Old Town Manassas is gearing up for one of its busiest and most festive weekends of the year as the city prepares to welcome thousands for the annual Santa Lights Manassas celebration and the 79th Annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade.
Historic Manassas, Inc. Marketing and Communications Manager Darren Blevins joined Potomac Local News this week to preview the holiday lineup. A familiar face to many, Blevins previously operated the Shining Sol candle shop on Center Street and now owns Black Metal Mercantile across the street, offering unique gifts and a curated vinyl collection. He says this weekend marks the official start of the holiday season in the city.
“Early December is almost the granddaddy of them all because it’s the holiday season, and everybody likes to come experience the magic,” said Blevins. “The tree lights are up, the Christmas tree is going to get lit on Friday — there’s just so much going on.”
Santa Lights Manassas kicks off the weekend
The annual Santa Lights Manassas celebration begins Friday, December 5, at 5:15 p.m. The long-running tradition — now more than 31 years old — brings Santa and Mrs. Claus into town by train for the ceremonial tree lighting on the Manassas Museum lawn.
This year’s event is sponsored by TD Bank and the City of Manassas. Attendees can expect performances from the Osbourn High School band, free wagon rides, and extended evening hours for downtown shops, restaurants, and the Manassas Museum.
Historic Manassas will also host a Holiday Market at the Harris Pavilion, sponsored by Amazon, featuring 20 to 30 local vendors, handmade gifts, and family activities. Amazon’s booth will include free face painting, balloon twisting, a holiday photo booth, and DIY snow globe kits.
“They’re going to make it fun at the market,” Blevins said. “It’s super family-oriented with tons of stuff for everyone.”
79th Annual Manassas Christmas Parade set for Saturday
Festivities continue Saturday morning with the 79th Annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade, one of the largest holiday parades in Northern Virginia. The event begins at 10 a.m. and typically draws more than 10,000 spectators.
The parade features more than 100 units, including marching bands, holiday floats, community groups, and the high-flying balloons that have become a signature part of the event.
The parade route begins on Mathis Avenue near the Salisbury Center, continues past the Manassas Shopping Center, winds through Prescott Avenue’s historic homes, and ends along Center Street in the heart of Old Town. Many families line the route as early as 8 a.m. to secure a spot.
“Here’s a tip for everybody — get there way early,” Blevins said. “A lot of the shops, bakeries, and coffee houses open early to welcome people in before the parade begins.”
Holiday season continues all month
The weekend celebrations are only the beginning of a full slate of December events in Manassas. Daily ice skating continues at the Harris Pavilion, and local businesses are offering extended holiday hours, markets, and seasonal activities leading up to Christmas.
“You will not want for something to do this weekend or any other weekend until Christmas,” Blevins said.
For more details on holiday events, visit Historic Manassas, Inc. or greatermanassaschristmasparade.org.
