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Press release:
The National Museum of the Marine Corps is hosting a series of festive events to celebrate this year’s holiday season. From classic holiday films to creative crafts and Santa visits, there are activities for everyone to enjoy. Admission to the Museum and parking are free, and all events are open to the public. The full list and schedule of events can be found on the Foundation’s website.
December highlights include:
Holiday Film Series
The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s annual holiday film series features three movies showing on the Medal of Honor Theater’s giant screen throughout December. Tickets are $7 and may be purchased online at ticketing.useast.veezi.com or at the theater with special snack bundles available for $5 to enjoy during the show.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
- December 7 at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
- December 8 at 1:30 p.m.
Mickey’s Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse
- December 14 at 11:00 a.m.
- December 17 at 1:00 p.m.
- December 22 at 1:30 p.m.
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018 version)
- December 14 at 3:00 p.m.
- December 15 at 1:30 p.m.
Cookies, Cocoa, and Crafts
Families are invited to visit the Museum to create holiday memories on Saturday, December 14, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Kids may enjoy free cookies, hot cocoa, and holiday-themed picture frame crafts on the Museum’s second floor, available as long as supplies last.
Santa Claus Visits
Santa Claus is paying a special visit to the Museum in his traditional red outfit on December 14 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. and in his special camo suit on December 17 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Families may take free photos with Santa and enjoy holiday-themed activities. Visitors must arrive at least one hour before the end of the event to guarantee a photo opportunity.
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Reversal Schedule:
Thursday, November 21:
- Overnight Reversal: 1 a.m., Open northbound ~2:30 a.m.
- Daytime Reversal: 10 a.m. (early), Open southbound ~11:30 a.m.
Friday, November 22:
- Overnight Reversal: 1 a.m., Open northbound ~2:30 a.m.
- Daytime Reversal: 10 a.m. (early), Open southbound ~11:30 a.m.
Saturday, November 23:
- Overnight Reversal: No reversal, Open southbound
- Daytime Reversal: 2 p.m., Open northbound ~3:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 24:
- Overnight Reversal: No reversal, Open northbound
- Daytime Reversal: No reversal, Open northbound
Monday, November 25:
- Overnight Reversal: No reversal, Open northbound
- Daytime Reversal: 10 a.m. (early), Open Southbound ~11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, November 26:
- Overnight Reversal: 1 a.m., Open northbound ~2:30 a.m.
- Daytime Reversal: 10 a.m. (early), Open southbound ~11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, November 27:
- Overnight Reversal: 1 a.m., Open northbound ~2:30 a.m.
- Daytime Reversal: 10 a.m. (early), Open southbound ~11:30 a.m.
Thursday, November 28 (Thanksgiving):
- Overnight Reversal: No reversal, Open southbound
- Daytime Reversal: No reversal, Open southbound
Friday, November 29:
- Overnight Reversal: 1 a.m., Open northbound ~2:30 a.m.
- Daytime Reversal: 10 a.m. (early), Open southbound ~11:30 a.m.
Normal reversal schedule will resume Saturday, November 30.
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The George Washington Foundation’s (GWF) 38th annual Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibit returns to the Visitor Center at Ferry Farm this December, inviting creative confections with the theme “Holidays: Past, Present, & Future”.
GWF Public Programs Manager Allison Ellis said the event began at Historic Kenmore, the foundation’s first historic property, in the 1930s after the Kenmore Association and the Washington-Lewis Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution found Mary Washington’s gingerbread recipe. The pair collaborated with the Dromedary Cake Mix Company to produce mixes based on the original recipe, with a portion of the proceeds returning to the Kenmore Association and its efforts to preserve Historic Kenmore.
When Historic Kenmore acquired Ferry Farm in the 1990s and became the GWF, the contest moved to Ferry Farm’s Visitor Center to allow for more space.
Ellis said, “The idea is that the creators of the houses should use their imagination to dream up whatever they would like. I found inspiration in the Classic Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol in conjunction with the idea of our museums combining themes from the past, present, and future to tell the story of George Washington, the Washington and Lewis Families, and American History.”
In years past, the event has featured between 20 and 60 gingerbread structures. Ellis said she anticipates a strong turnout this year based on the number of entries already submitted.
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Entries may be submitted until November 30 at 4 p.m. Entry forms, and a full list of the age categories are available online.
Judging will take place on December 2, with GWF’s Cessie Howell joining a judging panel with B101.5’s Ted Schubel and Jeff Rouse of Burke & Herbert Bank, which is sponsoring the event. Winning entries will have ribbons displayed on their houses. Visitors will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite entry, with the People’s Choice award announced on December 30.
Proceeds from the event support the George Washington Foundation’s efforts to preserve Historic Kenmore and Ferry Farm, while introducing new audiences to the museum spaces.
The exhibit is open from December 1 to December 30, but closed on Dec. 24 and 25. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for students, and free for children under 6.
Ferry Farm is located at 268 Kings Highway in Stafford County.
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Press release:
SHOP, DINE, & WIN CONTEST
November 23 – December 15
Historic DistrictShop and dine at your favorite Occoquan businesses for a chance to win $1,600+ in Occoquan business gift cards! Occoquan merchants have unique offerings of home decor, clothing, gourmet food, fine art, beauty, chocolates, jewelry, stationery, and gifts for all ages. See a list of participating businesses and rules for play at visitoccoquanva.com/holiday.
SHOP SMALL WEEKEND
November 29 – December 1
Historic DistrictOccoquan is home to 80+ brick and mortar small businesses, open all year long! When you #shopsmall and #shoplocal, you’re supporting your neighborhood artists, independent shopkeepers, restaurant owners, and their hardworking staff. Businesses are busy curating unique holiday selections just for you and many will have Black Friday and Shop Small Saturday sales!
SANTA SING-A-LONG
December 7 at 11:00am
River Mill ParkVisit with Santa while you are in town! The big guy will arrive by boat at the town dock at Mamie Davis Park (202 Mill Street) around 10:30am. Kids of all ages are then invited to parade with Santa down Mill Street to River Mill Park, where he will have a sing-a-long with kids. This event is free, no tickets required. Sponsored in part by VFW Post 7916.
HOLIDAY SHOP LATE NIGHTS
December 6, 13, and 20Historic District
Need a little extra time to get all that #shopsmall holiday shopping done? Select businesses will be open until 8 p.m. or later on Friday nights in December, giving you more time to get the good stuff. See a list of participating businesses at visitoccoquanva.com/shoplate.
LETTERS TO SANTA
November 23 – December 15Occoquan Town Hall
Drop your letter to Santa in our special North Pole mailboxes at Town Hall (314 Mill Street) or Tiny Supply Co. (125 Mill Street) from November 23 to December 15. Free coloring and fill-in Santa letters with envelopes will be available to kids of all ages at Tiny Supply Co. If you include a return address, Santa will send a personalized letter back!
For updates or to learn more about holiday events in Occoquan, go to visitoccoquanva.com/holiday.
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From glistening trees and jolly Saint Nicholas to a mischievous Grinch and festive Pokemon, downtown Fredericksburg’s storefronts have transformed their windows into a wonderland.
The city’s annual Window Wonderland event started November 9 and will continue through December 31, 2024. Participating businesses have transformed their storefronts into festive works of art, each accompanied by a nearby riddle for visitors to solve.
Guests can vote for their favorite window display, and those who solve the riddles can submit their completed riddle forms at the Visitor Center, located at 601 Caroline Street, or send them by mail.
Prizes include $1,000 in downtown gift cards and 50 additional prizes provided by the Fredericksburg Economic Development Authority and participating businesses. Winners will be notified by phone by January 6, 2025.