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.
Honoring Community Leaders
The 2024 parade will honor three outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the community:
- Lucky Whitehead, Grand Marshal: A native of Manassas and Osbourn High School alumnus, Whitehead has enjoyed a successful career in professional football, including stints with the Dallas Cowboys and the Canadian Football League. Known for his community engagement and mentorship of local athletes, Whitehead represents a beacon of hometown pride and leadership.
- Donna Sechler, Woman of the Year: A lifelong resident of Prince William County, Sechler has dedicated over 13 years to spreading holiday joy as part of the Greater Manassas Christmas Parade Committee. Her volunteer work has brightened countless lives, and her contributions to organizations like The Sweet Julia Grace Foundation showcase her generosity and compassion.
- Joe Martin, Man of the Year: A lifelong Manassas resident and Osbourn Park High School graduate, Martin has an extensive history of civic engagement. From leading community organizations to helping found the Manassas Saint Patrick’s Parade, Martin’s commitment to service has left a mark on the city.
The parade begins at Mathis Avenue and travels through downtown Manassas, offering prime viewing locations along the route. It ends at Harris Pavilion. The event culminates with a special appearance by Santa Claus, bringing joy to children and families alike.
Santa Lights Manassas: A Festive Prelude to the Greater Manassas Christmas Parade
The holiday season in Manassas kicks off with the beloved Santa Lights Manassas, also known as the Tree Lighting Ceremony, on Friday, December 6, 2024. This tradition, spanning over 30 years, brings families and friends together to celebrate the spirit of Christmas in the heart of downtown Manassas.
The evening begins at 5:15 p.m. with holiday musical performances on West Street and the Museum Lawn Stage. At 6:19 p.m., Santa is scheduled to arrive on the Virginia Railway Express train at the historic Manassas Depot. Shortly after, at 6:30 p.m., the tree lighting ceremony begins, illuminating the night with holiday cheer. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the TD Bank Santa Tent following the ceremony to greet children, hear their holiday wishes, and pose for photos.
Family-Friendly Activities
Santa Lights Manassas offers a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy:
- Free Wagon Rides: Embrace the holiday spirit with scenic wagon rides through downtown after the tree is lit.
- Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus: Share your holiday wishes with the jolly duo at the TD Bank Santa Tent.
- Ice Skating: The Harris Pavilion Ice Rink will be open for a magical skating experience (admission required).
- Explore Downtown: Enjoy the Manassas Museum and browse the downtown shops and restaurants.
Event Schedule
- 5:15 p.m.: Entertainment begins on West Street and Museum Lawn Stage.
- 6:19 p.m.: Santa arrives on the VRE train at Manassas Depot.
- 6:30 p.m: Tree lighting ceremony.
- 6:45 p.m.: Santa greets children at the TD Bank Santa Tent.
At 10 a.m., marching bands, floats, and other parade participants marched down Mathis and Prescott avenues onto Center Street downtown under foggy conditions. The temperature at the city’s airport was 48 degrees.
WUSA-TV anchor Annie Yu served as parade grand marshall, while Manassas Rotary President Cheryl Macias was honored as Woman of the Year. Businessman and owner of Manassas Limousine Service, the former Baker Funeral Home, Cliff Blasius, was Man of the Year.
Community photographer Mike Beaty documented the parade and took hundreds of photos. See them here.
More than 100 groups participated in the parade. Here are the winners, as decided by the parade judges.
Chairman’s Award
Mayfield Intermediate School
The parade is the traditional start to Christmastime festivities in the city and was preceded by the annual “Santa Lights Manassas” event on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. Each year, Santa and Mrs. Claus deboard a Virginia Railway Express train at the city’s downtown station, greet thousands of onlookers, and light the city’s Christmas Tree.
Here are Beaty’s photos of this year’s event.
OmniRide: “Due to road closures for the Holiday Parade, the following local routes will be on detour from the start of morning service [Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023] through 1:00PM. The following routes are impacted:”
Manassas Local North (65N)
- Missed stop (outbound):
- Church St before Center St
Alternate stop: - the HUB-Prince William Courthouse
Hello, Potomac Local News members: Here’s a list of distractions for you this weekend. I hope you find something fun to do as the Christmas season arrives.
A blend of violin, viola and cello, the Washington, D.C.-based trio The String Queens also blend together their careers, as educators by day and concert performers by night.
On Saturday, December 2, Fredericksburg will host one of our favorite Holiday traditions: the Fredericksburg Christmas Parade.
Mark your calendars for this Friday, December 1 at 5:30 p.m., as we kick off our 2nd annual Holiday Walk of Lights at Neabsco Regional Park.
The Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is decked out for Christmas, and its Christmas show reminds us what it means to be kind this holiday season.
The Greater Manassas Christmas Parade has been a fixture in the community for 76 years. The parade takes place [Saturday, Dec. 2, at 10 a.m.]. This year’s event takes place…
Welcome the holiday season with Stafford County’s 3rd annual Tree Lighting Festival held at the George Gordon Government Center on Friday, December 1, 2023. Community festivities begin at 6 p.m.
Christmas is about to arrive at ARTFactory in Manassas, as Rooftop Productions presents “White Christmas.”
Facebook: “The Greater Manassas Christmas Parade has been a fixture in the community for 76 years. The parade takes place [Saturday, Dec. 2, at 10 a.m.]. This year’s event takes place on Saturday, December 2.”
“The parade has become one of the largest holiday parades in Northern Virginia with over 100 units-marching bands, floats, high-flying balloons and more. We have approximately 2,000 participants and over 300 volunteers.”
“The parade sets the mood for the holiday season and has become a family tradition with multiple generations lined up to watch. Visit our website for more details and maps of the parade route to find your seats.”
The Manassas City Council honored the top acts from the city’s Christmas parade on Saturday, December 2, 2022.
More than 100 acts participated in the annual event that draws thousands to Manassas.
The city council honored the winners during its meeting at Jennie Dean Elementary School on Monday, February 13, 2023.
Here’s a list of the winners:
MARCHING BANDS
- First Place: Colgan High School
- Second Place: Patriot High School
- Third Place: Gainesville High School
DANCE COMPANY
- First Place: Virginia Dance Center
- Second Place: Showcase Dance Studio
- Third Place: Spotlight Dance Studio
CHEERLEADING, MAJORETTE, STEP TEAMS
- First Place: Caporales San Simon VA USA
- Second Place: Manassas Park HS Cheerleaders
- Third Place: Grace E. Metz Middle School Cheerleaders
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
- First Place: Divine Inspirations Center for the Arts
- Second Place: Word Alive Church International
- Third Place: American Legion Unit 10
BUSINESS VEHICLES
- First Place: Move4Free Realty LLC
- Second Place: Birmingham Green
- Third Place: The Junkluggers of Gainesville VA
FLOAT – OTHER
- First Place: City of Manassas Department of Public Works and Utlities
- Second Place: Martin K. Alloy Boys & Girls Club of Manassas
- Third Place: Historic Manassas, Inc.
FLOAT – BUSINESS
- First Place: Bach to Rock
- Second Place: Skate N Fun Zone
- Third Place: Alger Sheds
EQUESTRIAN / ANIMALS
- First Place: GAR Contractors Inc
- Second Place: Peace of Mind K9
- Third Place: Homeless Animals Rescue Team (HART)
VEHICLE CLUB
- First Place: Fire & Smoke Jeep Club
- Second Place: Northern Virginia Jeepers Association
- Third Place: Bull Run AACA
Here are the winner’s 76th Greater Manassas Christmas Parade sponsored by Stanley Martin Homes. The parade was held Saturday, December 3, 2022, in Manassas.
The Chairman Award goes to the group that got the most votes overall. Congrats to McLean Bible Church – Prince William.
Marching Bands
- First Place: Colgan High School
- Second Place: Patriot High School
- Third Place: Gainesville High School
Dance Company
- First Place: Virginia Dance Center
- Second Place: Showcase Dance Studio
- Third Place: SpotlightDance
Cheerleading, Majorette, Step Teams
- First Place: Caporales Sansimon Vausa
- Second Place: Manassas Park High School Cheerleaders
- Third Place: Grace E. Metz Middle School Cheerleaders
Non-Profit Organization
- First Place: Divine Inspirations Center for the Arts- DICA
- Second Place: Word Alive Church International
- Third Place: American Legion Unit 10
Business Vehicles
- First Place: Move4Free Realty, LLC
- Second Place: Birmingham Green
- Third Place: The Junkluggers of Gainesville VA
Float – Other
- First Place: City of Manassas Department of Public Works and Utilities
- Second Place: Martin K Alloy Boys & Girls Club of Manassas
- Third Place: Historic Manassas, Inc.
Float – Business
- First Place: Bach to Rock
- Second Place: Skate N Fun Zone
- Third Place: Alger Sheds
Equestrian / Animals
- First Place: GAR Contractors INC
- Second Place: Peace of Mind K9
- Third Place: Homeless Animals Rescue Team (HART)
Vehicle Club
- First Place: Fire & Smoke Jeep Club
- Second Place: Northern Virginia Jeepers Association
- Third Place: Bull Run AACA
The Greater Manassas Christmas Parade is 10 a.m. Saturday, December 3, 2022.
The two-hour event is one of the largest Christmas parades in the Washington area and is Northern Virginia’s largest. It features floats, balloons, bands, marching units, dance units, community groups, and more.
This year’s theme is “Hometown Christmas.” The parade travels down Mathis Avenue to Sudley Road, then down Center Street into Downtown Manassas.
The event draws thousands of people.
Elizabeth Gossman is the Woman of the Year. Gossman retired from the Manassas government after more than 30 years as a city planner working to revitalize Downtown Manassas.
Victor, Marlon, and Edin Esquivel are the city’s Men of the Year. The trio owns the Ashton Family Restaurant at 9920 Cockrell Road, which opened in 2001.
