“Recycling holiday greens is just another way we help area residents and the environment,” Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative said.

Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) is inviting residents to recycle their post-holiday Christmas trees and greenery at its Gainesville Technical Center, 5399 Wellington Branch Road, near Interstate 66 and U.S. 29. Drop-offs are accepted from Friday, Dec. 26, through Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, and do not need to occur during business hours. Trees and greens should be left in the parking lot area marked by orange safety cones, with all decorations, hooks, wires, and lights removed. NOVEC’s vegetation management team will process the materials into mulch to help reduce holiday landfill waste.


The ribbon cutting for the Riverfront Park Ice Rink will now take place on Thursday, December 18, 2025, following a recent postponement.

The Riverfront Park Ice Rink is part of Fredericksburg Main Street’s holiday programming in Downtown Fredericksburg. The seasonal attraction features an eco-friendly synthetic skating surface designed for skaters of all ages, with skate rentals included in ticket prices.


“The ARTfactory is proud to present the 22nd Annual Off the Wall High School Art Exhibit & Competition, an inspiring showcase of emerging creative talent from across the region,” ARTfactory announced. “This free event invites the community to enjoy the artwork, meet the student artists, and celebrate the top winners in each category.”

“The 2025–26 exhibit features student artwork across five categories: Art & Technology, Painting/Drawing, Poetry, Wearable Art, and Photography,” according to ARTfactory stated. “Wearable Art designs will be unveiled and judged live during the ceremony.”


Bonaventure Development closed out 2025 with a community‑centered push, collecting more than 100 toys in its Toys for Tots drive to support families in the Coles District of Prince William County. The effort aimed to bring holiday joy to local children, with contributions from Bonaventure team members and partners.

President Chris Cobb said the company’s commitment goes beyond building apartments, emphasizing volunteer work, charitable efforts and neighborhood partnerships as part of its mission. The toy drive was one of several initiatives Bonaventure led in recent months to strengthen community ties in and around Woodbridge.


We had a night full of firsts — my first time live-streaming a parade and my first Fredericksburg Christmas Parade. A huge thank-you to Norton Pelt Law and my friend Jason Pelt for not only hosting us, but also volunteering to build what I’m convinced is the best parade hosting and review platform anywhere. He didn’t have to do it, but he did — and it made all the difference.

I’m also deeply grateful to Kelly Sienkowski for producing and co-hosting the show. Her quick wit and engaging banter elevated the entire broadcast. This parade clearly means so much to the community, and it was an honor to share it with all of you — from those who marched, to the thousands who lined the streets, to everyone who watched and commented from home.


The magic of the holidays is here — and tonight, Potomac Local News will bring you a front-row seat to one of Virginia’s best holiday traditions.

🎄 We’re streaming the 2025 Fredericksburg Christmas Parade LIVE starting at 5:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Downtown Fredericksburg
🎙️ Hosts: Kelly Sienkowski & Uriah Kiser
🏛️ Broadcast Partner: Norton Pelt Law


We’ve published a new Potomac Local News video update covering the biggest stories across our region today — including winter weather and school closures, a federal arrest in Woodbridge, a major powerline proposal affecting multiple counties, and big changes coming to Virginia Railway Express.


“This holiday season, shop small at local businesses and purchase gifts for your loved ones in Old Town Manassas,” The Talon student newspaper reported. “I visited some of the nearby shops and you can easily spend hours finding the perfect gift for everyone on your Christmas list.”

“As you walk into the welcoming venue, you’ll see rooms full of toys,” the publication added while describing Kerbobble Toys on Center Street.


This is a shining example from my podcast with Deron Blevins, Marketing & Communications Manager, Historic Manassas, Inc.

Suppose you work for a chamber of commerce, tourism office, municipality, Main Street organization, parks and recreation department, nonprofit, or economic development office. In that case, this is the model for how you should be interacting with Potomac Local.


“VRE’s biggest day of the year is back on Saturday, December 13, 2025,” Virginia Railway Express announced. “In-person tickets will go on sale Monday, December 1, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at designated vendor locations.” “Online tickets will be available starting Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. through Eventbrite, until sold out.”

All passengers must have a ticket regardless of age, and tickets are non-refundable. Additional details are available through VRE’s ticket sales information.


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