November is right around the corner, which means the holiday season is officially on its way!
Soon, we’ll all be finalizing our Thanksgiving menus, prepping for festive gatherings, and starting that annual hunt for the perfect gifts (and White Elephant surprises). With so many events, light displays, and seasonal activities happening throughout Prince William, we know planning your holidays can feel overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve put together this handy Holiday Guide—to help you make the most of the season with ease. From family traditions to new local favorites, we’re here to make your holidays merry, bright, and stress-free!
Please note, new events get added every day! Make sure you check our events page to stay up to date with the latest announcements!
Thanksgiving Events
Sips Of The Season: Wine Pairings For Holiday Entertaining - Total Wine & More (Gainesville)
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Thursday, November 13th, 2025
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6:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.
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Connecting people through joyful experiences becomes magical during the holidays. From the pre-dinner toast to the dessert finale, there’s a wine to pair with what’s on your table. Join us as we sample a variety of wines that will help enhance your holiday celebrations.
Potomac People: Indigenous Tribes of Eastern Prince William - Neabsco Regional Park
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Saturday, November 15th, 2025
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9:30 A.M.
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Before the Europeans came to the area, The Doegs inhabited the region. Come learn as we rediscover their history. Group meets at the picnic shelter at Neabsco Regional Park and will explore the nearby boardwalk. Registration required.
Cook an Old Time Thanksgiving Meal Workshop - Ben Lomond Historic Site
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Saturday, November 22nd, 2025
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11:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
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Prepare a Thanksgiving meal using techniques and equipment commonly used in the 19th century. From roasting meat and dressing using a reflector oven, to baking bread and desserts, boiling vegetables in cast iron pots, learn how food was prepared in the days when wood fires and Dutch ovens were the normal way to prepare dishes using authentic Victorian recipes. Come dressed appropriately for the weather. Advanced registration is required.
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Tickets can be purchased at https://pwcparks.info/hptickets.
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Thanksgiving Champagne Brunch - The Clubs at Quantico
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Thursday, November 27th, 2025
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10:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.
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Join us for a lavish Thanksgiving Champagne Brunch buffet. Enjoy a variety of breakfast classics and traditional Thanksgiving favorites. Also featuring a Prime Rib Carving Station, made-to-order omelet station, and a delectable assortment of desserts.
ThanksLIVING - Hope & Serenity Farm Sanctuary
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Thursday, November 27th, 2025
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11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.
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Join us in celebrating ThanksLIVING: a pot-luck thanksgiving celebration to honor our animal friends, our farm family and everything else we are thankful for this year.

Holiday Markets
Old Town Manassas Christmas Fair and Holiday Craft Show - Manassas Museum
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Saturday, November 29th, 2025
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10:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
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Get into the holiday spirit at the Old Town Manassas Christmas Fair & Holiday Craft Show! This festive event is filled with the perfect mix of holiday cheer, handmade crafts, and seasonal treats. It’s the ideal way to kick off your holiday shopping and enjoy a cozy, community-focused day with family and friends. What to Expect: Handmade Holiday Crafts: Discover unique gifts, decorations, and winter-themed home décor from local artisans and crafters—perfect for those last-minute holiday presents or personal seasonal touches. Delicious Seasonal Treats: Savor festive treats like holiday cookies, hot cocoa, and other delicious goodies to keep you warm as you shop. DJ Seasonal Music: Enjoy festive tunes from our DJ, creating a joyful holiday atmosphere throughout the day. Family-Friendly Fun: There will be fun activities for the kids, including holiday crafts and games, ensuring everyone has a great time!
Christmas Market Spectacular - ARTfactory
- Friday, December 5th, 2025
- 5:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
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Visit the ARTfactory for family friendly fun on Friday, December 5, when Santa comes to town on VRE, or Saturday, December 6, after the Downtown Manassas Holiday Parade. All three floors of the ARTfactory will be filled with local merchants and vendors. The Market will also feature hourly RAFFLE* drawings where participants can win items donated by each of the vendors, as well a CAKE WALK and our annual TREES & WREATHS FOR THE ARTS fundraiser (more details coming soon). Concessions will also be on hand for purchase.
Holiday Artisan Market - Occoquan
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Saturday, December 6th & Sunday, December 7th, 2025
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12:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. & 11:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
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Get ready for a twinkly weekend of great shopping and small-town holiday vibes! The Holiday Artisan Market is back in historic Occoquan - this year taking place in the heart of the historic district on parts of Union and Commerce Streets. Most parking in town will remain open and shuttle service will also be available from a local commuter lot. FREE entry to all events during the Holiday Artisan Market.
Winter Festival - Hope & Serenity Farm Sanctuary
- Saturday, December 6th, 2025
- 2:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
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Want your children ages 11-18 to spend more time present and unplugged? We will be offering 2 hours of screen-free time outside with animals and a chance to talk with peers. They will get to choose one chore to complete during each session.
Holiday Market - Virginia Gateway
- Saturday, December 13th, 2025
- 11:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
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A Holiday Market and Street Festival at The Promenade, featuring over 80 local vendors and crafts, live music, strolling entertainment, crafts, giveaways, and a visit from Santa. Artisans will offer fine art, art prints, pottery/ceramics, jewelry, textiles, candles, and more.
- Saturday, December 13th, 2025
- 2:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
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Featuring our Holiday Craft Bazaar! Come shop local at our craft market and stock up on all of those perfect, unique Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers!! Join us as we celebrate the holiday season together in our small-town holiday charm! Enjoy hot cocoa and cider as well as a stop at Santa's Workshop, for Christmas make-n-take crafts for the children. Enjoy holiday carols and musical performances, and roast marshmallows over the bonfire in front of Town Hall and shop our Christmas Craft Bazaar! Don’t miss Santa as they ride through town and visit with the children!
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Bring your family, friends, and even pets!
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Concerts & Shows
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Hylton Performing Arts Center
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Friday, November 21st, 2025
- 2:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
- Actor’s Theatre at the ARTfactory presents Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical.
Canadian Brass "Making Spirits Bright" Performance - Hylton Performing Arts Center
- Sunday, November 30th, 2025
- 4:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M.
- The holiday program begins at 4:00 pm at thbe Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall Canadian Brass: Called the "Kings of Brass" by the Ottawa press, these players are masters of concert presentations — from formal classical concerts to music served up with lively dialogue and theatrical effects — Canadian Brass has developed a uniquely engaging stage presence and rapport with audiences. Whatever the style, the music is central and performed with utmost dedication, skill and excellence.
Manassas Symphony Orchestra: Holiday in New Orleans - Merchant Hall
- Saturday, December 6th, 2025
- 3:30 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.
- Welcome in the season with Doreen's performance of holiday classics in her exclusive Dixieland style. You may have seen Doreen on "CBS Sunday Morning or on Jimmy Kimmel. She has performed with Elis Marsalis, Jon Faddis, Trombone Shorty, Al Hirt, Dorothy Donegan, The Black Crowes, and Jennifer Warnes, opened for Macy Gray and Dr. John. Do not miss this unforgettable start to the holiday season! Adult tickets are $35 and include all fees, children and student tickets are free. As always, we close with the kids’ favorite – MSO’s always wondrous and colorful Holiday Music and Light Show Spectacular!
Dailey & Vincent Christmas Tour - Hylton Performing Arts Center
- Sunday, December 7th, 2025
- 4:00 P.M.
- Celebrate the holidays with musical duo Dailey & Vincent, “the best of country, bluegrass and gospel this side of heaven” (USA Today). Grand Ole Opry members and five-time Grammy Award winners Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent last graced Merchant Hall stage in 2017 and have offered a modernized spin on classic American music to audiences across the globe. With over a decade of performances, the critically acclaimed duo has shared the stage with renowned country and bluegrass stars such as Martina McBride, Del McCoury, Josh Turner, and more! Drawing from their No.1 Billboard Bluegrass chart-topping album, Dailey & Vincent: The Sounds of Christmas, this special performance will feature beloved holiday music with an Americana twist.
American Festival Pops Orchestra Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season - Hylton Performing Arts Center
- Friday, December 12th, 2025
- 8:00 PM.
- The American Festival Pops Orchestra (AFPO) continues its tradition of spreading musical goodwill and cheer in this annual favorite! Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season returns under the baton of Artistic Director and Conductor Peter Wilson, former senior enlisted music advisor to The White House and 30-year Marine Veteran violinist. The AFPO comprises more than 60 professional musicians, including faculty members from George Mason University's Dewberry School of Music, as well as instrumentalists from U.S. Armed Forces music ensembles and local orchestras. Enjoy a festive evening of seasonal favorites programmed for the entire family.
Manassas Chorale: Merry and Bright - Merchant Hall
- Saturday, December 13th, 2025
- 7:30 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
- Get into the spirit of the season with the Manassas Chorale and our orchestra as we bring you "Merry and Bright," all your favorite holiday tunes! Saturday December 13, 7:30 pm at the Hylton Performing Arts Center! Get your tickets today!
Manassas Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker - Hylton Performing Arts Center
- Tuesday, December 16th - Monday, December 22nd, 2025
- 7:00 P.M.
- Northern Virginia’s favorite Nutcracker comes to life on the Hylton stage with nine performances featuring MBT’s incredible dancers and music by the Manassas Ballet Theatre Orchestra. Follow Clara as she attends her family’s Christmas Eve party, where she receives the gift of a magic Nutcracker. Together they go on a dream adventure with the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Snow Queen, the Rat King and many other fantastical characters. Gorgeous sets and costumes help make Nutcracker the highlight of the holidays. A perfect holiday celebration for all ages.
Christmas Cabaret - ARTfactory
- Thursday, December 18th, 2025
- 7:00 P.M. - 9:30 P.M.
- Celebrate the magic of the season with an unforgettable evening of music, laughter, and holiday cheer! Join us for a sparkling Christmas Cabaret featuring your favorite holiday classics and hidden gems, performed by a lineup of talented local singers. From heartwarming carols to jazzy Christmas tunes, this lively showcase will fill you with joy and put you in the holiday spirit. Gather your friends and family, sip on something warm, and enjoy the gift of live music in a cozy, festive atmosphere.

Santa's Coming to Town
Santa Lights Manassas - Manassas
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Friday, December 5th, 2025
- 5:15 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
- Naughty or nice? Santa's coming to town! Also known as the Tree Lighting, this Santa Lights Manassas event on the first Friday in December is held the evening before the annual Christmas Parade on Saturday. This event has been a Manassas tradition for over 30 years! Holiday musical performances kick off the event followed by Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving at the Manassas Railroad Depot on the VRE train shortly after 6 p.m. After the tree lighting, join Santa and Mrs. Claus as they greet children and listen to their holiday wishes at the nearby Santa Tent. Hop on a free wagon ride to get into the holiday spirit!
Breakfast with Santa - The Learning Experience of Bristow
- Saturday, December 6th, 2025
- 9:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.
- Join us for a magical winter wonderland themed breakfast with a special guest, Santa!
Breakfast with Santa - Majestic Banquet Hall
- Saturday, December 6th, 2025
- 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
- Join us for a jolly morning filled with pancakes, crafts, and Santa surprises at Breakfast with Santa 2025!
- Saturday, December 13th, 2025
- 8:30 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.
- Don't miss the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Santa Train 2025! Passengers young and old love this annual tradition. VRE trains depart from the Manassas Railroad Depot at 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1 p.m. Tickets ($5 per person) go on sale Dec. 1.
- VRE Santa Trains work in conjunction with Marine Corps Toys for Tots, so visitors are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to the Santa Train so gifts can go to less fortunate children in the Virginia area. VRE will not collect cash donations onboard, but donations can be made online at Toys for Tots.
Breakfast With Santa - The Clubs at Quantico
- Sunday, December 21st, 2025
- 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
- Join The Clubs at Quantico for a charming breakfast buffet with Santa. Two seatings are available: 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM. Santa will be in attendance and available for photos.

As the holiday season unfolds in Prince William, we hope this guide sparks your festive spirit and encourages you to explore the events our community has to offer. Please make sure to visit our Events Page to keep up to date with all the upcoming holiday events this season!
See you all there!