Christmas

Manassas

Downtown Manassas free horse-drawn carriage rides now sold out

By Potomac Local News

“Step into a horse-drawn carriage for a free magical ride through Downtown Manassas the first three Sundays in December 2025 (Dec. 7, 14, 21) from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.,” City of Manassas announced. “Unlike past years, we are using a carriage ride company so that you can reserve your carriage ride times early and in advance without having to wait in line as in prior years.”

All available carriage ride reservations have since been claimed, and the event is now sold out. Rides will depart from the Manassas Railroad Depot and travel through the city’s decorated downtown on the selected December dates.

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Stafford

Stafford County Announces Annual Tree Lighting Set for December 5

By Potomac Local News
The Stafford County Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on December 2, 2022.

“The annual Stafford County Tree Lighting is making its way into town,” Stafford County announced. “Mark your calendars for Friday, December 5 when Stafford County kicks off the season with lights, music, food trucks, vendors, and a little holiday magic at the Stafford County Tree Lighting.”

Festivities will begin at 6 p.m. at the Stafford County Government Center. Parking will be available at the VDOT Courthouse Road Commuter Lot, with shuttle service provided to and from the event.

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Prince William

Crowds pack Occoquan for annual Christmas tree lighting

By Uriah Kiser

Hundreds of people filled Mill Street and the steps of Occoquan Town Hall on Saturday night as the town flipped the switch on its Christmas tree, officially opening the holiday season in the small riverfront community.

The tree lighting began just after 6 p.m. in front of Town Hall, where gas lamps, wreaths, and shop lights gave the historic district a postcard feel. Broadcasting live from the event, Potomac Local News described Occoquan as a “nice little postcard, Hallmark movie town” that feels far removed from nearby Washington, D.C., despite sitting just off Interstate 95.

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Prince William

Holiday Walk of Lights at Neabsco Regional Park

By Uriah Kiser

“Experience the magic at Neabsco Regional Park and Boardwalk,” according to an event posted to the Potomac Local News events calendar. “The magic returns! Join us for the annual Holiday Walk of Lights at Neabsco Regional Park and Boardwalk.” “Be sure to check out all the details including dates/times and important parking info: pwcparks.info/holidaylights”

The free Holiday Walk of Lights is scheduled for December 4, 2025, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Neabsco Regional Park and Boardwalk, 15125 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, Virginia 22191. Attendees can walk a nearly mile-long trail of hand-crafted light displays, enjoy appearances by holiday characters, listen to carolers, and shop from seasonal vendors on select evenings. More information, including parking details and text alerts by sending the word “lights” to (703) 382-6716, is available online at pwcparks.info/holidaylights.

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Manassas Park

2024 Winter Light Extravaganza Brightens Manassas Park

By Uriah Kiser

Manassas Park celebrated the holiday season with its fourth annual Winter Light Extravaganza. Organized by the City’s Community Maintenance Working Group, the event brought festive cheer as residents adorned their homes with dazzling light displays.

Over 20 homes participated in this year’s contest, with awards in categories such as Best Citywide, Best House, and Committee Favorite. Scout Troop 1372 judges scored the homes, commending creativity and holiday spirit.

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Features

Stafford Lights Christmas Tree Tonight

By Potomac Local News
The Stafford County Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on December 2, 2022.

Stafford County is gearing up for a magical evening to kick off the holiday season with its annual Tree Lighting Event, scheduled for Friday, December 6, 2024, at the Stafford County Government Center, 1300 Courthouse Road. Beginning at 6 p.m., the event promises various performances, activities, and surprises for the whole family.

Attendees will be treated to holiday music from local choirs and bands, showcasing the talents of Stafford’s youth and community groups. For art enthusiasts, artisans and crafters will offer unique holiday-themed creations.

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Fairfax

Workhouse Arts Center Collaborates with OAR NOVA for Annual Toy Drive

By Teresa Davidson

The Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia, is hosting its Annual Toy Drive in partnership with OAR NOVA to support local families affected by the criminal justice system. Running through December 8, the community is encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys at drop-off locations across the Workhouse campus. The drive aims to bring holiday joy while emphasizing the center’s commitment to creativity, compassion, and community engagement. For more information, visit the Workhouse Arts Center’s website.

Press Release:

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Features

Marching Bands, Floats, and Holiday Magic: Don’t Miss the 78th Greater Manassas Christmas Parade

By Uriah Kiser

The magic of the holiday season returns to Northern Virginia as the 78th Annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade takes to the streets on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 10 a.m. Themed “Christmas in Candyland,” this year’s parade promises a of marching bands, floats, balloons, and holiday cheer.

The parade, a staple of the community for over seven decades, is among the largest holiday celebrations in Northern Virginia. With over 100 units participating, attendees can look forward to performances by local marching bands, including those from Osbourn High School in Manassas, Freedom High School in Woodbridge, and others, alongside decorated floats, dancers, and balloons.

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