Occoquan will kick off the holiday season with its annual tree lighting on Saturday, November 21, at 6 p.m. in front of Town Hall at 314 Mill Street, Sarah Burzio of Visit Occoquan said on the Potomac Local Podcast.
Mayor Earnie W. Porta Jr. will lead the Christmas tree unveiling. Fire pits and hot cocoa will be available, with roaming carolers from First Baptist Church of Woodbridge and a holiday sing-along.
Shops stay open late until 8 p.m. or later. Free parking is available on the street and in public lots, with a free shuttle running 1 to 9 p.m. from the Old Bridge Road and Route 123 commuter lot (look for blue shuttle signs); the event shuttle stop is at Mamie Davis Park, 205 Mill Street. Public restrooms are open at River Mill Park (458 Mill Street) and Mill Street Draft Garden (200 Mill Street).
During Thanksgiving weekend, the town holds a Shop Small weekend with stores fully decorated and deals for Black Friday and Shop Small Saturday. On December 5 and 6, the annual holiday artisan market brings more than 90 local artisans to downtown historic Occoquan, along with a Fireside with Friends featuring fire pits, s’mores, signature cocktails, and a possible snowy surprise. Details are at visitoccoquanva.com/holiday and occoquanfestivals.com.
New additions include Buzz Bookshop, the second bookstore to open this year, which carries antique and rare books next to the Secret Garden at 406 Mill Street. A new Pilates studio, Pilates by Cynthia, has also opened, with a couple more new businesses expected in the coming months.
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