[imagebrowser id=184 template=”custom”]
OCCOQUAN, Va. — All was merry and bright as local businesses that line the streets of Occoquan opened their doors for the town’s annual Open House and tree lighting this past Friday night. Hosted by the Business Guild of Occoquan, the Open House ran from 4 to 8 p.m., signaling the beginning of the busy Christmas shopping season.
Lined with tinsel, wreathes and glowing lights, the streets were bustling with families picking up knick-knacks and holiday decorations from Glory Be, and warm beverages from the Blue Arbor Café.
After eight o’clock, all gathered at the Town Hall for the tree lighting ceremony, which was proceeded over by Occoquan Town Mayor Earnie Porta. After the tree came to light, the large crowd moved to Hawthorne House Fine Papers, where $1,000 in gift certificates to Occoquan businesses were raffled off.
The success of this year’s Open House shows that small locally owned businesses will continue to be a beacon for residents that are looking for unique gifts for the holidays, said Porta.
Recent Stories
It’s been a tough start to the day for residents in Prince William, Stafford, and surrounding counties as they deal with the aftermath of overnight storms—and now face dangerous heat.
Two men are dead following separate but deadly incidents in Stafford County within just a few hours of each other—a fatal shooting late Tuesday night and a fatal crash early Wednesday morning.
A new walkable community featuring more than 1,000 homes, restaurants, and Prince William County’s first Whole Foods Market is moving closer to reality at one of the region’s busiest intersections.
About 50 drivers gathered outside Genesis Logistics in Stafford County on Wednesday afternoon to demand better pay, safer working conditions, and progress on a long-awaited union contract.
The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is your destination for all arts and culture activities in Northern Virginia. Find a concert, play, poetry reading, or exhibition in your neighborhood—many events are free and family-friendly!
Are you part of a performing arts group, school, or cultural organization? You can add your events and classes, too. The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is free and easy to use.
Your attendance at local arts events supports small businesses in our community and the art makers who help make Fairfax and its surrounding region so vibrant. With the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar, you can stay curious and stay local to plan your next arts adventure!
Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Christmas in July
Volunteer Prince William will be holding a fun-filled Christmas in July event at Heritage Brewing Co on July 26th from 12pm until 6pm with all proceeds going to support the 2025 Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket Program. Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
