OCCOQUAN, Va. — The tiny village of Occoquan will light its Christmas Tree for the season on Friday, but not before some small-town community shopping fun.
The shops in the village from 4 to 8 p.m. will host an annual open house where merchants will feature several holiday items. It’s a great place to come and support the efforts of local businesses in the Potomac Communities.
More now  in a statement from Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta:
Visit Occoquan this Friday evening, November 16, for what is typically one of the most popular and enjoyable town events of the season. From 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Occoquan will host the annual Holiday Open House organized by the Business Guild of Occoquan. The town and its shops are decorated and many merchants will be open until 8:00 p.m. with all sorts of holiday offerings.
After the stores close, folks will have time to make their way to Town Hall (314 Mill Street) where the annual Town tree-lighting ceremony will take place at 8:10 p.m. Then, promptly at 8:15, the Business Guild will hold its prize gift certificate drawing in front of Hawthorne House Fine Paper (404 Mill Street).
While walking the streets of Occoquan on the 16th, keep an eye out for Salvation Army Red Kettles staffed by town volunteers, and consider visiting the Loft Gallery for original Occoquan holiday cards designed and offered for sale by local artist Jan Moffat (card photo below). A variety of special store-specific events will also be taking place during the evening, including a book signing at the Polka Dot Divas by author Lisa Pell.
In short, almost everyone is likely to find something in Occoquan on the 16th that helps with their holiday wish list — and that supports local small businesses in the process. And, even if by some chance you do not find what you need, the holiday atmosphere in Occoquan is nevertheless something you, your family, and your friends are bound to enjoy.
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