: Birding in the Gap, Dec. 14
• Wilderness Road: A Frontier Christmas, Dec. 14
• Sweet Run: Christmas Bird Count, Dec. 15
• High Bridge: Christmas in the Camps, Dec. 21
• Sailor’s Creek Battlefield: The Science Behind the Star of Bethlehem, Nov. 30 and Dec. 21

Crafts

• Pocahontas: Winter Wreath Workshop, Nov. 30, Dec. 1 and Dec. 7, and Handmade Holidays, Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 15, Dec. 22 and Dec. 29
• Widewater: Deck the Halls, Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 15, Dec. 22 and Dec. 29
  Claytor Lake: Holiday Cheer Celebration, Dec. 7
• False Cape: Tree Cookies and Cocoa Ornament Workshop, Dec. 7

Guided walks/hikes

• First Landing: Season’s Greetings Nature Walk, Nov. 23
• Sky Meadows: A Winter Tree-mendous Hike, Dec. 7
• Belle Isle: A Walk on the Wild Side: Nature in Winter, Dec. 12
• Pocahontas: Winter Solstice Rambles, Dec. 21

Some events are free with standard park admission, while others may require pre-registration or additional fees. Learn more and find other upcoming events at virginiastateparks.gov/events.

Depending on the park, overnight accommodations, including cabins, family lodges or campsites may still be available. Go to reservevaparks.com for more information.

Prince William County Parks and Recreation is hosting the 3rd annual Holiday Walk of Lights at Neabsco Regional Park, featuring hand-crafted light displays, holiday characters, carolers, and a holiday market on select nights. The event runs from December 6–27 with a special sensory-friendly evening on December 10, and shuttle services are provided from designated parking areas.

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The National Museum of the Marine Corps is celebrating the holiday season with events including a holiday film series, craft activities, and visits from Santa Claus. Admission, parking, and select activities are free, with full event details available on the Museum’s website at marineheritage.org.

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From North Stafford High School’s Facebook page:

North Stafford High School’s Choir has reached the final round of the WashFM Christmas Choir Competition! Let’s bring the title of DMV Best Choir to Stafford—your vote makes all the difference! Cast your vote now and support our talented performers. #StaffordSchoolsArts
#WASH-FM’s 2024 Christmas Choir Competition | Win DMV Best Choir!!

Historic downtown Occoquan, VA, transforms into a festive Hallmark-like town for the holiday season with events such as the Annual Tree Lighting, Santa Sing-A-Long, and Shop Late nights. Visitors can enjoy shopping, entertainment, and family fun while participating in contests and writing letters to Santa through mid-December.

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Lane and bridge closures are scheduled across various locations in the Fredericksburg district from November 17–23, 2024, for maintenance, inspections, and construction projects. Details are available on 511Virginia. The work includes closures on I-95, Route 1, and local roads, with traffic management measures such as flagging and detours in place.

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Registration is open for the 2025 Polar Plunge at Leesylvania State Park on February 15, which benefits Special Olympics Virginia. Participants can join as individuals or teams, donate funds, or cheer on plungers, and the proceeds will support Special Olympics programs.

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Funland Fredericksburg has launched The Wishing Tree program, allowing guests to donate special experiences to families in need through Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Fredericksburg, with the park matching all donations.

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